OCC Inquest - Thompson 2015

Verdict of Coroner's Jury
Office of the Chief Coroner
The Coroners Act - Province of Ontario
Surname: Thompson
Given Name(s): Donald Percival
Age: 50
Held at: Toronto, ON
From: April 20
To: April 27, 2015
By: Dr. J. Carlisle, Coroner for Ontario
having been duly sworn/affirmed, have inquired into and determined the following:
Name of deceased: Donald Percival Thompson
Date and time of death: April 26, 2013 at 1:12 p.m.
Place of death: Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto
Cause of death: Gunshot wounds to the chest
By what means: Homicide
(Original signed by: Foreperson)
The verdict was received on the 27th of April, 2015
Coroner's name: Dr. J. Carlisle
(Original signed by coroner)
We, the jury, wish to make the following recommendations:
Inquest into the death of:
Donald Percival Thompson
Jury Recommendations
Recommendations to Toronto Police Service / Chief of Police and Department of Ambulance Services (DAS/EMS):
- Whenever a sergeant is dispatched to a scene, to consider directing dispatchers and the sergeant to communicate, whenever circumstances permit, if and when the sergeant is en route, along with an estimated time of arrival. If such a practice already exists, to consider whether it is appropriate to issue a reminder to all communications staff and sergeants regarding this suggested best practice.
- The Toronto Police Service to continue to explore new technologies in the area of less lethal use of force options.
- Concern expressed over incomplete communication by police and dispatch regarding need for ambulance, ie, "Shots Fired" warns EMS of potential urgency of call.
To the Ontario Police College:
- To continue to update the Ontario Use of Force Model based on current incidents or new research in the field of policing.