Police & ForensicsTraffic crash investigation at the scene: A crash with injured people (day)
A crash with injured people. It happens during the day. You are the officer dispatched to a crash with property damage or injuries. You protect the scene, care for the injured, control traffic, interview the drivers and witnesses, check their documents, act on violations, file the crash report and give everyone involved the information exchange form. It is the scene procedure of the Albany Police Department (New York) general order on traffic collision investigations.
Free to startThis scenario
- A crash with injured people.
- It happens during the day.
The steps
- Go to the scene without delay.
- Position the patrol car with its emergency equipment to protect the scene and everyone involved.
- Identify and care for the injured.
- Check for fire hazards and hazardous materials.
- Request fire and EMS as needed.
- On a major scene, use crime scene tape and officers so no unauthorized person gets in.
- With congestion, assess the injured first, then control traffic so no more collisions happen, and only then resume the investigation.
- If the parties are fighting, approach safely and separate them; investigate once things calm down.
- Interview every driver and get the identification and statements of the witnesses.
- Check that each driver's license, registration and insurance are valid.
- Take enforcement action when the evidence or statements show a traffic violation contributed to the crash.
- Attach a copy of the depositions and statements to the report; the originals go into evidence.
- Have vehicles towed if needed, and log and secure the victims' property so it is not lost or stolen.
- Complete the crash report and give each participant the information exchange form, explaining how to get a copy of the report.
- Submit the report before the end of the shift.
To pass
- A full investigation and report whenever the crash involves a death or injury, damage over 1,000 dollars, a hit and run, an impaired driver, public vehicles or property, hazardous materials, a city vehicle, a fight between the parties, major congestion or a vehicle that needs towing.
- On private property, a crash with any of those factors is investigated and reported as if it happened on a public road.
- The shift supervisor reviews the report for accuracy and completeness before the shift ends.
Official source
General Order 3.4.10: Traffic Collision Investigations
The City of Albany publishes its police general order on traffic collision investigations free: the scene steps, the reports and who reviews them.
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