Sexual Assault Investigations

The main investigative section of Sex Crimes is composed of officers who are all trained, qualified specialists in this field. There is an equal mix of male and female officers, detectives and detective constables.

The majority of Sexual Assault investigations are conducted at the divisional level. The Sexual Assault Investigative Section investigates sexual offences against persons where there is an ongoing risk to the community and the offender is unknown. Investigators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sexual Assault Advisory Committee

The Sexual Assault Advisory Committee has broad goals including,

• Educating the public about safety measures
• Providing clear information to survivors about the police and court processes through our “Guide For Sexual Assault Survivors”
• Improving the ways in which cases are handled by the police, courts and community agencies.
• Ensuring that survivors receive adequate levels of support.

The Committee consists of representatives from the Toronto Police Service, Sexual Assault Care Centers, the Ministry of Attorney General, community agencies and partners. We all work together to combine our experience and expertise in order to improve the care for survivors of sexual assault. This committee provides a forum for information sharing between these agencies with specific emphasis on improving police response to Sexual Assault investigations and improving the follow up support for survivors of sexual assault.

For many years, the Toronto Police Service has successfully collaborated with many community agencies and representatives to provide a systematic response to sexual assault. These community partners have been involved in the development of training modules for sexual assault investigators and the drafting of new procedures for the investigation of sexual assaults. Most recently, the Sexual Assault Advisory Committee has been invaluable in the creation of a guidebook that helps survivors of sexual assault navigate the justice process from police investigation to trial and sentencing.