Procedure 05-05 Sexual Assault

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended action to take if a victim needs to void before a medical examination?

Encourage the victim to void and change their clothes immediately.

Advise the victim to wipe the genital area afterward.

Instruct the victim to bathe after voiding.

Request the victim postpone voiding whenever possible. (correct)

Which procedure should be followed when the suspect or victim is a member of the police service?

Document circumstances in the memorandum book and advise the Officer in Charge. (correct)

Wait for external authorities to take over the investigation.

Only notify the victim's family about the circumstances.

Advise the victim that no assistance will be provided.

What should be done if the victim requests to change clothes after an assault?

Change the victim's clothes without informing them.

Allow the victim to change clothes and dispose of the old ones.

Do not permit the victim to change clothes under any circumstances.

Seize the victim's clothes for later submission with the sexual assault kit. (correct)

What is the purpose of conducting a Person Query and checking CPIC and CFRO when sufficient information is received?

To determine if there is a legitimate threat to the victim's safety. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is required of the divisional sexual assault investigator during the initial response?

Ensure the victim's needs are met and manage the crime scene effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario requires the assignment of a child sexual abuse investigator as the lead investigator?

The victim is under sixteen years of age. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when conducting interviews with victims of historical sexual assaults?

Being sensitive to the victim's potential anxiety reactions. Signup and view all the answers

When should the Human Trafficking Enforcement Team (HTET) be notified?

When the incident involves human trafficking for sexual or forced labour purposes. Signup and view all the answers

What circumstance indicates that Sexual Crimes must be notified about a sexual assault?

The sexual assault incident involves multiple victims. Signup and view all the answers

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?

The Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC). Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age for a victim to be seen at Women's College Hospital's SA/DVCC?

16 years Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT part of the responsibilities of the first police officer upon arriving at a sexual assault scene?

Conduct a detailed medical evaluation Signup and view all the answers

What must officers do prior to transporting a victim to the Women's College Hospital SA/DVCC?

Contact the on-call switchboard at the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Multilingual Community Interpreter Services (MCIS) in the investigation?

To supply free interpretation services Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for conducting a preliminary investigation in a sexual assault case?

The divisional sexual assault investigator Signup and view all the answers

What must be assured for the victim during the investigation of a sexual assault?

Privacy and consideration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following notifications are mandatory at the scene of a sexual assault?

Sex Crimes and Professional Standards must be notified if the suspect is a Service member Signup and view all the answers

Who may request the assistance of the Detective Operations – Sex Crimes after a preliminary investigation?

The Officer in Charge or the divisional sexual assault investigator Signup and view all the answers

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.