08-04 Members Involved in a Traumatic Critical Incident

Question 1

The Toronto Police Service (Service) is committed to ensuring that members involved in traumatic critical incidents are given appropriate and sufficient support both at the —— and ——- of a traumatic critical incident. The Service traumatic critical incident support process includes defusing and debriefing sessions and, where required, the opportunity for professional assistance in dealing with critical incident stress. In addition, for officer–involved shooting incidents there are ————— sessions.

Answer 1

onset and conclusion
post incident firearms exposure

Question 2

Supervision

 Supervisory Officer notification mandatory
 when ——– in a traumatic critical incident
 upon becoming aware that another member has been involved in a traumatic critical incident, or is —–
signs and symptoms of critical incident ——
 firearm discharge (officer involved shooting)

Answer 2

involved
showing
stress

Question 3

In the normal course of their duties, members are involved in events that meet the definition of “traumatic critical incident”. Serious traffic collisions and sudden deaths are two examples of such routine events. More catastrophic events occur less frequently and may increase the potential for members to experience symptoms of critical incident stress. Keeping in mind that any event has potential to interfere with a member’s ability to function professionally or personally; s———, o—— and —-must assess each traumatic critical incident to determine the appropriate level of support for members involved. The determination of whether or not the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) / Peer Support Volunteer (PSV) is ——– contacted will be dependent on the —– by the officer
in charge in consultation with the T————-. However, the CIRT/PSV must be contacted in all instances in which the member has ———-immediate support. Additionally, supervisors, officers in charge and unit commanders MUST ensure an I———– Online Report is completed for all members involved in an event and submitted in compliance with Procedure 08–03.

Answer 3

supervisors, officers in charge and unit commanders
immediately
assessment
officer in charge
Toronto Police Operations Centre (TPOC)
CIRT/PSV
requested
Injured on Duty

Question 4

Factors that may impact the assessment include, but are not limited to the
 nature of the —–
 member’s Service —–
 member’s —– experience
 member’s involvement in ——- traumatic critical incidents, and
 member’s ———.

Answer 4

event
experience
life
previous
behaviour

Question 5

In determining whether an event should be reported as a “Traumatic Critical Incident”, the decision should be based on the ——– and ———– of the event rather than on the ———, or lack of reactions of the involved individuals. In making such a determination, members MUST consult with the ——and/or the ——.

A member suffering from critical incident stress may display a wide variety of symptoms. It is the responsibility of all members to assist and support each other in this regard.

Answer 5

nature
circumstances
reactions
officer in charge
TPOC

Question 6

Critical Incident Response Team

The CIRT was established to assist members and their families to cope after becoming involved in a traumatic critical incident. CIRT/PSVs are ——– who are trained in trauma —— measures.

All Service members may apply to become a PSV of the CIRT. After the required screening and training, PSVs will be qualified to respond to traumatic critical incidents. Interested members can contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) ———–for further information.

Answer 6

Service members
response
Liaison/CIRT Coordinator

Question 7

Traumatic Critical Incident Mitigation Process part 1

Immediately after Traumatic Critical Incident
————– Session

Can be led by — CIRT/PSV,
——— or ————–

Answer 7

Defusing Session
Can be led by two (2) CIRT/PSVs,
EFAP provider or Service Psychologist

Question 8

After Traumatic Critical incident part 2

————— Session

Led by ———– and or ——————-

Answer 8

Led by EFAP provider and/or Service Psychologist

Question 9

Tramatic critical incident mitigation process part 3

Follow up

type of session ———————

if required

Answer 9

referral

Question 10

The on–call CIRT/PSV works together with the affected unit to initiate peer support ——— sessions. In consultation with the o——–, u——— and/or the T———, the S——— (if applicable), and the ————— determines which, if any, of these sessions are required. If the on-call ——- or the
Service ———— determines any sessions are required, attendance is mandatory but active participation in the discussion is voluntary

Answer 10

defusing
officer in charge, unit commander and/or the TPOC, the Service Psychologist
EFAP provider’s CIRT, the CIRT/PSV
CIRT/PSV
Psychologist

Question 11

Members may be referred to a qualified medical practitioner for continued professional
assistance. When it is determined, within the established guidelines, that a member requires
professional assistance, the cost of such services is borne by the employer as a ——————– claim.

Answer 11

Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB)

Question 12

Post Incident Firearms Exposure Session

Post incident firearms exposure sessions are ———–sessions involving firearm exercises undertaken with a qualified firearms instructor. These sessions do NOT consist of a qualification standard. Rather, post incident firearms exposure sessions consist of a course of fire intended to be ———-, to provide ————, and to promote officers’ confidence with their firearm. Post incident firearms exposure sessions at the Toronto Police College are ———-for officers who discharge their firearms in the line of duty and officers determined by their ———— to be directly impacted by the incident. However, any officer involved in a shooting incident ——- request to participate in a post incident firearms exposure session.

Answer 12

individual
educational
reassurance
mandatory
unit commander
may

Question 13

Post incident firearms exposure sessions do not apply to the discharge of a firearm for the purpose of ———– an animal, unless circumstances suggest otherwise.

Answer 13

dispatching

Question 14

The —– attached to Specialized Emergency Response – Emergency Task Force (ETF) is comprised of qualified firearms instructors. Therefore, ETF officers who discharge their firearms in the line of duty, or are determined by their _______ to be directly impacted by a shooting incident, have the option of attending a post incident firearms exposure session with a qualified firearms instructor at the —– or at the ————–

Answer 14

training cadre
Unit commander
ETF
Toronto Police College

Question 15

Unit commanders should consult with the s——-, the o——–, the A———-r – Toronto Police College – Armament Section, and a Service P———, as required, when determining officers directly impacted by an officer– involved shooting incident

Answer 15

supervisor, the officer in charge, the Armament Officer – Toronto Police College – Armament Section, and a Service Psychologist

Question 16

Member

1. When involved in a traumatic critical incident SHALL
    immediately report the incident to a ——–
    seek —— attention, if necessary
    attend ———- and ————— sessions as directed by the supervisor, officer in charge or the unit commander of the affected unit and/or the ——- or their ——–
2. When involved in an officer–involved shooting incident shall
    comply with item 1
    attend a post incident firearms exposure session as directed by the —————–
    Any officer involved in a shooting incident may request to participate in a post incident firearms
   exposure session.
3. Upon becoming aware that another member has been involved in a traumatic critical incident or is showing signs and
   symptoms of critical incident stress shall
    immediately notify a supervisor
    refrain from making any ———-

Answer 16

supervisor
Medical
Defusing
debriefing
CIRT/PSV
designate
Unit Commander
diagnosis

Question 17

Supervisor

4. Upon becoming aware that a member has been involved in a traumatic critical incident or is showing signs and symptoms of critical incident stress SHALL

 immediately notify the ————- of the affected member’s unit or civilian equivalent
 ensure an ————- Report is completed and submitted in compliance with Procedure 08–03
 The wording for the Injured on Duty Report under the section “Nature and Area of Injury(ies)”
shall be: “————–”.
 participate in the assessment of the incident with the ——– to determine the appropriate level of support
for the member
 provide support and ongoing ———- to assist the member

Answer 17

Officer in Charge
Injured on Duty Online
Traumatic Critical Incident
officer in charge
encouragement

Question 18

Supervisor

When involved in an ———- of a traumatic critical incident shall ——— all factors ——— and actions taken in their memorandum book. Members not assigned a memorandum book shall make a written record of all factors considered and actions taken.

6. When consulted regarding an officer–involved shooting incident shall make a record of the consultation and actions taken in their memorandum book. Members not assigned a memorandum book shall make a written record of the
   consultation and actions taken.

Answer 18

assessment
record
considered

Question 19

Officer in Charge / Civilian Equivalent

7. Upon becoming aware of a traumatic critical incident taking place shall

 consult with the ——— to determine the appropriate level of response
 advise the ——- when it is determined in consultation with the TPOC that the ——- is required to attend
 comply with Procedures 08–03 and 15–03, where applicable

8. When involved in an assessment of a traumatic critical incident shall record all factors considered and actions taken in their memorandum book. Members not assigned a memorandum book shall make a written record of all factors considered and actions taken.
9. When consulted regarding an officer–involved shooting incident shall make a record of the consultation and actions taken in their memorandum book. Members not assigned a memorandum book shall make a written record of the consultation and actions taken.

10.When a member is involved in a traumatic critical incident and the ——- is not immediately consulted shall ensure the member is
 advised that immediate support from the Service’s ——- provider is available  provided a copy of the Critical Incident Stress ——- (Appendix A)
 made aware of all the services available to them

11.Upon becoming aware that a member has been directed to attend a mandatory defusing session, debriefing session,

Answer 19

Officer in Charge – TPOC
Unit Commander
CIRT/PSV
CIRT/PSV
EFAP
Handout

Question 20

Officer in Charge – Toronto Police Operations Centre

12.Upon becoming aware of a traumatic critical incident taking place shall respond to the unit’s request in consultation with the ———- or the ——— of the involved unit. If assessment of the incident has determined that the CIRT must be activated, the TPOC shall

 immediately notify
 the ——— using the ———– at the TPOC
 the —————, during ———–
 the ———— – TPOC
 an on–call member of the ——— Officers Organization and/or Toronto Police ————, whichever is appropriate
 comply with Procedure 13–16, where appropriate

Answer 20

unit commander
officer in charge
on–call CIRT/PSV , on-call roster
EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator , business hours
Duty Senior Officer
Senior
Association

Question 21

Critical Incident Response Team/Peer Support volunteer

13.When notified of a traumatic critical incident shall
 review CIRT/PSV flowchart for appropriate response (see Appendix C)
 notify the ———- that a traumatic critical incident has occurred, by telephone during
business hours and by e-mail after hours
 in consultation with the Unit Commander/ Officer in Charge of the affected unit and the EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator during business hours or the ——— after hours, refer to the guidelines in Appendix B or consider other reasonable measures to support and assist the affected member
 if required, attend and/or coordinate and facilitate a ——– session with another on-call ——— or any
available CIRT/PSV from the on-call roster provided by the —————
 when the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Mandate has been invoked, inform the ———– of CIRT/PSV participation and during business hours consult with ———— regarding the coordination of response
 when the SIU Mandate has not been invoked, consult with the E———- to determine appropriate response and, if necessary, inform the affected ——-of the EFAP provider’s involvement and contact details
 ensure a copy of the Critical Incident Stress Handout has been provided to affected members
complete the applicable paperwork for the EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator and forward as soon as possible

Answer 21

EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator
TPOC
defusing
CIRT/PSV
EFAP Liaison/CIRT
Chief’s SIU On-Call Designated Authority
Psychological Services
EFAP provider CIRT
member

Question 22

Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) means the team consisting of ———- coordinated through the Service to respond to incidents where critical incident stress may occur and to assist members and their families to cope after becoming involved in a traumatic critical incident. CIRT members are trained in trauma response measures and are qualified to lead ——– sessions. CIRT members are not ———-.

Answer 22

Peer Support Volunteers
defusing
counsellors

Question 23

Critical Incident Stress means ———- and ———-symptoms experienced by a member as a result of being involved in a traumatic critical incident

Answer 23

physical
psychological

Question 24

Debriefing Session :

means a ——— ——– meeting specifically set up for members directly involved in the traumatic critical incident to discuss reactions to the traumatic event in ———- with a qualified mental health professional. The debriefing session takes place a — days after the conclusion of the traumatic critical incident, in a secure location where disruptions can be eliminated and can last up to two and one half — hours. The Employee Family Assistance Program
Liaison/Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) coordinator will work with the O——–, C——– P———– and/or the qualified ——— professional to schedule the session. Attendance is mandatory for the members directly involved but active participation in the ——– is voluntary.

Debriefing sessions may be conducted by a ———assisted by members of the CIRT and are not operational debriefings.

Answer 24

scheduled formal
confidence
few
(2.5)
Officer in Charge, CIRT Peer Support Volunteer and/or the qualified mental health professional to schedule the session
discussion
mental health professional

Question 25

Defusing Session means an ——– meeting attended by an individual or a group of members involved in a traumatic critical incident to ——- the need for further assistance prior to the end of shift. The defusing session takes place ——– after the conclusion of the traumatic critical incident in a secure location where disruptions can be eliminated and lasts for approximately ———- to ——— minutes. Two ———– normally lead these
meetings with Employee Family Assistance Program support if necessary. Attendance is mandatory but active participation in the discussion is voluntary.

Defusing sessions may be conducted by a mental health professional assisted by members of the Critical Incident
Response Team and are not operational debriefings.

Answer 25

immediate informal
assess
immediately
fifteen (15)
thirty (30)
Peer Support Volunteers

Question 26

Peer Support Volunteer (PSV) means a ———- trained in ———- measures and available on-call to provide ongoing assistance and support to members and their families after becoming involved in a traumatic critical incident. PSVs are qualified to lead —— sessions. PSVs are not counsellors. The PSVs will assist members to seek professional treatment, if required

Answer 26

Service member
trauma response
defusing

Question 27

Referral means the assistance provided by the Employee and Family Assistance Program provider or ————- to members and their families in locating a ————mental health professional or other service suitable to the presenting difficulty.

Answer 27

Psychological Services
community

Question 28

Traumatic Critical Incident means any incident during which a member experiences, witnesses, or is confronted with serious i——, d——-, or mass c——–; any incident in which the member’s life has been i———— or t——–; or any situation which is recognized at the time to have the potential to significantly —————- immediately or at a later time with a member’s ability to function ———— or personally

Answer 28

serious injury, death, or mass casualties; any incident in which the member’s life has been imperilled or threatened;
interfere
professionally

Question 29

Considerations guidelines

The Officer in Charge, supervisor, EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator, CIRT/PSV and/or the Toronto Police Operations Centre (TPOC), as required, should consult with the ——— of the affected unit as early as possible on the best course of action.
Consideration should be given to addressing the following areas, as required

 s———- of the mandatory defusing and debriefing sessions for involved members
 personal s—— issues
 c——— between family and the Service
 t————of immediate and extended family
 spouse’s needs
 c——– care
 f—— needs
 home m———-
 p—– care
 assistance from the Senior Officers Organization and Toronto Police Association

Answer 29

unit commander
scheduling
safety
communication
transportation
child
financial
maintenance
pet

Question 30

Transportation - Guidelines for support

10.Whenever possible, ——— vehicles should be used to transport family members.
11.In exigent circumstances, may seek the assistance of other ——- to transport family members. This request should include a detailed briefing on the circumstances of the incident.
12.Consideration may be given to transportation of the extended family, if required. Hospital Access

13.Ensure a quiet private location is provided for the ——— meeting between the affected member and family.
14.Ensure the number of police officers and members of the public permitted access to the member is ——- and kept to a minimum.

15.Ensure ——— is maintained with the media at the hospital but access to the facility by the media is controlled. Contact Corporate Communications through the ——– for assistance

Answer 30

unmarked
police agencies
initial
controlled
liaison
TPOC

Question 31

Family Notification and Liaison - Support Guidelines

2. A person who is close to the affected member (i.e. partner, immediate supervisor, etc.) should conduct the —– notification of the affected member’s family. This is subject to logistics and exigencies of the situation and upon approval by the unit commander or designate.
3. Provide —– information to the family. It is imperative that the notifying member have the most accurate and up–to–date information, and be in contact with the ——– and the member’s home unit until the last minute before
   notification is made.
4. Consider designating —— person as the information contact at the scene/hospital to provide up-to–date information to the notification member, the Officer in Charge at the home unit and the TPOC, and to liaise with ————– .
5. Arrange for ———– for the designated family liaison, the notification member and the information contact at the scene/hospital, if necessary.
6. The Chief of Police should contact the family only after the —– notification has been completed.
7. ——— member from the affected member’s unit should be dedicated to liaise with the family for the initial critical period. This person should have a cellular telephone and be on ——– hour call with the family to provide assistance and support as required. Additionally, a —— person should be designated to assist, as required.
8. The ———- should meet with the family and determine the immediate needs. Further meetings can take place as required. The liaison may consult with Psychological Services and/or the EFAP Liaison/CIRT Coordinator as necessary.
9. Address any safety concerns of the family.

Answer 31

initial
accurate
hospital
unit liaison
one (1)
Communications Services
cellular telephones
initial
One (1)
twenty four (24)
back–up

Question 32

Media and Release of Information

16.Corporate Communications should be immediately requested to handle all media inquiries. All calls for information received at the unit should be referred to ————.

17.No information of a ——– shall be released without the consent of the affected member or family. A member’s telephone number and home address, including the name of the city, town or community shall never be disclosed,
unless requested by the affected member.

18.Efforts should be made to shield the family from ———- attention, wherever possible.

Answer 32

Corporate Communications
personal nature
media

Question 33

General

27.Ensure that unit supervisors and unit administration staff co–ordinate the completion of paperwork related to WSIB,
criminal injuries, injured on duty (IOD), benefits, etc., on behalf of the affected member to minimize trauma and stress
to the member and family.
28.All supervisors should be directed to monitor the emotional well–being of members in all sections of the unit and take
appropriate action.
29.If appropriate, ensure that all evidence of the traumatic critical incident is removed from the home unit as soon as
possible.
30.Consider requesting a special budget project number for expenses related to the incident.179
31.Contact the Senior Officers Organization and/or Toronto Police Association for any assistance deemed appropriate
and necessary

Answer 33

awareness