Procedure 13-16 - SIU Investigation Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is a mandatory requirement for a supervisory officer when the SIU mandate may be invoked?

To file a report within 24 hours

To conduct the investigation personally

To notify the Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority (correct)

To attend the scene of the incident (correct)

Which of the following incidents triggers the SIU’s investigative mandate?

A vehicle accident not involving any police services

The serious injury of a person caused by an official (correct)

A reported theft involving a police officer

An official's conduct in a public demonstration

Which agencies or teams provide support to Service members following an SIU investigation invocation?

Local health authorities and public defenders

Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) (correct)

Community support groups and psychological evaluators

Emergency services and legal counsel

Which statement accurately describes the SIU's independence?

It operates independently of police services and at arm's length from the Ministry of the Attorney General Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'official' as referred to in the SIU context?

Any police officer or designated enforcement member subject to an investigation Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a serious injury according to the provided guidelines?

Experiencing a fracture to the limb or vertebra. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to direct the Service's response to an SIU investigation?

The Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation can the SIU seize police-issued equipment without a warrant?

If directed by the Chief's SIU On-Call Designated Authority. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with service vehicles needing forensic examination during an SIU investigation?

They should be stored in a secure location. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for coordinating the release of Service property to the SIU?

The Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done before turning over a Service firearm to the SIU Investigator?

Unload the firearm in the presence of an SIU Investigator. Signup and view all the answers

If a Service issued CEW is involved in an incident under SIU mandate, what is NOT permitted?

Download the CEW information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of a supervisory officer when an SIU mandate is invoked?

Take charge of the scene and ensure evidence is preserved. Signup and view all the answers

In instances of SIU involvement with Service vehicles, what is required if personal items need to be removed from the vehicle?

Request permission from the Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority before towing. Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do upon being contacted by the SIU to schedule an investigative interview?

Notify the PRS – SIU Liaison Section and not schedule the interview. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of incident notes according to the SIU guidelines?

To document the incident as accurately and comprehensively as possible Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the legal constraints placed on police officers regarding consulting counsel?

Officers must complete their incident notes before consulting with counsel. Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstances are police officers permitted to document incident notes using mediums other than their allocated notebooks?

Only in exigent circumstances as defined in specific procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What must occur before a police officer submits their incident notes according to SIU requirements?

The notes must be completed by the end of the officer's tour of duty unless excused. Signup and view all the answers

According to SIU procedures, who has the authority to excuse officers from completing their incident notes immediately?

The Chief's SIU On-Call Designated Authority Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement when storing incident notes?

Incident notes should be shared with all members involved in the investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Professional Standards SIU Liaison Investigator play regarding electronic content captured during incidents?

They review recordings to ascertain if they qualify as incident notes. Signup and view all the answers

What should members do in regard to incident notes once the SIU mandate is invoked?

Submit incident notes to the OIC by the end of their shift Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can media releases be provided when the SIU mandate is invoked?

If authorized by the Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority Signup and view all the answers

What should happen immediately after an incident involving the SIU mandate?

Inform a supervisory officer and protect the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the priority order for conducting witness interviews when the SIU mandate is invoked?

Give priority to the SIU in witness interviews and evidence collection Signup and view all the answers

What action is not permitted by members regarding their incident notes under SIU procedures?

Discuss their notes with other members prior to completion Signup and view all the answers

When handling evidence in a scenario where the SIU mandate may be invoked, what must Service members ensure?

Act in accordance with Service procedures to preserve evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is expected of a CIRT Coordinator upon arriving at a unit when involved in an SIU incident?

Advise the Officer In Charge (OIC) of their arrival Signup and view all the answers

In the context of SIU compliance, what is a responsibility of the police officer who discharged a weapon?

Keep the weapon holstered until properly assessed Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence if a member prefers a particular counsel regarding incident notes?

It is not a justifiable excuse for delay Signup and view all the answers

Which protocol must be followed when an SIU mandate is invoked and a lack of immediate action may jeopardize evidence?

Service members should collect and preserve evidence immediately Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rationale and Supervision

The procedure outlines responsibilities for investigations invoking the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) mandate.
The SIU operates independently of any police service and has jurisdiction over municipal, regional, and provincial police officers in Ontario.
Mandatory attendance and notification requirements are set for Supervisory Officers, Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority, and other senior officers when the SIU mandate is invoked.

Medical and Psychological Wellbeing

The police Service prioritizes the medical and psychological wellbeing of members involved in SIU-related incidents.
Access to medical care and support via Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP), or Peer Support Volunteers (PSV) is provided.

SIU Investigation Mandate

SIU investigates incidents involving death, serious injuries, firearm discharges, and sexual assaults by officials.
Serious injury includes hospital admission, fractures, significant burns, loss of body parts, and other debilitating conditions.

Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority

Designated Authority assumes the Chief's duties regarding SIU investigations to direct responses.
Authorized personnel include Uniform Senior Officers and Duty Senior Officers.

Scene Control and Evidence Preservation

Members must preserve the integrity of the scene to avoid contamination or deterioration.
Entrance to the scene is strictly controlled, and media access is prohibited unless authorized.

Handling of Evidence and Equipment

SIU can seize police-issued equipment relevant to investigations without a warrant; other items require consent or a search warrant.
Firearms, less lethal weapons, and conducted energy weapons must remain secured and holstered until evaluated and turned over as directed.

Media and Communication Protocols

Information release to the media is limited; initial statements may only be made by authorized individuals.
Members must refrain from discussing ongoing investigations and are directed to communicate through designated channels.

Incident Notes and Legal Representation

Members must complete incident notes promptly, without prior consultation with legal counsel.
Incident notes must be accurate, detailed, and submitted before the officer's tour of duty ends.

Chief’s Administrative Investigations

Chief's Administrative Investigations may be initiated to review policies and officer conduct, overseen by Professional Standards.
Members involved must cooperate and provide incident notes to the liaison investigator.

Compliance and Consequences

Members have a duty to comply with SIU Act (SIUA); violations can lead to disciplinary measures.
Communication regarding investigations is tightly regulated; members must avoid unauthorized interactions.

Summary of Responsibilities

Notify supervisors immediately after any incident potentially invoking the SIU mandate.
Protect evidence and ensure the original investigation proceeds while adhering to the specified restrictions.

Notifications and Coordination

Members must ensure any inquiries or requests regarding SIU involvement are directed to the PRS – SIU Liaison Section.
Special protocols are established for handling media and ongoing investigations to ensure integrity and compliance with SIUA.### Handling Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons
Safely secure and maintain control of firearms and less lethal weapons per training and Chapter 15 procedures.
Unload firearms or less lethal weapons in the presence of SIU Investigators and designated authorities.
Report completion must adhere to Chapter 15 procedures.

CEWs (Conducted Energy Weapons)

CEWs must remain holstered and handled according to Procedure 15-09.
Prohibited actions include downloading or altering CEW data, and removing cartridges or batteries.
CEWs are to be surrendered to SIU Investigators as directed.

Service Vehicles

Service vehicles must have their equipment and personal items retained until authorized removal.
Any personal item removal requests should be directed to SIU On-Call Designated Authority prior to towing.

Workplace Technology Devices (WTD)

WTDs must be surrendered to the Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority when SIU mandate is invoked.

Body Worn Cameras (BWC)

BWCs must also be surrendered to the Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority during SIU investigations.

SIU Investigative Interviews

Officers contacted for interviews should not schedule or answer questions on the spot; they must notify PRS – SIU Liaison Section.
Witness Officials must attend scheduled interviews within 24 hours unless justified delays are needed.

Managing Non-Service Witnesses

Non-service witnesses should be segregated and transported separately; encouraged to stay at the scene or police facility.
Sufficient information is necessary for follow-up if witnesses cannot remain.

Supervisory Officer Responsibilities

Supervisors must take charge at SIU incidents, preserving evidence and ensuring involved officers are segregated.
OIC – TPOC must be notified immediately, and regular updates provided.
Administrative Investigation begins upon supervisory officer arrival.

Seizing Firearms and Less Lethal Weapons

Firearms or less lethal weapons can only be seized in exigent circumstances and if handled by certified personnel.
Handling must comply with training, including unloading in the presence of SIU authority.

Seizing CEWs

CEWs are seized only under exigent circumstances with certified personnel and must not have their data modified.

Officer in Charge Protocol

Notifying the Duty Senior Officer and other relevant parties upon incident recognition.
Protecting scene and evidence is crucial, including ensuring the wellness of involved officers, both medically and psychologically.

Incident Reporting and Notes

Involved officers must complete incident notes independently before any outside communications, preserving evidence integrity.
Notes must be submitted at tour's end or as authorized.

Medical and Psychological Assistance

Engage appropriate support for involved officers needing assistance, documenting actions and reasons.

Definitions and Key Terms

"Administrative Investigation" relates to reviewing service policies and conduct.
"Affected Person" includes individuals who were seriously injured or involved in certain incidents.
"Serious Injury" indicates injuries requiring hospitalization or significant bodily harm.
"Subject Official" is designated if implicated in an SIU referred incident.
"Witness Official" is involved but not culpable in the incident.

Workplace Technology Devices (WTD) Definition

Includes any devices with their own operating system capable of network communication, such as laptops, printers, and mobile devices.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the mandatory requirements and procedures related to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). This quiz covers key concepts such as the triggering incidents for SIU’s investigative mandate, the definition of 'official', and the parameters for serious injuries. Ensure you understand the independence of the SIU and the support provided to service members post-investigation.