01-02 Appendix D –Handling Items of Religious Significance

Question 1

What is the Rationale?

Answer 1

The Toronto Police Service recognizes that special arrangements may have to be made when handling items, articles, apparel, or clothing of religious importance (item of religious significance). Although there are a multitude of items of religious significance that differ between and amongst religions, any item of religious significance identified by a person SHALL be handled according to the process below.

In addition to the process below, members should seek direction from the person regarding the handling of the item of religious significance and, if practicable, handle the item as requested by the person. In general, items of religious significance SHALL be treated with respect and handled appropriately.

Question 2

When handling the item of religious significance, members SHALL be cognizant of human rights and unless circumstances make it impractical to do so, comply with the process below, having regard for the

Answer 2

 immediate risk of injury
 immediate risk of escape
 immediate risk of destruction of evidence
 safety of the member
 safety of the person
 safety of the public.

Question 3

The following process SHALL be followed when handling an item of religious significance.

Answer 3

Ask the person if they have an item of religious significance on their person or in their possession.

Question 4

The following process SHALL be followed when handling an item of religious significance - Members SHALL advise the person if an item of religious significance will be…

Answer 4

removed, the reason the item is being removed, and provide the person with the opportunity to remove the item themselves if self–removal does not pose potential risk of safety/injury to the person or member.

Question 5

The following process SHALL be followed when handling an item of religious significance - When practicable, members SHALL use______ when handling an item of religious significance.

Answer 5

gloves

Question 6

The following process SHALL be followed when handling an item of religious significance - when the item (apparel or clothing only) is removed and held for any purpose and is not being immediately returned to that person…

Answer 6

When practicable, members SHALL facilitate the replacement of an item of religious significance as soon as possible

Question 7

The following process SHALL be followed when handling an item of religious significance - Members SHALL place an item of religious significance in a…

Answer 7

separate property bag
 In general, it is acceptable to store items of religious significance together in one property bag

Question 8

The following process SHALL be followed when handling an item of religious significance - when the person is being transported or held for a show cause hearing, _______________ may be sealed within the main property bag

Answer 8

A sealed property bag containing an item of religious significance