Procedure 05-01 Homicide Investigation

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the Detective Operations – Homicide and Missing Persons Unit in suspicious death investigations?

To supervise the attending officers at the scene

To support the Coroner in all death investigations

To conduct all autopsies for suspicious deaths

To lead investigations of all homicides within the City of Toronto (correct)

Which scenario requires an autopsy to be performed by a Regional Coroner's pathologist?

Apparent suicides or accidents with an intimate partner as the only witness (correct)

All deaths in police custody

Homicides with multiple witnesses present

Accidental deaths without witnesses

What should officers remain vigilant for during investigations of sudden, unexpected deaths?

Possibility of foul play (correct)

Evidence of previous injuries to the deceased

Statements made by bystanders

The condition of the body

In which case is a sudden unexpected death of a child treated specifically as suspicious?

Any sudden death of a child under eighteen years of age Signup and view all the answers

What action is mandatory when a suspicious death investigation begins?

Notification of the Officer in Charge Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the first police officer arriving at the scene of a suspicious death?

Manage the offender and preserve the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstance must the Pediatric Death Review Committee - Child Welfare review a case?

When the family had recent involvement with a Children's Aid Society Signup and view all the answers

What action is NOT required of the first officer at a suspicious death scene?

Ensure witnesses document their observations Signup and view all the answers

What are the conditions where the investigator must attend the morgue for identification?

If the investigator deems it necessary Signup and view all the answers

Which panel is responsible for reviewing deaths related to medical care concerns?

Pediatric Death Review Committee - Medical Signup and view all the answers

What should the first officer do upon discovering the sudden unexpected death of a child?

Interview the caregiver using specific guidelines Signup and view all the answers

What documentation must the first police officer complete at the scene of a suspected homicide?

A memorandum book with various notations Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted in the memorandum book when interacting with a suspect?

All conversations with the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What action is necessary when multiple suspects are present at the scene?

Separate the suspects from each other as soon as practicable Signup and view all the answers

Which information should be obtained if a suspect has left the scene?

Whether the suspect is armed and their mode of travel Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do upon completion of the initial investigation?

Complete the memorandum notes in compliance with Procedure 13–17 Signup and view all the answers

What is the duty of the second police officer upon arrival at a homicide scene?

Preserve the crime scene and document pertinent details Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should be taken when collecting evidence?

Disturb evidence if necessary, but properly mark its original location Signup and view all the answers

What is a responsibility of the first supervisory officer to arrive at the scene?

To ensure the quality and thoroughness of the uniform response Signup and view all the answers

When performing a door-to-door canvass, what is essential to carry?

TPS 233 and TPS 234 forms Signup and view all the answers

What is the protocol for the first officer handling a suspicious death scene?

Take direction from the first police officer in attendance Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to take upon being notified of a suspicious death or suspected homicide?

Attend the scene promptly Signup and view all the answers

When investigating the sudden unexpected death of a child under the age of eighteen, what is a required action?

Treat the death as suspicious Signup and view all the answers

Which report must officers complete prior to reporting off duty in a homicide investigation?

TPS 466 Signup and view all the answers

In the absence of a Homicide and Missing Persons investigator at the scene, what should the initial investigating officer do?

Lead the overall investigation Signup and view all the answers

What must be scanned and attached to the original eReport upon the completion of investigations?

Memorandum notes and hardcopy reports Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a child under sixteen years of age is involved in a sudden unexpected death?

Ensure the CYAC is notified Signup and view all the answers

When performing a door-to-door canvass, what must members ensure they are provided with?

A sufficient quantity of necessary forms Signup and view all the answers

What documentation must be completed regarding the death of an infant if it is classified as a confirmed homicide?

Appendix B Signup and view all the answers

What must be done once a Homicide and Missing Persons investigator arrives at the scene?

The investigator takes charge of the investigation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rationale

Prompt and appropriate actions by first officers are crucial for quick resolution of suspicious death and homicide investigations.
Effective actions can significantly contribute to successful prosecutions.

Supervision

Mandatory attendance by Supervisory Officer, Divisional Detective, and Officer in Charge.
Unit Commander must be notified during investigations.

Procedure Overview

Homicide and Missing Persons Unit leads homicide investigations in Toronto.
Investigates criminal acts causing serious harm to police officers on duty.
Supports field officers in suspicious death investigations.
Collaborates with the Coroner on deaths in police custody not involving firearm discharge.
Adheres to the Ontario Major Case Management Manual (OMCMM).

Autopsy Protocol

Autopsies for apparent suicides or accidents with intimate partners as witnesses are conducted by a Regional Coroner’s pathologist.
Officers must suspect foul play in sudden, unexpected deaths involving intimate partners.

Sudden Unexpected Death of a Child

Treat all unexpected child deaths (under 18 years) as suspicious.
Consult On-Call Homicide Team for additional guidance.
Notify Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) for deaths under 16 and interview caregivers meticulously.

Pediatric Death Review Committee (PDRC)

PDRC has two sections: Child Welfare and Medical.
Child Welfare reviews cases involving children in the care of Children’s Aid Society within 12 months prior to death, chaired by the Regional Chief Coroner.
Medical PDRC reviews cases with medical diagnosis concerns on a discretionary basis.

Identification of the Deceased

The leading investigator or designated officer must be present at the morgue for identification in specified circumstances.
These include homicide, suspected homicide, and cases likely requiring an inquest.

Responsibilities of the First Police Officer

Manage offenders, preserve evidence, and secure crime scenes until higher authority arrives.
Designate a contamination-minimizing approach to the crime scene.
Ensure all items at the scene remain untouched and document details meticulously, using a memorandum book for sketches and notes.
Conduct necessary checks (CPIC, CFRO).
Treat discovered suspicious deaths, especially those involving intimate partners or children, as suspicious.

Suspect Management

Arrest suspects per procedure and document all interactions thoroughly.
Issue relevant broadcast information if the suspect leaves, ensuring safety measures are in place.

Evidence Collection and Initial Investigation Completion

Ensure evidence is protected until examined.
Follow post-investigation protocols and ensure all required reports are submitted to the appropriate authorities.

Role of the Second Police Officer

Assist by protecting the scene and noting details.
Record entry and exit of all personnel at the scene.

Additional Police Officers

Maintain evidence integrity and perform assigned duties.
Conduct thorough canvassing and reporting as necessary.

Supervisory Officer's Duties

Ensure appropriate personnel and resources are deployed.
Coordinate personnel and maintain communication with the Officer in Charge.

Detective's Responsibilities

Take charge of scene investigations and ensure all procedures are followed.
Collaborate with the On-Call Homicide Team and ensure appropriate reports are prepared.

Officer in Charge Responsibilities

Ensure divisional detective attendance and coordinate the investigation response.
Oversee documentation procedures and ensure compliance with the Coroner's Office requirements.

Forensic Identification Services (FIS)

Takes charge of crime scenes in absence of a Homicide and Missing Persons investigator, ensuring proper management and evidence handling.### Investigation of Suspicious Deaths
Coordinate evidence collection with homicide squad investigators, divisional detectives, and coroners upon arrival at suspicious death scenes.
For sudden unexpected deaths of children under 18, attend the scene and autopsy, documenting with photographs/videos as directed.
Submit initial evidence to the Centre of Forensic Sciences as required.

Roles and Responsibilities

Homicide and Missing Persons investigators ensure thorough investigations of suspicious deaths.
Upon notification of a suspected homicide, consult divisional detectives to assess the need for Homicide and Missing Persons squad attendance.
An officer is designated as Major Case Manager, overseeing investigation functions directed by the Ontario Major Case Management Model (OMCMM).

Investigation Protocols

Conduct investigations under OMCMM, designating a Primary Investigator as needed.
Notify next of kin following established procedures, preferably by the investigating homicide officer.
Ensure proper identification of the deceased and submit reports to the Office of the Chief Coroner.
Assess access to firearms or weapons related to the incident and exercise search and seizure powers where necessary for safety.

Child Death Investigations

Treat deaths of children under 18 as suspicious and conduct interviews with caregivers.
Consult Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) regarding children under 16.
Inform the Children’s Aid Society during investigations of suspicious child deaths, sharing relevant information as per protocols.
Assess risk to other children and ensure safety decisions are timely, collaborating with relevant agencies.

Infants and Specific Protocols

Follow specific guidelines when investigating infant deaths (under one year), using designated appendices for documentation.
Use the Investigation Questionnaire for Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infants for homicides confirmed at the scene.

Canvass Preparations

Complete relevant sections of the Toronto Police Service form TPS 233 when preparing for investigative canvassing.

Notifications and Definitions

Ensure key services such as Detective Operations Homicide, CYAC, and Victim Services are notified in the event of suspicious deaths or potential homicides.
Definitions clarify the context of "Child," "Homicide Investigation," "Infant," and other terms important for investigations, establishing clear age categories and types of relationships relevant to homicide cases.

Conclusion

Understanding roles, protocols, and the importance of thorough investigations ensures comprehensive handling of suspicious deaths, safeguarding both investigative integrity and potential at-risk individuals.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential protocols and actions required by first responding officers during the early stages of suspicious deaths and homicide investigations. Understanding these procedures is critical for ensuring effective supervision and proper communication among law enforcement officials.