TRAFFIC CRASH 14.7B
TEQUESTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
TITLE: TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATIONS
GENERAL ORDER: 14.7B
EFFECTIVE: September 1, 2011
RESCINDS: 14.7A
PAGES: 6
CONTENTS:
This order consists of the following numbered sections:
I. CRASH RESPONSE
II. CRASH REPORTS
III. OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES
IV. CHAIN OF COMMAND
V. TRAFFIC DIRECTION & CONTROL AT SCENES
VI. CRASH INVESTIGATIONS
VII. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, REMOVAL & DISPOSAL
VIII. GLOSSARY
PURPOSE:
To establish guidelines for traffic crash reporting and investigation practices.
SCOPE:
This order applies to all law enforcement officers.
DISCUSSION:
Traffic operations and traffic crash investigations are handled by the patrol function. This typically
extends to the reporting of basic information. For more severe crashes, or those involving certain special circumstances,
.
investigative and possibly emergency services are required
POLICY:
Traffic crash reporting and investigation will be performed in conformance to law and this order.
PROCEDURE:
I. CRASH RESPONSE:
Crash reporting and investigation will be the primary responsibility of the patrol division. The
department will direct one or more officers, as appropriate, to respond to the scene of any traffic crash.
A.
In a crash involving death or serious injury, contact will be made with FHP (for crashes on State roads) or Palm
Beach County Sheriff’s Office (for crashes on County or Local roadways); in addition, a Tequesta Police Department
THI will be called in to assist the lead investigating agency. In the event FHP or PBSO is not available attempts will be
made to contact a mutual aid agency for a THI. The Operation Commander is to be notified of any crash of this nature.
The first officer at the scene will remain in charge until relieved by a supervisor or THI.
B.
Crashes involving hazardous materials, minor injuries, property damage, impairment due to alcohol or drugs,
and/or disabled vehicles will be investigated by the patrol division.
C.
The officer responding should evaluate the scene and determine if any additional officer assistance is needed. In
G.O. 14.7
minor crashes, the officer should attempt to clear the roadway and restore the flow of traffic. If a vehicle is disabled,
and the owner states no preference, the officer will, as soon as possible, summon a wrecker from the departmental
rotation list.
D.
Disturbances between drivers (principals) involved in traffic related crashes shall be first handled by the
responding officer (s) in the following manner:
1.
Separate the parties and determine injuries.
2.
Ascertain crash cause and/or reason through observations and questions regarding the disturbance.
3.
Use discretion and diplomacy in handling parties involved in a traffic crash.
II. CRASH REPORTS:
1.
Under the requirements of Florida Statutes, a police crash report or long form report will be completed when the
following criteria are met:
A.
Injury or death.
B.
Hit and Run if the vehicle is occupied or the owner is present FSS 316.027 or 316.061.
C.
DUI in violation of 316.193.
D.
Vehicles carrying hazardous material and commercial vehicle crashes.
E.
Traffic crashes involving Village owned vehicles that are not handled by another law enforcement agency.
2.
Whenever a traffic crash does not meet the criteria for a long-form report, then a short-form crash report will
be completed by the investigating officer involving the following circumstances:
A.
Hit and Run if the vehicle is not occupied and did not occur in the owner’s presence.
B.
Damage to vehicle(s) over the non-reportable statutory minimum reporting requirements of $500 (FSS
316.066)
C.
A crash that requires a vehicle to be towed, however, does not meet the long form reporting
requirements
3.
On arrival at the scene, the officer should determine the extent of the crash and the appropriate form. Each crash
report will be assigned a case number, completed and turned in at the end of each shift. Driver exchange forms will be
completed at the scene and a copy provided to the drivers. A driver wishing to report a delayed crash involving only
minor damage may be given a driver exchange form, which they can complete, and mail to Tallahassee.
D.
An ANNUAL report will be done on TRAFFIC CRASHES and TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT ANALYSIS.
III. OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES:
A.
Officers responding to the scene of a crash should choose the best possible approach route; consider traffic flow
and congestion problems, based on their knowledge of conditions normally existing in the vicinity. Officers should
drive safely to the scene, consistent with the need for prompt responses. During approach to the scene, and upon
arrival, officers should:
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G.O. 14.7
1.
Be alert for specific conditions or factors that may have contributed to the crash, such as visibility/view
obstruction, inoperative traffic control devices, hazards, etc.
2.
Select proper parking position, which allows for maximum protection of injured persons, damaged
vehicles, traffic hazards, and protection of evidence.
3.
Check for injuries; provide emergency medical attention, provide basic life support, and arrange for any
needed paramedic personnel, fire units, or other necessary medical response.
4.
Arrange for a safe pattern of traffic around the crash scene.
5.
Protect the scene and take precautions to prevent other crashes; check for hazards; prevent destruction of
evidence and preserve short-lived evidence; i.e. glass fragments, debris, etc. in its original location until
diagrammed and/or photographed; provide traffic control and any other personnel needed to handle the
crash. Officers shall also protect the injured and vehicles from theft.
6.
Determine if it is a hit and run, either misdemeanor or felony, locate drivers, and if it is a hit and
run, obtain information on the driver and/or vehicle and relay to communications for broadcast.
7.
Return normal traffic flow as soon as possible.
8.
Arrange for tow vehicles to clear crash scene.
IV. CHAIN OF COMMAND:
The first officer on the scene will perform the following:
A.
Secure the scene.
B.
Remain in charge until relieved by a supervisor or THI, if applicable.
C.
The officer in charge of the crash scene will designate specific duties to other officers, provide aid in gathering
witnesses, and maintain safe traffic flow around the crash scene.
D.
If a supervisor does not respond to the crash scene, subordinate officers will carry out duties assigned by
supervisors.
V. TRAFFIC DIRECTION & CONTROL AT SCENES:
A.
Traffic direction and control at scenes will be determined by originating responding officer.
1.
Officers will use patrol vehicle emergency lights, flares, cones, and other appropriate warning devices;
2.
Public works personnel will be notified if barricades are needed for scene and traffic control;
3.
Detours or alternate routes should be selected as needed to control traffic flow. Flares may be initiated for use to
coordinate traffic flow direction;
VI. CRASH INVESTIGATIONS:
A. Death or Injury Crash Investigations:
All fatality or possible fatality crashes will be investigated by a THI.
1.
The officer at the scene of a traffic fatality has two immediate responsibilities; secure the scene and locate
witnesses to the crash.
2.
Upon arrival at the scene, the THI will assume command of the investigation. The THI is responsible for the
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G.O. 14.7
following:
3
. Interviewing witnesses and arranging for formal statement.
4.
Examination of the roadway, vehicles, environmental factors, etc.
5.
Photography and collection of evidence as necessary.
6.
Preparation of the crash report and homicide report
7.
Notification of other appropriate agencies.
a. Within 24 hours of the crash, the THI will notify the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles of
the fatality.
b. This notification will be accomplished by means of teletype directed to TALL1, TALL7, and WPMB1. This
notification teletype will follow the format dictated by DHSMV.
8.
Impounding involved vehicles for further inspection.
9.
A completed copy of homicide investigation and report with photo prints will be forwarded to the state attorney’s
office for review.
10.
Accompanying the report will be the officer’s recommendation concerning the filing of charges.
The recommendation will be included in the narrative of the report. If the THI feels criminal charges are warranted,
then a probable cause affidavit supporting the charges will be prepared and forwarded with the report. Additionally,
traffic citations will be prepared, if applicable, and accompany the report.
B. Injury crashes:
The responding officer should render or provide first aid and basic life support to injured
persons until the fire department arrives.
1.
In the event that injuries are present at the scene, officers shall check injured persons to identify those most
seriously injured;
2.
Officers shall immediately summon medical assistance (paramedics) to the scene, and will assist the paramedics
where needed and when possible.
C. Property Damage Involved in Crashes:
1.
The officer at a crash scene will ensure that property belonging to the crash victims protected from theft or
pilferage.
2.
When it is necessary to release a victim’s property to another person or agency, the officer shall properly receipt
the transfer on a property receipt.
3.
Should the owner/driver of a vehicle be unable to care for his/her property, the investigating officer, along with a
witness, will remove any property of value and complete a property receipt. The property will then be into evidence
and held for safekeeping.
3.
Whenever a vehicle needs to be towed and the owner/victim is unable to request a towing service due to
incapacitation or absence, a rotation wrecker will be summoned. The investigating officer will complete a detailed
vehicle inventory prior to removal of the vehicle to ensure the protection of the owner/victim’s property. Any
property removed from vehicles will be noted on the property report form.
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G.O. 14.7
D. Damage to Village (Public) Vehicle or Property Outside the Village Limits:
Basic requirements regardless
of amount of damage and/or injury for any Village of Tequesta officer involved in a crash in a Village owned vehicle
include:
1.
Render necessary aid.
2.
Notify immediate supervisor.
3.
Do not move vehicles from the scene until arrival of the investigating officer, except under unusual or emergency
conditions.
4.
Give the other party information as required by law.
5.
Request a case number.
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. Report incident to Human Resources within twenty-four hours.
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. Comply with post accident alcohol/drug testing requirements as outlined in Village Policy.
E. Damage to Village (Public) Vehicle or Property Within the Village Limits:
Basic requirements regardless
of amount of damage and/or injury for any Village of Tequesta officer/employee involved in a crash in a Village
owned vehicle include those requirements as outlined in paragraph D above and in addition will include the following
procedures:
1
. If the crash involves an officer it will be investigated by Jupiter Police FHP or PBSO. If the crash is minor in
nature it may be investigated by an on duty supervisor.
2.
All crashes will be photographed.
F. Hit and Run Crashes/Investigations:
1.
Officers responding to crashes determined to be hit and run shall handle the crash as prescribed in this
directive.
2.
Hit and run crashes will be handled in accordance with FSS 316.027 or FSS 316.061.
3.
Hit and run crashes causing death or serious injury will be handled as prescribed in this directive, however, the
immediate assistance of other agencies in the search and/or apprehension of suspect(s) or person(s) causing the
crash will be coordinated by the shift supervisor.
G. Impairment Due to Alcohol or Drugs:
1.
In suspected D.U.I. crash investigations, officers shall respond to the situation and perform at the scene
responsibilities as prescribed in this directive and in accordance with state statutes.
2
. The handling of interviewing the driver(s) and witnesses, vehicle damage assessments, roadway damage
assessments, measurements, photography of scene, and evidence collection will be conducted as prescribed in
departmental policy.
VII. Hazardous Materials:
A.
Traffic crashes involving hazardous materials spills will be investigated by the traffic officer when available. If
known, communications personnel will advise responding officers that the crash involves hazardous materials. The
responding officer(s), when possible, should approach the scene from an upwind direction. On arriving at the scene,
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G.O. 14.7
the situation will be assessed and the following action taken:
1.
Isolate the hazard area and evacuate non-essential personnel.
2.
Provide first aid until relieved by medical personnel.
3.
Coordinate traffic control and crowd control, requesting additional officers and public works
personnel as needed.
4.
The investigating officer should attempt to identify the hazard material by questioning the driver, checking the bill
of lading, checking identification on the subject vehicle, or placard identification on the subject material.
5.
Officers at the scene will relay all known information to communications.
6.
Communications will disseminate all known information to other responding units, fire department,
environmental protective agency, and any other designated special services as needed.
VIII. GLOSSARY:
ADVERSE ROAD AND WEATHER CONDITIONS - For example, debris in the roadway, downed power lines, fog,
ice, flooding, exposed guard rails, pot holes, etc.
FHP - Florida Highway Patrol.
PBSO - Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
THI - Traffic Homicide Investigator.
TRAFFIC CRASH - Property damage and/or personal injury resulting from a motor vehicle collision.
INDEXING:
TRAFFIC CRASH
TRAFFIC CRASH REPORTING
TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATIONS
DRAFTED:
DJR 2011/Filed: Trcrash16.7
APPROVED:
Pete Pitocchelli, Chief DATE: November 05, 2011
Tequesta, Florida
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