Test Your Knowledge on Traffic Crash Investigations Procedures

Traffic Crash Investigations Procedures

• Officers will question drivers and witnesses separately and discourage them from discussing the crash among themselves.

• Officers will question drivers and witnesses as soon as practical following the crash, at the scene for minor crashes and at a more suitable location for fatal and follow-up investigations.

• Officers will exhibit emotional stability, professional attitude, and avoid conflict, profanity, and sarcasm when questioning drivers and witnesses.

• Officers will be alert to any physical or emotional impairment that may have affected the person's driving ability, including alcohol and/or drug impairment.

• Officers will question drivers and witnesses relative to trip plan, emotional experience, point of danger, evasive action taken, and condition of the vehicle prior to the crash.

• Officers will examine vehicle condition, including tires, lights, visibility, interior, rearview mirrors, frame and body, mechanical controls, and damage sustained in the collision.

• Officers will examine road and weather conditions, including foreign substances on the surface, surface condition, markings, grade, superelevation, width, alignment, edge, obstructions, control devices, and weather conditions.

• Officers may take photographs of the crash scene from all angles, including short-lived and temporary evidence, and maintain a strict chain of custody over any photographs.

• Officers may prepare sketches and measurements of the crash scene to assist with the investigation and prepare an accurate working scale drawing.

• Officers will explain to drivers their individual responsibilities in reporting the crash and assist them in providing and obtaining pertinent information from the other involved drivers.

• All fatality crashes or possible fatality crashes will be handled by a Traffic Homicide Investigator who will assume command of the investigation and initiate the investigation following accepted practices and procedures.

• Requests by a Traffic Homicide Investigator for outside assistance or special follow-up investigations will be forwarded to the District Support Commander.

• The collection of off-scene data will be the responsibility of the investigating officer on a case-by-case basis and will depend on the severity of the crash and the need for such data to substantiate criminal charges.Police Procedures for Investigating Traffic Crashes

• The police will respond to all traffic crashes that occur within their jurisdiction.

• The investigating officer will prioritize attending to injured parties and ensure that emergency medical services are contacted if necessary.

• The officer will secure the scene and document all relevant evidence, including photographs, witness statements, and physical evidence.

• The officer will determine the cause of the crash and report it in the narrative section of the crash report.

• If the investigating officer is prevented from conducting the investigation, they will forward their request to a Traffic Crash Investigator for follow-up.

• Traffic Crash Investigators will report the results of their investigation to the original investigating officer.

• Experts from outside the department may be utilized, including reconstruction experts, vehicle inspection teams, and traffic engineers.

• Officers will take appropriate enforcement action upon determining a violation of traffic law or ordinance, which may include issuing criminal citations, infraction citations, or physical arrest.

• Officers may elect not to issue citations at crash scenes if the violator left the scene due to injury or additional investigation is needed.

• If a determination of fault is found, a traffic citation may be issued, even on private property.

• Officers must protect property belonging to crash victims and may remove and hold property for safekeeping or evidence.

• Traffic crashes on private property will be responded to, and the officer will initiate the proper traffic crash report or issue a Traffic Law Enforcement short form.