Pasco Sheriff's Office Traffic Crash Investigation PDF

PASCO SHERIFF’S OFFICE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIRECTIVE TITLE: TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATION DIRECTIVE: 690.1 EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 30, 2020 SUPERSEDES: OCTOBER 15, 2015 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS: CFA 14.08, 18.0...

PASCO SHERIFF’S OFFICE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIRECTIVE TITLE: TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATION DIRECTIVE: 690.1 EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 30, 2020 SUPERSEDES: OCTOBER 15, 2015 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS: CFA 14.08, 18.03, 18.04, 18.05 PAGES: 9 CONTENTS: This order consists of the following numbered sections: I. CRASH SCENE RESPONSE II. ON-SCENE RESPONSIBILITIES III. EQUIPMENT IV. INVESTIGATION V. REPORT FORMS VI. GLOSSARY PURPOSE: To establish guidelines for reporting and investigating traffic crashes. SCOPE: This directive applies to all law enforcement members and Citizen Service Unit (CSU) Members. DISCUSSION: The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) investigates most of the traffic crashes occurring in the unincorporated areas of Pasco County. The Sheriff’s Office is occasionally called upon to conduct traffic crash investigations. However, these crashes are generally minor and require limited traffic crash investigative services. The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for investigating traffic crashes within the incorporated limits of cities having contractual agreements for law enforcement services. POLICY: Deputies will perform traffic crash duties consistent with the type and severity of each crash according to law and this order. CSU Traffic Crash Investigators (TCI’s) will not conduct traffic crashes involving criminal traffic violations or injuries. October 30, 2020 1  LED 690.1 PROCEDURE: I. CRASH SCENE RESPONSE: A. Crash Classification: The agency will classify traffic crashes according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the National Safety Council Manual: Classification of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents. A deputy will be dispatched to the scene of a traffic crash within jurisdictional limits or to assist another agency, when the crash is classified as involving: 1. Death or injury; [CFA 18.03 A] 2. Hit and run with injuries; [CFA 18.03 B] 3. Impairment of the driver due to alcohol and/or drugs; [CFA 18.03 D] 4. Hazardous materials; [CFA 18.03 E] 5. Damage to government vehicles to include, agency owned, rented or leased, or government property; [CFA 18.03 C] 6. Disturbances between principals; 7. Major traffic congestion due to a crash; or, 8. Damage to vehicles to the extent towing is required and the roadway is blocked. B. Response: A Pasco County Consolidated Communications Center dispatcher will inform the responding deputy of the crash location, injuries, traffic obstruction, and any other assigned units including fire rescue services. A deputy will respond to a crash scene when directed by a supervisor, or for crashes involving: 1. Injuries; 2. Highway or roadway obstruction; 3. Unknown conditions. II. ON-SCENE RESPONSIBILITIES: A. Arrival: The first deputy to arrive at a traffic crash will take charge of the scene until relieved by the local city jurisdiction, the FHP, or when their presence is no longer required. Initial on-scene responsibilities include: October 30, 2020 2  LED 690.1 1. Assist Injured Persons: The deputy will care for the injured, administer emergency medical care and basic life support, within the boundaries of training, until relieved by Fire Rescue. [CFA 18.04 A] 2. Summon Necessary Assistance: The deputy may request assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol, Fire Rescue, Pasco County HAZMAT team, city police department, medical examiner, Pasco County Utilities, or additional units for assistance. [CFA 18.04 B] 3. Protect Crash Scene: The deputy will park the patrol vehicle in a way that provides maximum protection to the crash scene without endangering the public. The deputy may use traffic cones and flares, if available, for scene protection. Equipment will be placed in a position that provides the maximum amount of driver warning [CFA 18.04 C] 4. Preserve Short-lived Evidence: Deputies will avoid altering or destroying short- term evidence (e.g., tire marks, impact debris) that may be essential to the investigation, while approaching traffic crash scenes. [CFA 18.04 D] 5. Establish a Safe Traffic Pattern: Deputies may use certain equipment to establish a safe traffic pattern around a crash scene, to include [CFA 18.04 E] a. Emergency Lights: Lights provide oncoming traffic notice to continue with caution around the crash scene. b. Additional Patrol Vehicles: Vehicles with emergency lights activated may be placed in front of or behind the crash scene to redirect traffic around the scene or onto other roadways. c. Traffic Flares and Reflectors: Flares, reflectors and/or cones will be placed at a safe distance to allow other drivers to identify a crash scene and continue in a safe and controlled traffic pattern. Flares will be used during darkness to enhance visibility. Flares should not be used when there is a fire hazard due to spilled fuel or dry conditions. d. Traffic Cones: Cones may be placed around a crash scene by FHP. A deputy may request, upon approval by a supervisor, cones from the Department of Transportation for assistance with severe roadway obstruction. e. Barricades: A supervisor or the FHP may approve the placement of barricades around a crash scene. 6. Locate Witnesses: The deputy will attempt to find witnesses when the scene is secured. [CFA 18.04 F] October 30, 2020 3  LED 690.1 7. Record Crash Information: A deputy will record pertinent crash information on the appropriate forms when investigating a crash, or provide the investigating trooper any information received at the scene. 8. Control of Crash Victim's Property: A deputy will be alert to the possibility of theft at a crash scene and will take charge of property, when necessary. [CFA 18.05] a. If the property owner is not present at the scene, the deputy will secure property until release to a trooper for crashes investigated by FHP, or a city police officer in the appropriate jurisdiction. b. Contracted City: A deputy investigating a crash in a contracted city will: 1) Remove property from the vehicle; 2) Complete a property receipt with a complete inventory of the items; and, 3) Place the property into evidence for security purposes if the owner is unable to secure the property. 9. Expediting the Removal of Vehicles, Persons, and Debris from the Roadway: A deputy will attempt to remove vehicles and debris from the roadway, if obstructing traffic, when possible. The deputy will mark the position of the tires on the roadway, when practical. If there is non-life threatening, minor injury and/or property damage only and the vehicles cannot be moved manually, a wrecker will be requested from FHP through the Criminal Process Unit. The Criminal Process Unit will advise FHP if they cannot send a FHP requested wrecker, and a wrecker from the Sheriff’s Office rotation list will be contacted. This does not apply to a wrecker requested by the vehicle owner. [CFA 18.04 G] B. Fire Hazards and Hazardous Materials: [CFA 18.03 E, 18.04 H] 1. Fire Hazards: Deputies will isolate the immediate crash area, remove persons from the vicinity of the hazard, and summon Fire Rescue assistance when there is potential for fire. The deputy will attempt to perform the following when safety allows: a. Eliminate the possibility of sparks or ignition from smoking, flares, or electrical sources. b. Rescue persons. c. Extinguish the fire. 2. Hazardous Materials: Crashes that involve potential exposure to hazardous or harmful substances require that everyone be kept at a safe distance from the spilled material. The deputy will attempt to identify the material through the vehicle driver or October 30, 2020 4  LED 690.1 cargo identification placards, and request assistance according to Law Enforcement Directive 690.2, Ancillary Traffic Services. [CFA 18.03 E, 18.04 H] III. EQUIPMENT: A. Crash Response: Law enforcement members are issued necessary emergency equipment for traffic crash response. Each deputy will maintain and have the equipment within the patrol vehicle. Emergency equipment includes: 1. Traffic crash report forms; 2. First aid kit; [CFA 14.08 D] 3. Fire extinguisher; [CFA 14.08 B] 4. Flares and/or reflectors; 5. Spray paint or chalk; 6. Biohazard protective equipment; [CFA 14.08 E] 7. Reflective vest, and, 8. Operational flashlight. [CFA 14.08 C] B. Contracted Cities: A deputy assigned to work contracted cities will obtain a crash investigation kit from their district office. Each kit will include: 1. Crash investigation templates; 2. Chalk; 3. Knife; 4. Blanket; 5. Digital camera; and, 6. Measuring tape (100') or measuring wheel. IV. INVESTIGATION: A. Collection of Crash Information: Deputies assigned to a contracted city, or tasked with a traffic crash investigation, will use the following procedures: October 30, 2020 5  LED 690.1 1. Interview Drivers and Witnesses: The deputy will separate drivers and witnesses before interviewing them to discourage discussion of the crash. The deputy will advise the driver of the Miranda Warning when the investigation focus changes from an interview to an interrogation. 2. Examine Vehicle Conditions: The deputy will thoroughly examine involved vehicles for faulty equipment to decide if a deficiency contributed to the crash, was a result of the crash, or was not a factor. The deputy will check damage sustained in the collision and compare observations with other evidence and statements to reconstruct the crash. 3. Collect and Preserve Evidence: Deputies will collect and preserve crash evidence according to General Order 83.1, Collection, Processing and Preservation of Evidence. The deputy may request a forensic investigator to assist with evidence collection. 4. Photographs: The investigating deputy will take photographs when necessary. 5. Examine Road and Weather Conditions: Deputies will note roadway conditions and record unusual weather conditions (rain, fog, smoke, etc.) existing at the time of the collision in the investigative report. 6. Sketches and Measurements: The deputy or a forensic investigator will prepare crash scene sketches as necessary. Investigation field notes and sketches will be maintained according to law. 7. Exchanging of Information Amongst the Principals: Deputies will assist the involved drivers in exchanging information including names, addresses, and insurance carriers. B. Hit and Run Crash: Deputies will respond to hit and run crashes involving injuries. The deputy will obtain a description of the hit and run vehicle, occupants, possible damage to the vehicle, and last known or probable direction of travel. The deputy will relay descriptive vehicle and occupant information to the dispatcher for distribution to other deputies and law enforcement agencies. A suspected hit and run vehicle tag number, if obtained, will be checked for the owner's name, address, and theft status. [CFA 18.03 B] 1. Contracted City: The deputy assigned to a contracted city is responsible for the crash investigation. He or she may request assistance from FHP. 2. Unincorporated Area: The FHP will investigate hit and run crashes involving death, serious bodily injury, or property damage more than $500. C. Death or Serious Injury: (CFA 18.03 A) October 30, 2020 6  LED 690.1 1. Contracted City: The deputy assigned to a contracted city will be responsible for the crash investigation. He or she may request technical and notification assistance from the FHP. 2. Unincorporated Area: The FHP will investigate all traffic crashes involving death or injury. D. DUI Crash: A deputy will be alert to any physical or emotional impairment that may have affected the person's driving ability including alcohol and/or drug influence. The deputy will watch for any behaviors, attitude, speech, or balance problems that may indicate impairment. [CFA 18.03 D] 1. Contracted City: A deputy assigned to a contracted city will investigate crashes involving impaired drivers. The deputy will: a. Investigate the traffic crash. b. Determine signs of impairment. c. Conduct the investigation according to Law Enforcement Directive 690.5, Driving Under the Influence Investigations. d. Contact a supervisor if the driver will be admitted to a hospital. The deputy’s decision to arrest will not be based on the avoidance of hospital costs. The deputy may obtain an arrest warrant for the driver upon the conclusion of the investigation. However, the deputy will arrest a hospitalized driver who is a flight risk and has caused great bodily injury or death. A supervisor will contact the Court Services Bureau to arrange for hospital prisoner security. 2. Unincorporated Area: The on-scene deputy will prevent a driver suspected of DUI from leaving a crash scene. The deputy will maintain control of the driver until released to the investigating trooper or police officer. E. Disturbances Between the Principals: A deputy arriving at a crash scene may encounter a verbal and/or physical altercation between the involved parties. Any criminal charges resulting from the altercation will be documented on an Offense Incident Report. The deputy will arrest the involved principals, or refer charges to the State Attorney’s Office for prosecution. F. Contracted Cities: The deputy assigned to a contracted city will conduct traffic crash investigations and complete required reports. The deputy may request the assistance of the FHP in completing the investigation. When investigating a crash, the deputy will: 1. Secure the crash scene, obtain witness information, and make any required notifications to the Medical Examiner’s Office, State Attorney’s Office, and the victim's next of kin (unless completed by the FHP). October 30, 2020 7  LED 690.1 2. Collect evidence at the crash scene, collect any necessary blood samples, complete reconstruction work, and conduct a follow-up investigation with the State Attorney’s Office. 3. Use expert or technical assistance, (e.g., physicians, mechanics, or surveyors). 4. Notify the Director of Public Information for any necessary news release. 5. Conduct a follow-up investigation by collecting any additional off scene data, securing formal statements, or obtaining any additional information required to complete the investigation. 6. Transmit fatality reports to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle in Tallahassee. G. Agency owned, rented, or leased vehicles: Crashes involving these types of vehicles will be investigated pursuant to General Order 61.7, Agency Vehicle Crashes and Incidents. [CFA 18.03 C] V. REPORT FORMS: A. Florida Traffic Crash Report: 1. Florida Traffic Crash Report/Long Form/Short Form: This form must be completed in the following circumstances: a. Death or injury to any person; b. Any indication of complaints of pain or discomfort by any of the parties or passengers involved in the crash; c. Crashes that render a vehicle inoperable to a degree that requires a wrecker to remove it from the scene; d. Crashes that involve a commercial motor vehicle; e. Leaving the scene of an accident with injuries or with damage to attended property; f. Impairment due to alcohol or drugs; or g. Hazmat or toxic substance. 2. Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report) / Driver Exchange of Information: In any crash for which a Florida Traffic Crash Report Long Form is not October 30, 2020 8  LED 690.1 required, as outlined above, and which occurs on the public roadways of the State, the deputy may complete a Short Form Crash Report. Alternatively, the deputy may provide a Driver Exchange of Information Form, to be completed by all drivers and passengers involved in the crash, requiring the identification of each vehicle that the drivers and passengers were in. Deputies may also direct drivers to self report using the DHSMV self reporting link on the agency internet site. (F.S. 316.066). B. Narrative/Diagram Report: The Narrative/Diagram Report is included in the long and short form reports. Any required narrative, sketches, or diagrams will be included on the report. VI. GLOSSARY: CONTRACTED CITY - A city or municipality within Pasco County that contracts with the Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services. TRAFFIC CRASH-An unplanned event occurring during the operation of a motor vehicle that results in any degree of personal injury, vehicle or property damage. Crashes occurring on private property not open to the public or property having controlled or restricted access not subject to a traffic enforcement agreement, are not classified as traffic crashes if there is no death, injury or indication of complaints of pain or discomfort by any of the parties or passengers involved in the crash. TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATION - A collection of information identifying people, roads, and vehicles involved in a traffic crash. Investigation areas include injuries to people, marks and residue on the road, final position of vehicles and bodies, and the combination and interpretation of these facts. INDEXING: CRASH FORMS DRIVER EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION FORM LONG FORMS SHORT FORMS TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATION DRAFTED: LS / September 30, 2020 / Filed: 690.1 Traffic Crash Investigation APPROVED: _______________________________ ____________ TAIT SANBORN, MAJOR DATE FIELD OPERATIONS BUREAU October 30, 2020 9