Hollywood Police Department Traffic Crash Investigations SOP #231 PDF

HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT SOP #231 TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATIONS ORIGINATION DATE: 06/29/2001 REVISED DATE: 05/19...

HOLLYWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT SOP #231 TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATIONS ORIGINATION DATE: 06/29/2001 REVISED DATE: 05/19/2017 APPROVED: CHIEF OF POLICE, JEFF DEVLIN PURPOSE: To establish procedures for Traffic Crash Investigations. SCOPE: This SOP applies to all Members of the Department. POLICY: It is the policy of the Hollywood Police Department to provide emergency assistance to persons injured in crashes, to protect the crash scene, to conduct at-scene and follow-up investigations, and to take proper enforcement action. Traffic Crash Investigations will be conducted in a thorough, complete and unbiased manner. INDEX: PROCEDURE:.............................................................................................................................................. 3 I. GENERAL.............................................................................................................................................. 3 A. AUTHORITY:......................................................................................................................................... 3 B. AGENCY RESPONSE:............................................................................................................................ 3 C. ASSIGNING MEMBERS TO INVESTIGATE TRAFFIC CRASHES:.................................................................... 3 D. EMERGENCY RESPONSE (CODE-3):....................................................................................................... 3 E. FIRST RESPONDING MEMBER:............................................................................................................... 3 F. TRAFFIC VESTS:................................................................................................................................... 4 G. TRAFFIC HOMICIDE UNIT:...................................................................................................................... 4 H. COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS:.......................................................................................................... 4 I. SCENE SUPERVISION:........................................................................................................................... 4 II. INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES.......................................................................................................... 5 A. ENFORCEMENT:.................................................................................................................................... 5 B. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS:................................................................................................................... 5 III. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE........................................................................... 5 A. INTERVIEWING DRIVERS / W ITNESSES:.................................................................................................. 5 B. EXAMINING VEHICLE CONDITION:........................................................................................................... 6 C. EXAMINING ROAD AND W EATHER CONDITIONS:...................................................................................... 6 D. PHOTOGRAPHS:.................................................................................................................................... 6 SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 1 of 15 IV. SEVERE PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS/LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES OR FATALITIES....... 6 A. TRAFFIC HOMICIDE CALL-OUT:.............................................................................................................. 6 B. W ITNESS DOCUMENTATION:.................................................................................................................. 7 C. SCENE SECURITY:................................................................................................................................ 7 D. SCENE SUPERVISION:........................................................................................................................... 7 E. NEXT OF KIN NOTIFICATION:.................................................................................................................. 7 F. ON-SCENE DETERMINATION OF DEATH:................................................................................................. 8 G. FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL NOTIFICATION:............................................................................................ 8 H. F.D.O.T NOTIFICATION:........................................................................................................................ 8 I. PRESS RELEASES:................................................................................................................................ 8 V. CRIME SCENE UNIT............................................................................................................................. 8 A. PHOTOGRAPHS:.................................................................................................................................... 8 B. CHAIN OF CUSTODY:............................................................................................................................. 8 C. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE (SHORT LIVED):.................................................................................................... 8 VI. CRASH VICTIM’S PROPERTY............................................................................................................. 9 A. SECURING THE PROPERTY:................................................................................................................... 9 B. RELEASING PROPERTY:........................................................................................................................ 9 VII. CRASHES INVOLVING INJURIES, FIRE HAZARDS, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.................. 9 A. INJURY CRASHES:................................................................................................................................. 9 B. LATE REPORTED INJURY CRASHES:....................................................................................................... 9 C. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:...................................................................................................................... 9 D. FIRE HAZARDS:.................................................................................................................................. 10 E. SUPERVISOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES:...................................................................................................... 10 VIII. TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL.............................................................................................. 10 A. SCENE SECURITY:.............................................................................................................................. 10 B. EXTENDED TRAFFIC CONTROL:........................................................................................................... 10 C. TRAFFIC ROUTING:............................................................................................................................. 10 D. NOTIFICATIONS:.................................................................................................................................. 11 IX. RAILROAD CRASHES........................................................................................................................ 11 A. GUIDELINES:...................................................................................................................................... 11 B. RAILROAD POLICE:............................................................................................................................. 11 X. CRASHES INVOLVING CITY VEHICLES OR CITY PROPERTY...................................................... 11 A. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:....................................................................................................... 11 B. INVESTIGATOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES:.................................................................................................... 12 XI. TRAFFIC CRASH REPORTS.............................................................................................................. 12 A. NON-REPORTING (N/R):..................................................................................................................... 12 B. COMPLETING TRAFFIC CRASH REPORTS:............................................................................................. 12 SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 2 of 15 XII. DEFINITIONS:...................................................................................................................................... 14 A. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE:................................................................................................. 14 B. SERIOUS INJURY:.......................................................................................................................... 15 C. TRAFFIC CRASH:............................................................................................................................ 15 PROCEDURE: I. GENERAL Members will respond to, investigate, and properly document all traffic crashes occurring in the City of Hollywood. If the crash occurs outside the City limits of Hollywood, the appropriate Agency will be notified to respond. A. Authority: Sworn members and Community Service Officers are authorized to conduct traffic crash investigations. B. Agency Response: When a traffic crash occurs within the City of Hollywood’s jurisdiction, the following responders will be dispatched: 1. A Police Officer or Community Service Officer, depending on the severity of the crash and the need for emergency response; 2. Hollywood Fire Rescue, if injuries are reported; and 3. Additional support Units as requested. C. Assigning Members to Investigate Traffic Crashes: When possible, members will be assigned to investigate traffic crashes in the following order of succession: 1. Community Service Officers; 2. Patrol Officers; 3. Traffic Homicide Unit Officers (see additional responsibilities under Section I G); and 4. Motor Unit. D. Emergency Response (Code-3): If injuries are reported, a sworn member will be dispatched in a “Code 3” response. Additional support will be dispatched as necessary. E. First Responding Member: The first Member arriving on the scene of a traffic crash involving damage to vehicles or property will perform the following functions: 1. Park the Police vehicle in such a manner as to provide and maintain maximum protection of the crash scene, physical evidence, and all persons and vehicles. 2. Conduct a Hazardous Material assessment: Be alert for the presence of special hazards including fire, chemical spills or gasses, electrical hazards and/or other dangerous conditions. If such conditions exist, appropriate Agencies should be notified to respond. 3. Administer emergency medical care, first aid and/or begin basic life support, if needed. 4. Summon Fire Rescue and additional assistance as needed (e.g., heavy rescue, additional Members, Wrecker service, etc.) 5. Establish a safe traffic pattern around the crash scene. 6. Locate and interview drivers and witnesses to the crash. Record crash information. 7. Separate principals involved in disturbances or altercations relating to the crash. SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 3 of 15  8. Required Towing: When there is major traffic congestion or vehicular damage to the extent that towing is required, Members will expedite the removal of said vehicle(s) and/or debris from the roadway. a. Prior to moving vehicles, check with the assigned Crash Investigator or Supervisor. b. If a wrecker is requested, the wrecker service personnel will be responsible for removing all vehicle debris from the roadway. c. If a wrecker is not requested, notify Hollywood Teletype to contact the Public Works Department or the appropriate utility company to remove any obstructions and debris. 9. If the first responding Member is not the Member who will be investigating the crash, he will remain at the scene until the investigating Member arrives. F. Traffic Vests: All members conducting traffic crash investigations must wear their reflective traffic safety vests. G. Traffic Homicide Unit: The on-scene Patrol Supervisor will determine the necessity for requesting a Traffic Homicide Unit Investigator. When on duty and available, Members assigned to the Traffic Homicide Unit are responsible for the following: 1. Investigating motor vehicle crashes occurring within the City of Hollywood’s jurisdiction, as requested by a Supervisor. 2. Conducting parallel crash investigations and/or Departmental Administrative investigations occurring in Dade or Broward County involving Police vehicles or Police vehicle pursuits emanating from the City of Hollywood, only if the Agency with jurisdiction refuses to conduct the investigation. The Traffic Homicide Unit member will complete a Mobile Field Report for Departmental information. (See SOP #214 Police Vehicle Crashes) 3. Investigating crashes involving serious injury or death. 4. Conducting all follow-up crash investigations, to include: a. Any investigation assigned by a Traffic Homicide Unit Supervisor. b. Hit and run crashes (See SOP #232 Hit & Run Crash Investigations). c. Drivers impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. (See SOP #233 DUI Detection & Testing). d. Crashes involving City owned, rented, or leased vehicles and/or damage to City property if serious injury or death. e. Crashes involving hazardous materials, (See Section VII-C Hazardous Materials of this SOP). f. Obtaining formal recorded statements from witnesses. H. Community Service Officers: Community Service Officers arriving at a crash scene who observe a physical or verbal altercation in-progress will immediately call for a Police Officer to respond to the scene. The CSO will not attempt to intervene in a physical altercation. I. Scene Supervision: The first responding member to arrive at a crash scene will be in charge of the scene. 1. The member in charge of the scene may be relieved by: a. A Supervisor; b. Another member assigned to handle and complete the investigation; or c. A Traffic Homicide Investigator. SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 4 of 15  2. The Officer in charge of the scene may designate specific duties to other members at the scene, i.e., to aid in gathering witnesses, securing the scene, maintaining a safe flow of traffic and preparing supporting reports. II. INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES A. Enforcement: Investigations at crash scenes will normally result in detecting evidence necessary to support the issuance of criminal citations, infraction citations, the filing of formal charges or physical arrest. 1. Upon determination of a violation of law, infraction or Municipal Ordinance, the Sworn Officer or Community Service Officer will take appropriate enforcement action. 2. A Community Service Officer will summon a Police Officer to respond to the scene if the enforcement action needed involves a criminal offense. 3. Before taking any enforcement action, the member conducting the crash investigation must establish all elements of the violation. Elements that the member has not personally witnessed must be established through investigation. The investigation may include: a. Statements or admissions made by the violator; b. Statements made by the witness(s); and c. Physical evidence. 4. Members may elect not to immediately issue citations at crash scenes if the violator was injured and transported from the scene, and/or additional investigation is required. In these instances, Members will respond to the medical facility to issue the citation and/or conduct further investigation resulting in the filing of charges at a later date. B. Criminal Investigations: When investigating a crash in which criminal charges may result, Officers should be aware of “accident report privilege”, the member will: 1. Obtain all information necessary to complete the Traffic Crash Report. 2. Inform the subject that you have completed the crash investigation and are now conducting a criminal investigation (DUI, etc.). 3. If the driver is arrested, the same case number generated for the crash report will be used to document the arrest. 4. Officers, after completing a DUI investigation, will submit an Audio Tape Request Form (see Appendix A) to Broward County Regional Communications (fax 954-321-4514), requesting two copies of the 911 recording for evidentiary purposes, if applicable. Officers will be responsible for the following: a. Deliver one copy of the 911 recording, along with the CAD printout, to the Property and Evidence Unit. Both items will be placed into property, as evidence, in the manner described per the Property and Evidence Policy. b. Deliver one copy of the 911 recording to the Records Section / Case Filing Unit who will assure it is included in the Case File forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office. III. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE All information and physical evidence must be collected in a fashion that ensures accuracy and admissibility in Court. A. Interviewing Drivers / Witnesses: Members will be guided by the following techniques: 1. Interview drivers and witnesses as soon as practical following the crash. However, the questioning may be delayed until the person has received medical attention, regained emotional stability, or has attended to other urgent needs. SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 5 of 15  2. Interview drivers and witnesses separately and individually concerning the traffic crash. Members will discourage drivers and witnesses from discussing the crash amongst themselves. 3. Observe the physical, emotional and mental condition of the person being questioned. 4. Interview witnesses as to their exact location when they witnessed the crash, what they were doing, what called their attention to the crash and what they saw, heard, or performed in response. 5. Determine if the witness can place the at-fault driver behind the wheel at the time of the crash. B. Examining Vehicle Condition: Members will conduct a thorough examination of the damage sustained in the crash. Examination and evaluation of the damaged area should coincide with other evidence and statements as to how the crash occurred. The vehicle damage conditions are a very important aspect of evidence evaluation. This may be of significant importance in establishing the circumstances surrounding the crash and justifying prosecution for a violation. When inspecting the vehicle, the Member will: 1. Attempt to determine whether vehicle deficiencies contributed to the crash or were merely a circumstance, which were present, but not a contributing factor. 2. Note vehicle deficiencies, which contributed to the crash, on the Traffic Crash Report. C. Examining Road and Weather Conditions: 1. In examining the condition of the road, members will be alert for any foreign substance on the surface (sand, loose gravel, oil, etc.), note the condition of the surface (dry, slippery, wet, etc.), and note the roadway markings for clarity or obscurity. When checking the roadway members will: check the road for any obstructions to the driver’s view, which existed at the time of the crash. This includes parked vehicles, glare, background lighting, foliage and structures (permanent or temporary). 2. Check for the presence of traffic signs and traffic control devices and determine if traffic lights are operating properly. 3. Record weather conditions, roadway and environmental conditions present at the time of the collision in the Traffic Crash Report. D. Photographs: In most instances, the decision to photograph crash scenes will be left to the discretion of the Investigator. However, in the following circumstances photographs are required: 1. Crashes involving serious/life- threatening or fatalities injuries; 2. Crashes involving any City owned or leased vehicle; 3. Crashes involving damage to City property; and 4. Crashes involving potential liability to the City. Officers will request a Supervisor respond to the scene. IV. SEVERE PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS/LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES OR FATALITIES When the member on-scene determines there is severe property damage or serious/life-threatening injuries, the scene will be preserved until the arrival of a Traffic Homicide Investigator (THI). A. Traffic Homicide Call-Out: If no Traffic Homicide Investigators are on duty, a Patrol Lieutenant will contact the Traffic Homicide Sergeant, and advise the need of a THI response. The THI Sergeant will arrange to have THI personnel respond. SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 6 of 15  B. Witness Documentation: In the case of serious bodily injury or a fatal crash, witnesses are compelled to remain on-scene until the arrival of a Traffic Homicide Investigator. In the event that a witness must leave, the Member will identify the witness by a Driver’s License or State issued identification and document the following: 1. Name; 2. Date of birth; 3. Home address; 4. Work address; 5. E-mail address; 6. Work phone number; 7. Home phone number; and 8. Cellular telephone number. C. Scene Security: Members will treat all serious injury or fatal crash scenes as crime scenes. 1. The crime scene will be secured with crime scene tape and a crime scene log will be started. 2. Only Investigative Personnel assigned by the on-scene Traffic Homicide Supervisor will be permitted within the crime scene. 3. Vehicle traffic will be re-routed to ensure the safety of personnel and the security of the crime scene. D. Scene Supervision: Upon arrival at the scene of a crash with life-threatening injury or death, a Traffic Homicide Investigator will assume responsibility of the scene until the arrival of the Traffic Homicide Supervisor. The THI will advise the on-scene Supervisor of any need for assistance (i.e. scene security, perimeter boundaries, traffic control, etc.). The THI will request the assistance of support personnel, as needed. Support personnel may include: 1. Additional Police Officers; 2. Crime Scene Unit; 3. Medical Examiner’s Office Personnel; 4. Wrecker Service; 5. Fire Rescue; and 6. Mutual Aid. E. Next of Kin Notification: If the victim dies at the scene of a traffic crash, members of the Traffic Homicide Unit will make the next of kin notification either in person within the tri-County area or with the assistance of an outside Police Agency if out of the area. A minimum of two sworn Officers will conduct all next of kin notifications. If leaving the jurisdictional limits of the City of Hollywood, THI will notify the Shift Lieutenant and advise Communications of the address. If the victim dies at the hospital, the attending physician or social worker from the hospital will make the next of kin notification. Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit will then conduct a follow up meeting with the next of kin. SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 7 of 15  F. On-Scene Determination of Death: Hollywood Fire Rescue will make the ultimate decision if death has occurred. Officers will be responsible for monitoring rescue operations to ensure physical evidence is not unnecessarily disturbed. G. Florida Highway Patrol Notification: The Florida Highway Patrol will be notified by the THI whenever a driver, passenger, pedestrian or bicyclist dies from injuries sustained in a vehicle crash utilizing the DAVID computer program. H. F.D.O.T Notification: The Florida Department of Transportation will be notified by the THI when a Commercial Motor Vehicle is involved in a serious injury crash or fatal traffic crash. I. Press Releases: The Public Information Officer, or in their absence a Traffic Homicide Supervisor will issue a press release regarding traffic crashes that involve serious injuries or death after the next of kin is notified. The press release will follow the guidelines outlined in SOP #156 Public Information Officer. V. CRIME SCENE UNIT A. Photographs: Crash scene photographs taken by the Crime Scene Unit will include the following: 1. Vehicle and identifying factors; 2. Areas of damage; 3. Physical evidence; 4. Point of reference; 5. Roadway; or 6. Any other item and/or object determined to be of evidentiary value by a Traffic Homicide Investigator. B. Chain of Custody: A strict chain of custody must be maintained with all evidence. The Crime Scene Investigators will collect evidence at the crash scene as directed by the Traffic Homicide Investigator. Members will refer to Property and Evidence Policy. C. Physical Evidence (Short Lived): Members should be mindful of the vulnerability of “short lived” evidence, i.e. fingerprints, blood, fogged windows, etc. and will make efforts to properly preserve and document such evidence or existing conditions. Members will be authorized to utilize personal cameras to document degradable and/or moveable evidence they fear may be destroyed and/or lost prior to the arrival of a Crime Scene Technician, i.e. driver/passenger locations within vehicle, dissipating fluids on roadway, blood draws, etc. Members will not touch any equipment inside the crash vehicles unless directed by the Traffic Homicide Investigator. If exigent circumstances exist to document existing conditions, the member will: 1. Email all images to the Traffic Homicide Investigator and to the Crime Scene Unit who will upload them into the ADAMS Digital Photographic Management System. 2. Ensure email has been sent prior to the end of shift, via the member’s City’s Microsoft Outlook email system. 3. Once the email has been verified as received, all images will be deleted from the member’s personal camera and; SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 8 of 15  4. The member will ensure they document the following information in their OSSI report; a. Evidence was documented using their phone. b. Documentation was preserved by a successful download and email transmission. c. After the successful download and verified email transmission, the documentation was deleted from their phone. d. and that; “No further evidence, documentation or records exist on their phone” 5. The Traffic Homicide Investigator will refer to the Property and Evidence Policy to ensure the evidence is properly submitted. VI. CRASH VICTIM’S PROPERTY Members who respond to the scene of a crash will take precautions to protect the owner’s property from theft in the event the owner is unable to care for the property: A. Securing the Property: The following procedures will govern the inventory, removal and storage of property: 1. Victim Injured: The victim’s property will be secured, collected, itemized, and submitted into the Property and Evidence Unit for safekeeping in accordance with guidelines established in the Property and Evidence Policy. 2. Victim Dies On Scene: In the event of a traffic crash, in which the victim dies at the scene of a crash, the THI will take possession of all personal belongings and submit them into the Property and Evidence Unit for safekeeping. A copy of the Property Form will be placed inside the Traffic Fatality Investigation file. 3. Victim Expires Enroute to or at Hospital: If the victim expires in transit to a medical facility or in the emergency room of a medical facility, the victim’s personal property, (cash, jewelry, negotiable securities) will remain in the custody of the medical facility, unless the victim’s property is needed as evidence for the investigation. B. Releasing Property: The following procedures will govern the release of the victim’s property: 1. The victim’s property may be released on scene to a third party upon the victim’s consent. 2. If the property is not released on scene, the victim may retrieve the property from the Department’s Property and Evidence Unit after complying with established procedures. 3. In any crashes involving serious bodily injury or death, only the Traffic Homicide Unit will authorize the release of any property. VII. CRASHES INVOLVING INJURIES, FIRE HAZARDS, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS A. Injury Crashes: Reports of traffic crashes with possible injuries require the dispatch of Hollywood Fire Rescue. A member arriving on the scene prior to Fire Rescue will advise the Communications Center of the existing situation and determine if Fire Rescue is needed. The responding member will administer first aid or needed medical attention to injured persons until Fire Rescue arrives. B. Late Reported Injury Crashes: Late reported traffic crashes involving injury will be investigated immediately to the best of the member’s ability. C. Hazardous Materials: Members will always assess crash scenes for hazardous materials. In the event hazardous materials are present, Members should isolate the area and evacuate non-essential personnel. Members will be responsible for preliminary hazard identification (spill, leak, fire) and identification of vehicle and container placards. SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 9 of 15  1. Investigation: The Traffic Homicide Unit will investigate traffic crashes involving hazardous material spills, when available. The on-scene Supervisor will make determination of a THI call-out if none are on duty. 2. Initial Response: The first responding member(s) should follow procedures pursuant to (SOP #280.2 Hazardous Materials), until such time that the crash can be safely and properly investigated. D. Fire Hazards: Members arriving at the scene of a vehicle fire prior to the Fire Department are responsible for the following actions: 1. Preserving life and rescuing occupants. 2. Providing basic life support/emergency medical care and fire suppression services until properly relieved by Fire Rescue Personnel. 3. Facilitating the Fire Department’s response and directing responding Police Units to appropriate locations for evacuation or traffic control. 4. Evaluating the situation and notifying a Supervisor. 5. Upon Fire Rescue’s arrival, they will be in charge of all injured parties and extrication. Members will render assistance if requested. E. Supervisor’s Responsibilities: When a Supervisor is notified of a crash involving serious injuries, fire hazards, or hazardous materials he will: 1. Respond to the scene; 2. Confer with the Fire Department regarding evacuation; 3. Evaluate the severity of victim’s injuries and determine the necessity of a Traffic Homicide Investigator’s response; 4. Determine if additional support personnel are required; and 5. Notify the Shift Lieutenant. VIII. TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL The first responding member will determine the necessity for traffic direction and control. A. Scene Security: Police vehicles should be positioned at the outer edges of a crash scene involving extensive roadway obstruction. Flares or other channeling devices should be placed to direct traffic flow in conjunction with other lane control techniques. Additional members will be requested as necessary. B. Extended Traffic Control: Supervisors will make arrangements to provide relief for members performing prolonged traffic control duties. C. Traffic Routing: Major traffic congestion as a result of a crash will require the routing of traffic around the crash to protect the scene and the investigating members. When routing traffic, the use of flares, traffic cones, barricades, or portable traffic control devices is encouraged (see SOP #240 Traffic & Pedestrian Regulation Equipment). SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 10 of 15  The purpose of routing traffic around a crash scene is to: 1. Give approaching motorist’s sufficient warning of the hazards ahead. 2. Provide a safe alternative route around or away from the crash scene. 3. Provide a safe environment for members conducting the crash investigation. D. Notifications: When it appears that traffic is going to be congested or detoured for an extended period of time, the on-scene Supervisor will advise the Shift Lieutenant and Communications Center. If the Shift Lieutenant determines that the prompt notification of the public is necessary, he will contact the Public Information Officer to provide the information to the media. IX. RAILROAD CRASHES A. Guidelines: When conducting an investigation concerning a railroad crash, the following guidelines will be followed: 1. Motor vehicle vs. train crashes, which occur on a dedicated roadway, will be reported on the appropriate State form and must be completed in OSSI. In the case of serious bodily injury or death, it will be handled by the Traffic Homicide Unit. 2. All other railroad crashes will be documented on a Mobile Field Report and classified as “Accident Other”. 3. The Investigative Services Section will investigate all non-motor vehicle involved crashes, where the victim is either seriously or fatally injured. B. Railroad Police: When investigating a railroad crash, the Investigator will make contact with the Railroad Police Investigator who responds to the scene and obtain the following information: 1. Name of the Engineer and Conductor; 2. Train movement number; 3. The number of train cars excluding the engine; and 4. The number of train engines used and their individual assigned numbers. X. CRASHES INVOLVING CITY VEHICLES OR CITY PROPERTY The following Section pertains to crashes involving City property and non-Police City vehicles. Police vehicle crashes are addressed in SOP #214 Police Vehicle Crashes. A. Supervisory Responsibilities: When a non-Police City vehicle has been involved in a crash, or City property has been damaged as a result of a crash, a Supervisor will: 1. Be notified by Communications; 2. Will respond to the scene and notify the Shift Lieutenant; 3. A Police Officer or Community Service Officer will be assigned to conduct the investigation; and 4. Ensure the Crime Scene Unit responds and photographs the scene and all vehicles involved, regardless of damage or evidence of damage. a. A Community Service Officer may be assigned by a Supervisor to photograph City vehicle crashes under the following circumstances: (1) Minor injuries, and/or; (2) Minor damage. SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 11 of 15  5. If the traffic crash occurs outside of the City limits, the Shift Lieutenant will be notified. B. Investigator’s Responsibilities: Members assigned to investigate City vehicle involved crashes will complete the appropriate State forms in OSSI. XI. TRAFFIC CRASH REPORTS Members investigating motor vehicle crashes, in which a report will be generated, are required to complete the appropriate State forms in OSSI. Handwritten crash reports will not be accepted. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Traffic Crash Report Form Manual will be used as a guide. A. Non-Reporting (N/R): 1. When parties involved in a traffic crash agree to settle amongst themselves and decline to file a formal Traffic Crash Report, the responding member will: a. Obtain a Supervisor’s approval to N/R incident; b. Enter all involved vehicle license plate characters and driver information into CAD; c. Complete a Driver’s Exchange of Information Form (see Appendix B) d. N/R will only be utilized in crashes where both parties mutually agree that a Police Report is not desired. B. Completing Traffic Crash Reports: 1. The Officer/CSO will complete the appropriate type of (HSMV 90010S) Florida Traffic Crash Report when documenting a traffic crash incident, utilizing the following criteria: a. Long Forms are required for traffic crashes that involve any of following: (1) Bodily injuries, complaints of injuries or a fatality (2) Related deaths (heart attack, seizure etc.) (3) Violations of FSS 316.027 (XXX), 316.061(1) (XXX) and/or 316.193 (4) Vehicles are rendered inoperable to a degree that a wrecker is required to remove it from the crash scene (regardless if the driver chooses to leave it on scene or have it privately towed) (5) Hazardous materials, regardless of an actual or suspected release of toxic substances into the environment or other unusual condition that could pose a significant threat to public safety. (6) Commercial vehicles, City and/or government vehicles. (7) Resulted from the commission of a criminal offense (robbery, auto theft etc.) or from any pursuit. (8) Suspected impairment of any driver. b. Short Forms may be used for the following traffic crashes: (1) Hit and Run’s with no injuries on a street or roadway. (2) Crashes on roadways that do not involve the following: (a) Complaints of injury. (b) Medical related issues involved in causation of the crash (seizure, stroke etc.) (c) Violations of FSS 316.027, 316.061 (1) and/or 316.193. (d) Vehicles can be driven and are not towed by either city contractor or private service. (e) Hazardous materials. (f) City or government owned vehicles. SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 12 of 15  (g) Involve another crime (pursuit, domestic fleeing shoplifter etc.) (h) Suspected impairment of any driver. (3) Officers will complete the Short Form in its entirety to include the following: (a) Recommend all parties involved take their own photographs of vehicles. (b) Complete a brief narrative how the traffic crashed occurred. (c) Citations may be issued at the discretion of the Officer/CSO. (d) Provide each involved vehicle operator a copy of Driver Exchange Form. (e) No diagram is required. c. Parking Lot Crashes - Short Form/Driver Exchange Forms may be used when the following exists: (1) Crash does not meet Long Form criteria. (2) Property damage is less than $500 dollars (3) Hit and Run’s with less than $500 in damage and “no suspect vehicle information is available”. (4) The Officer will also complete a Drivers Exchange form and provide both parties a copy of the other occupants’ information. (5) Officers should persuade both parties to photograph vehicle position and damage for insurance purposes. (6) Officers will document in narrative 2-3 sentences any causation to the accident. (7) No diagram will be made. (8) No citation will be used in conjunction with a Short Form traffic crash report. d. Parking Lot/Driver Exchange Form Report for the following: (1) Traffic crash must have occurred in a parking lot and not a roadway. (2) There is no complaint of injury. (3) The vehicles must still be operational and not subject to towing by the City contractor or a private tow service. (4) The traffic crash does not involve a city, county or other government owned vehicle. (5) The traffic cannot connect to any criminal incident (fleeing shoplifter, vehicle burglary etc.) (6) Neither driver is under the influence of alcohol or other substance. (7) Total damage is under $500.00 for all vehicles and property. (8) Hit and run reports, with less than $500.00 in damage with a suspect vehicle and/or license plate, you “MAY” use this form. (9) Hit and run reports with less than $500.00 without a physical description of the suspect. (10) Should the traffic crash comply with all the requirements, the Officer/CSO will conduct the following: (a) Inform all involved parties the incident is a civil manner and does not involve any direct law enforcement. (b) Encourage all involved parties to photograph the position of the vehicle(s) and damage to all vehicles. (11) The Officer/CSO will complete for HSMV Form 90011S as follows: (a) Officers will check the box “Driver report of Traffic Crash”. SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 13 of 15  (b) Officers will obtain a case number and document under “Reporting Agency Case Number”. (c) Complete the “Date” and “Time” of crash. (d) Enter “10” for County Code and “44” for City Code. (e) Enter location of crash in box “Crash occurred on Street, road, highway” (i.e. 3250 Hollywood Blvd). (f) Complete each section for each involved party (name, vehicle, insurance etc.) (g) Enter the following into the CAD section “Driver Report of Minor Parking Lot Traffic Crash” and indicate the license plate(s) for each vehicle. (h) No citation will be issued. (i) Do “NOT” sign the bottom portion of the report. Keep the top 2. Must Include: a. Date, time and location of crash; b. Descriptions of the vehicles involved; c. Name, phone number and address of all parties involved, including all drivers, passengers, and witnesses; d. Identification of the vehicle in which each driver and passenger were located; and e. Names of the insurance companies for the respective parties involved in the crash. 3. Diagrams and Measurements: Members will prepare such diagrams as may be necessary for investigative purposes. If the vehicles are moved, Members will draw a diagram based on the physical evidence and driver/witness statements. Crash diagrams will: a. Depict the roadway, vehicles, compass points, traffic control devices and other pertinent information. b. Include roadway, skid marks, and other measurements deemed necessary. c. Identify drawing as “Not to Scale” or “Drawn to Approximate Scale”. d. The diagram will be drawn using a traffic crash template or utilizing a computer drawing crash software program. 4. Report Submission: a. Members will complete and submit all non-injury traffic crash reports by the end of their shift to their immediate Supervisor for approval. b. Members will complete and submit all injury or possible injury traffic crash related reports, hit and run accidents, and traffic crashes involving city vehicles and/or property by the end of their shift to the “HWTC” folder in MFR. A Traffic Homicide Unit CSO will review each crash report for proper content. c. Should a crash report be sent back for corrections, the Officer will complete and re- submit by the end of their following shift. XII. DEFINITIONS: A. COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE: Any motor vehicle or motor vehicle combination used on the streets or highways, which: 1. Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 14 of 15  2. Is designed to transport more than 15 persons, including the driver, or is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded in accordance with Title 49 C.F.R. part 172, subpart F. B. SERIOUS INJURY: An injury which consists of a physical condition that creates a substantial risk of death, serious personal disfigurement, or a protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily part or organ. C. TRAFFIC CRASH: A collision between a motor vehicle in transport and another object resulting in damage or injury to a person or damage to property. ATTACHMENTS: Appendix A: Audio Tape Request Form Appendix B: Florida Traffic Crash Report / HSMV (90010S) SOP #231 Traffic Crash Investigations Page 15 of 15 1 231 Appendix A page 1 of 5 231 Appendix B page 2 of 5 231 Appendix B page 3 of 5 231 Appendix B page 4 of 5 231 Appendix B page 5 of 5 231 Appendix B