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Questions and Answers
What is the recommended action to take if a victim needs to void before a medical examination?
Which procedure should be followed when the suspect or victim is a member of the police service?
What should be done if the victim requests to change clothes after an assault?
What is the purpose of conducting a Person Query and checking CPIC and CFRO when sufficient information is received?
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Which action is required of the divisional sexual assault investigator during the initial response?
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Which scenario requires the assignment of a child sexual abuse investigator as the lead investigator?
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What is the primary concern when conducting interviews with victims of historical sexual assaults?
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When should the Human Trafficking Enforcement Team (HTET) be notified?
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What circumstance indicates that Sexual Crimes must be notified about a sexual assault?
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Which organization is responsible for investigating child sexual and physical abuse cases when the victim is under the age of sixteen and the suspect is a caregiver?
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What is the minimum age for a victim to be seen at Women's College Hospital's SA/DVCC?
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Which action is NOT part of the responsibilities of the first police officer upon arriving at a sexual assault scene?
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What must officers do prior to transporting a victim to the Women's College Hospital SA/DVCC?
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What is the role of the Multilingual Community Interpreter Services (MCIS) in the investigation?
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Who is responsible for conducting a preliminary investigation in a sexual assault case?
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What must be assured for the victim during the investigation of a sexual assault?
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Which of the following notifications are mandatory at the scene of a sexual assault?
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Who may request the assistance of the Detective Operations – Sex Crimes after a preliminary investigation?
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Study Notes
Rationale and Compliance
- Ensures timely and effective sexual assault investigations.
- Balances victim needs with investigation requirements.
- Toronto Police Service committed to victim support.
Supervision and Notification Requirements
- Mandatory attendance by Supervisory Officer and Divisional Sexual Assault Investigator at the scene.
- Officer in Charge and applicable Divisional Investigator must be notified.
- Immediate notification of Sex Crimes and Professional Standards if the suspect is a police service member.
Investigation Procedure
- Divisional sexual assault investigator or investigator assumes responsibility for preliminary investigations.
- Victim's privacy and needs must be prioritized.
- Preliminary investigation must precede contacting Detective Operations – Sex Crimes.
Major Case Management
- Sexual assaults categorized as major cases per Ontario Regulation 354/04.
- Primary investigator assigned for all major cases to manage documentation and filing according to the Ontario Major Case Management Manual.
Role of Divisional Sexual Assault Investigators
- Handle cases that do not involve Sex Crimes.
- Sensitive approach required for historical sexual assault cases due to potential victim trauma.
- Divisional investigators lead cases except in specified circumstances involving minors, intimate partner violence, or child exploitation.
Notification of Detective Operations – Sex Crimes
- Requires notification when the offender is unknown, poses community risk, or involves severe assault measures.
- Sex Crimes team determines further investigation responsibility after preliminary assessments.
Situations Involving Police Service Members
- Investigators should assess potential SIU (Special Investigations Unit) involvement based on the suspect's status.
- Allegations involving members of other police services need timely reporting to relevant authorities.
Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC)
- Focused on protecting victims through advocacy and support in cases of child sexual and physical abuse.
- Compliance with Procedure 05–06 when investigating cases involving individuals under 18 years.
Victim Interview Guidelines
- Detailed interviews must only be conducted by accredited investigators in private settings.
- Consideration for delaying interviews based on victim condition and available evidence.
Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centres (SA/DVCC)
- Prior contact required with SA/DVCC before patient transport.
- Women’s College Hospital provides services for sexual assault victims within 12 days post-assault.
- Collaboration with nearby hospitals during off-hours for injured victims.
Evidence Submission Guidelines
- All forensic evidence must be submitted via CFS Evidence Web-Submission System.
- Accountability for evidence submission and management through a standardized online platform.
First Responding Police Officer Responsibilities
- Ensure victim safety and crime scene integrity until an investigator arrives.
- Conduct a preliminary investigation gathering critical information from the victim.
- Prompt notification of the divisional sexual assault investigator.
Supervisor Responsibilities
- Supervise uniform response quality at the scene.
- Ensure comprehensive reporting and documentation of all investigative actions.
- Offer victim assistance resources and terminology if related to police personnel.
Follow-Up Actions
- Encourage victims to postpone certain actions (bathing, clothing changes) that might hinder evidence collection post-assault.
- Provide options for additional medical evaluation and support services to the victim after the preliminary investigation is complete.### Investigation Protocols for Sexual Assault
- Investigators must respond immediately to the scene of a sexual assault and take charge of the investigation.
- Consultation with preliminary investigation officers is essential to determine if the victim needs to be transported to a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre (SA/DVCC).
- Victims should be encouraged to visit the SA/DVCC for medical treatment even after twelve days post-incident.
- An investigator from Forensic Identification Services (FIS) should be requested to assist with evidence collection.
- Evidence gathering must comply with established procedures to ensure it is preserved correctly.
Support for Victims
- Victims have the right to have a chosen support person or Victim Services member present during the investigation.
- Document the offering of Victim Services and the victim's reaction.
- Inform victims and their support persons about the conditions under which the support person may be asked to leave, non-interference, and potential court testimony requirements.
- Consultation with medical personnel (doctors or SA/DVCC nurses) must occur for guidance on the victim’s condition.
Forensic Evidence Protocols
- Ensure victims understand the legal implications of signing the Consent to Release Forensic Evidence to Police Form before evidence is seized.
- Collect all necessary forensic evidence, including the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) and associated documentation.
- Even if victims choose not to report the assault, they must be informed about the SA/DVCC’s storage policy for the SAEK.
- Evidence must be handled in compliance with biohazard procedures, consulting FIS as necessary.
Investigative Procedures
- Conduct detailed, electronically recorded interviews with victims and witnesses, allowing preference for gender of the investigator where possible.
- Ensure victims are provided transportation to a safe location after hospital visits.
- Photographic evidence of the victim may be gathered at appropriate times, with notification to FIS for gender-specific photography needs.
Legal and Case Management Considerations
- In situations where consensual sexual intercourse may have occurred, obtain samples from the partner for comparison.
- Utilize the Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS) for potential sex offender occurrences.
- Notify the community or individuals if necessary, following established procedures for information release.
Additional Responsibilities Upon Charges
- Upon making an arrest, consider appropriate evidence collection, including penile swabs.
- Comply with regulations regarding the handling of sexual offenders and the required documentation for the Sex Offender Registry.
- If the investigation is determined to be unfounded, proper consultations and record updates must be recorded.
Victim Communication and Support
- Provide victims with consistent updates throughout the investigative process, including case manager details and available support.
- Encourage victims to complete a Victim Impact Statement during court proceedings.
- Maintain comprehensive contact records with victims, ensuring continuity of care with case managers.
Property and Evidence Management
- Once evidence is no longer needed, ensure proper updates are made regarding the disposition of collected property.
- For cases involving child abuse or when a police member is the suspect, additional reporting and notification procedures must be followed.
Roles and Responsibilities
- The Unit Commander and supervisory officers are responsible for ensuring thorough investigations and compliance with procedures.
- Divisional sexual assault investigators must conduct investigations and maintain contact with victims to enhance support and care.
- Compliance with established protocols is emphasized for all members involved in investigations of sexual assault cases.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the essential procedures for conducting sexual assault investigations, ensuring a balance between victim support and investigative requirements. It highlights the importance of supervisory presence and the roles involved in the process.
