Accident Investigation Patrol Officer Responsibilities

Accident Call InitiatedYou should knowLocationSeverityWhether traffic or highway is blockedMake a decision on route

Response to the SceneDetermine if there is a true emergencyIf yes, use lights AND sirenIf no, respond quickly but within all rules of the roadAdhere to all statutes:346.03346.04347.38Follow all department policies

Be Alert! Hit and run vehicles fleeing away from the accidentExcessive speedEquipment malfunctionsDamaged partsIf possible, call out 28 and description but continue to the accident if you are the primary officer

Arrival at the SceneProtect the scene Be close Be alert for hazardsSpillsGases WiresStay UPWIND AND UPHILL if there are potential hazmat danger!!!!

First Assessment Look aroundRequest additionalOfficers if There is more than one vehicle involvedRoads need to be closed and traffic re-routedFire if smoke, spills, or hazmat existsAmbulance if people appear injured or killed (one ambulance for every injured person)WreckersRescue

Care for the Injured This is the primary responsibility of the responding officerProtecting the scene from secondary crashes must be done firstTriage first, treat serious injuries firstTurn over treatment to EMS with a report

Determine if Hit and RunObtain description of vehicleUse CYMBALGet direction of travel and time of accidentDescription of driver and occupants if possibleDont forget the license plate!!!Send out ATLPreserve all evidence

Locate and Interview Accident ParticipantsInterview all drivers, pedestrians, or other INVOLVED in the accidentKeep them separated Ask each, What happened?Get basic information from all (name, DOB, etc..)Keep an open mindTell each party that you will be talking with them again to follow up

Specific QuestionsRemember to maintain constitutional issuesDetermine:OWI?Injured? Tired? Physically disabled? Suicidal or other unusual behavior?Also ask:Insurance informationSeat beltOccupant identities

Interview HintsInterview separatelyDo the interviews as soon as possible after the accidentQuestion them regarding Their trip planWhen they first perceived dangerWhat he or she was doing just before the accidentHow fast were they goingWhat evasive action if any, they took Condition of the vehicleLook inside the vehicle later for evidence of Inattentive Driving or OWI

Interview Witnesses Ask each of them open-ended questionsWhat happened? or What did you see?Where were youWhat called your attention to the accident?How fast were the vehicles going?Did you see brake lights?Did you hear braking noise?Remember to get basic information for follow-up interviews and for court as most will be anxious to get going!

Check the Scene for Physical EvidenceIn some situations, the evidence may be disappearing so you may have to act quickly to preserve itSkid marks Straight skidsShadow skidsOther skidsGeneral vehicle crushDebris on the roadway

Evidence continuesGouges on the roadwayFluidsTraffic signs and devices Lamp examination Road conditions OWI and drug use evidence

Specific Vehicle Evidence Contact damageInduced damage (typically crumbling or broken glass) Vehicle equipment violationsBrakesLightsTiresLight switch positionAirbag deployment

Photograph the SceneSeriousness determines need for photosPrior to vehicles being moved if possiblePhotograph Overall sceneVehicle damage Traffic signs and controlsRoad gougesSkid marksDebris Injured parties or bodies Video record all serious or fatal accidents

Measure the Scene Use the XY coordinate system Complete a field sketch Outline the roadway edges firstAdd vehicles final resting points (if known)Add skid marksAdd other evidence Measure all evidence locations and roadway features including crosswalks, signs, ditches, shoulders, etc

Clear Up Accident SceneTow all vehiclesClean up all glass and parts Open road to traffic Make arrangements to transport parties left without vehicles

Take Appropriate Enforcement ActionArrest Cite party most at fault for the violation that most contributed to the crashAlmost all accidents should result in a citation for the party that was at faultRemember to consider all factors in the investigationNOTE!!!! Dont investigate accidents where there is a conflict of interest

Complete Accident Report Note the criteria for reportable accidents$1000 vehicles (including gov vehicles)$1000 personal property$200 government propertyInjuryFatality Complete within 10 days Include diagram Possible contributing factors are some of the most important fields

Questions???