Procedure 05-01 Homicide Investigation

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.