DELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief William E. Ridgway
Departmental Standards Directive
TITLE: TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATIONS
CODIFIED:
CFA STD:
5.27
23.01,23.02M
23.03M, 23.04M
DATE OF ISSUE:
01.12.07
EFFECTIVE DATE:
01.12.07
RESCINDS/
AMENDS:
08.08.03
PAGES:
17
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Directive is to provide procedures for Officers to follow when conducting traffic
crash investigations. The Directive will outline procedures for the proper response, investigation, and
reporting of a traffic crash.
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the DeLand Police Department to report and investigate traffic crashes thoroughly and without bias.
The responsibility of law enforcement employees to investigate and report motor vehicle crashes is
well established by both law and custom. Crash investigation is a necessary element of the department’s duty to preserve and protect life and property by documenting the nature and causes of vehicle
crashes. Data gathered through crash investigations is used as a basis for developing traffic laws and
traffic safety programs.
5.27-1
TRAFFIC CRASH SCENE RESPONSE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
5.27.1 Officers will respond to the scene of serious or complex crashes to provide emergency services, preserve and collect evidence, and restore the normal flow of traffic. Department personnel will respond to the scene of a crash and conduct an investigation when the crash involves any of the following:
1. Death or injury;
2. Hit and run;
3.
Impairment of the operator due to alcohol or drugs;
4. Damage to public vehicles or property;
5. Hazardous material;
6. Disturbances between drivers;
7.
Major traffic congestion as a result of a crash, or damage to the extent that towing is required;
and
8.
Damage to the vehicles valued at $500.00 or more.
5.27.2 If a supervisor does not respond to the crash scene, the Officer assigned to the crash is responsible for ensuring that all of the required tasks of the investigation are completed. In the event
of a life threatening injury or death, responsibility for the crash scene will be relinquished to
the Traffic Homicide Investigator conducting the investigation upon their arrival.
5.27.3 Traffic crash scenes present Officers with several different tasks that must be handled promptly. The first Officer arriving at the scene of a traffic crash will normally perform the following
actions:
1. Position the police vehicle with the emergency lights and four-way flashers in operation in
such a manner as to provide maximum visibility to oncoming traffic while affording protection for the crash scene and anyone who might be injured or involved in the crash. The Officer may be required to direct traffic at the scene to prevent another crash from occurring.
Flares, reflectors, barricades, traffic cones, etc. can also be used to protect the crash scene and
to assist in establishing a safe traffic pattern around the affected area;
2.
Determine the need for assistance, requesting (as appropriate);
a.
b.
c.
d.
Rescue,
Fire control,
Additional police assistance, or
Wrecker services.
3. Ensure emergency medical care (first aid) and basic life support is provided, and ensure that
Fire/Rescue will have access to the crash scene;
5.27-2
4. Evaluate the scene, examining and recording the effects of the crash on the roadway for
potential hazards and taking corrective measures to eliminate those hazards.
5. Determine the need for a Traffic Homicide Investigator and / or a supervisor;
6. Identify the drivers of the vehicles involved. Observe/detect odors or behaviors for signs
of impairment caused by drugs or alcohol;
7. Check the vehicles for evidence of driving under the influence;
8. Collect and / or preserve perishable evidence, taking measurements and photographs when
appropriate;
9. Expedite the removal from the roadway of;
a. Vehicles,
b. Persons, and
c. Debris.
NOTE: If a Traffic Homicide Investigator will be responding, Officers shall NOT remove evidence
from the roadway and will treat the crash as a crime scene.
10. Locate, identify, and interview drivers, passengers, and witnesses;
NOTE: 5.27.35 of this order requires that Officers ask the witnesses to remain at the scene of a
traffic crash involving a fatality or life threatening injury until they can be interviewed
by a Traffic Homicide Investigator.
11. Examine and record the vehicle damage, the effects of the crash on the roadway, and
complete the appropriate traffic crash report;
12. Ensure that all parties to the crash have the necessary information and assistance;
13. Take traffic enforcement action (if necessary);
NOTE: Refer to 5.27.35 of this order for enforcement action at the scene of a crash with fatalities or life threatening injuries.
14. Notify the appropriate agencies of damage or other hazards. Examples of these agencies
include;
a. Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) for state roads,
b. The Telephone Company,
5.27-3
c. Public Works for broken water mains, or
d. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (Special Hazards Operations Team);
15. Attempt to maintain control over persons involved in traffic crashes who may become violent by separating the parties involved and conducting separate interviews.
16. The Officer will conduct warrant and driver’s license checks on all drivers before allowing
them to leave the scene. The Officer will also check vehicle registration and insurance status
before allowing the vehicle(s) to leave the scene.
5.27.4 Officers are responsible for:
1. Evaluating the causes of the traffic crash; and
2. Documenting the findings on the proper report.
5.27.5 Enforcement action shall be based on the Officer's investigation. If the traffic crash occurred
as the result of a traffic violation, and fault can be clearly established, enforcement action (issue
traffic citation or make criminal arrest) should be taken by the Officer. Enforcement action at a
crash involving death or life threatening injury will be done at the direction of the Traffic Homicide Investigator. When it is established that the crash will result in criminal charges being
filed, the Officer shall:
1. Complete the crash investigation report before commencing the criminal investigation where
the suspect driver is interviewed; and
2. Note in the narrative section of the crash report that criminal charges resulted from the traffic
crash investigation.
5.27.6 Roadway and roadside hazards are contributing factors in many crashes. When hazards or design-change needs are discovered, it is incumbent upon Officers to correct the problems or report them to their supervisor and/or the proper governing agency.
5.27.7 When victim(s) are unable to care for their property due to injury or unconsciousness, Officers
will ensure that the property is protected from pilferage or theft. This will be accomplished by
inventorying and listing the property on a:
1. Vehicle Tow and/or Inventory Report; and
2. Place the property in the DeLand Police Department’s Property and Evidence area for safekeeping.
5.27-4
5.27.8 Vehicles involved in traffic crashes may be left at the scene at the request of the owners or
representatives, if present, provided the vehicles can be safely parked and secured. Owners
must make arrangements for the immediate removal of their vehicles from the roadway. If a
vehicle cannot be removed within thirty minutes, the vehicle shall be towed.
5.27.9 In the event vehicles require towing by a wrecker, Officers shall call the appropriate tow company depending on the owner’s request or tow rotation.
5.27.10 Crashes involving a driver’s impairment due to drugs or alcohol will be handled as described
in other Departmental Directive 5.26, D.U.I. Enforcement.
FLORIDA TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT / USAGE – LONG FORM
5.27.11 F.S.S. 316.066 requires Officers to complete the long form (HSMV-90003 & HSMV90005) if the traffic crash investigation meets any of the following criteria:
1. If one or more of the vehicles involved is a city or other governmental agency vehicle, or vehicles leased or borrowed by the city;
2. If the crash results in a death, visible injury, or an injury which requires immediate medical assistance to any person;
3. If the crash involves a violation of F.S.S. 316.193 regarding DUI;
4. If the crash involves a violation of;
a. 316.027 - Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving a Death or Injury, or
b. 316.061 - Leaving the Scene of a Crash Resulting Only in Damage to a Vehicle or Other
Property Which is Driven or Attended By Any Person, or
5. If any vehicle involved is a commercial vehicle as defined on the Florida Traffic Crash Report
and one of the vehicles has to be towed from the scene or assisted (such as up righting by a
tow company) in order to be removed.
5.27.12 To comply with the statewide crash classification system, Officers shall follow the instructions provided for report completion.
5.27.13 Officers will complete the driver’s exchange for the persons involved. Officers shall ensure
each party involved in the crash is given a copy. If an involved party is hospitalized, a copy
will be delivered to the hospital or arrangements made for delivery or pick up.
5.27-5
5.27.14 Section number 1 of the report shall be used for the driver, pedal cyclist, pedestrian, or vehicle which was primarily responsible for the traffic crash.
5.27.15 When a traffic crash report is completed, any driver of a motor vehicle, regardless of whether
or not they are the owner, may be given a citation for an insurance violation under F.S.S.
316.066(3)(a).
5.27.16 The completion of the Long Form Crash Report will include a narrative and a diagram
(HSMV-90005). The narrative will include all pertinent and relative information, including
but not limited to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Details of how the crash occurred;
Any arrest made;
The event numbers of related incident, if any;
Witness and/or driver statements, if conflicting stories or fault was not determined.
NOTE: Any unverified information should be listed only in the narrative of the report and
clearly labeled as unverified.
5.27.17Long forms will be completed within 24 hours. Completed forms will be turned into a supervisor for review. With supervisory approval, crashes involving a fatality may be turned in
later; however, no longer than 48 hours (with prior supervisor approval).
FLORIDA TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT / USAGE – SHORT FORM
5.27.18 Officers called to the scene of a traffic crash which meets the below listed criteria shall complete a short form crash report (HSMV Form 90006). The criteria are:
1. Damage to any vehicle or other property in an apparent amount of at least $500.00;
2. No person involved in the crash claiming injury, or an injury which requires medical assistance to any person, or dies as a result of the crash;
3. None of the drivers are in violation of the F.S.S. 316.193 regarding DUI;
4. None of the vehicles involved fit the requirement to complete a Florida Traffic Crash Report,
as stated in 5.27.47-54 of this Directive; and
5. There are no violations of;
a. 316.027 - Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving a Death or Injury, or
5.27-6
b. 316.061 - Leaving the Scene of a Crash Resulting Only in Damage to a Vehicle or Other
Property Which is Driven or Attended By Any Person.
NOTE: A Florida Traffic Crash Report Long Form may be filled out on any crash at the investigating Officer's discretion. (Examples may be driver’s license re-exam or hazmat spills).
When completing a Short Form Crash Report, the investigating Officer should complete
pages in their entirety. This includes all blocks, and the narrative. The diagram section
may be omitted on the Short Form. Only violations which contributed to the crash need
to be entered in the citation section.
c. The Officer will be responsible for ensuring that each driver receives a driver exchange of
information form (State of Florida DRIVER EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION - HSMV
90006).
d. Drivers should be instructed to remove property damage crashes from the road as quickly
as possible.
e. Short forms will be completed within 24 hours. Completed forms will be turned into a supervisor for review.
CRASHES THAT REQUIRE A DRIVER’S EXCHANGE FORM / DRIVER’S REPORT
TRAFFIC CRASH (90006)
OF
5.27.19 If total damage is apparently less than $500, a Driver Exchange of Information shall be
completed in place of the Crash Report.
5.27.20 The “Driver’s Exchange” box shall be marked and the drivers will not be required to make
any further notifications to DHSMV.
5.27.21 Officers shall complete the Driver Exchange of Information and provide each driver,
bicyclist or pedestrian with a copy of said form.
5.27.22 If there are any indications that discrepancies between drivers may occur, a short form should
be completed.
HIT AND RUN INVESTIGATIONS
5.27.23 The investigating Officer is responsible for the initial investigation in all hit and run cases
and follow-up any investigative leads learned at the time of the crash. The follow-up of cases not completed by the investigating Officer will be conducted by the Traffic Unit.
5.27.24 Hit and run cases not completed within 48 hours will be forwarded to the Special Operations
Sergeant who will be responsible for assigning the follow-up investigation or suspending the
5.27-7
case. The Special Operations Sergeant may however refer the case back to the Officer who
completed the initial investigation.
5.27.25 If adequate suspect vehicle information is available, Officers will direct Communications to
broadcast a vehicle BOLO.
5.27.26 It is important that the investigating Officer provide the victim of the hit and run with the
proper phone number(s) and how to contact the investigating Officer if new information or
the need arises.
5.27.27 When hit and run investigations involving injury, death, or attended property are conducted,
a Florida Traffic Crash Report (long form) will be completed.
NOTE: The Long Form is required by statute even if there is no follow-up information on a
occupied hit and run.
5.27.28 It is important that all of the Officer's findings are listed in the narrative of the incident report
when it is required.
1. Information which has not been verified by the investigating Officer must not be documented in
the blocks of the Crash Report. It should be listed in the narrative of the Crash Report and
identified as unverified information. Once the investigation has been completed and the information has been verified, it should be placed in the appropriate blocks of the Traffic Crash Report, or the Traffic Crash Update Report (HSMV-90004) if the original report has been turned
in.
2. If there is insufficient suspect information to conduct a follow-up investigation, the investigating officer should suspend the case in the narrative of the Traffic Crash Report. Any further
follow-up information should be written in a Crash Update Report.
5.27.29 Officers are required to:
1. If the vehicle is present at the scene, complete section 1 with all known information about the
vehicle, to include any insurance information;
2. Obtain complete information on witnesses and victims. Record the home and work telephone
numbers in the witness block on the Incident Report. If possible, obtain sworn written statements from the victim and any witnesses.
3. Collect any debris on the scene that could be used to identify the hit and run vehicle. Submit
the items into Property and Evidence and note this in the narrative of the Incident Report.
4. When a tag number is given for the suspect vehicle, complete a registration check through teletype and attach a copy to the report.
5.27-8
5. If the suspect vehicle and driver are located during the Officer’s tour of duty, complete the report with all the information and issue the appropriate traffic citations / arrest.
NOTE: If the suspect’s location is believed to be within a neighboring jurisdiction, Officers
shall attempt to make contact with the agency having jurisdiction. If the neighboring
agency is able to make contact with the suspect, the Officer shall respond to the location
and complete the investigation. Leaving the city limits requires supervisory approval.
6. Complete a narrative and include all information known about the driver and vehicle. If there are
no investigative leads, the Officer should state, “Due to lack of any investigative leads, this case
should be considered INACTIVE”. Advise the victim that the case will be followed-up by an Officer from the Traffic Division if the case is considered active.
7. When a case will be followed up by the Traffic Division, Officers will NOT determine fault in the
report.
8. When directed by a supervisor officers shall call for assistance from another agency when necessary. Examples when assistance may be necessary include:
a. There is serious injury or death,
b. There is serious injury or death, and the evidence left at the scene could result in an arrest by the investigating Officer and / or Traffic Homicide Investigator,
c. In the opinion of the investigating Officer, a photographic record should be made of
the investigation,
d. The crash involves a DeLand Police Department vehicle,
e. They are requested to do so by an investigator or supervisor, or
f. Hazardous material is present.
5.27.30 In Hit and Run investigations involving a life threatening injury or death of any person,
Officers will:
a. Notify a supervisor,
b. Summon a Traffic Homicide Investigator, and
c. Follow the procedures for crashes involving a life threatening injury or death as outlined in
Article VII of this Directive.
5.27-9
5.27.31 If a hit and run vehicle is located and the investigating Officer is unable to locate the driver,
they shall:
1. If deemed necessary call for a wrecker and tow the suspect vehicle;
2. Seek supervisory approval prior to placing a hold on the vehicle for a follow-up investigation;
3. If applicable, place a hold on the vehicle for follow-up investigation; and
a. The hit and run vehicle may be towed from public or private property if the vehicle is in
plain view and is being seized as evidence. The vehicle shall not be towed if it is secured
within a structure (such as a garage or fenced area secured by a lock) which would have to
be forcibly entered to remove the vehicle, unless consent to enter is given or the Officer
has obtained a search warrant.
b. If the suspect is cited or physically arrested for the hit and run, the vehicle need not be
towed, unless it is stolen or other mitigating circumstances exist which warrant towing the
vehicle.
5.27.32 When a hit and run vehicle is towed and held for follow-up, it will be the investigating Officer's responsibility to remove the hold from the vehicle.
5.27.33 All holds must be removed prior to the conclusion of the investigation.
5.27.34 The hit and run vehicle should be held only as long as justified by the investigation.
5.27.35 When hit and run investigations are not conducted at the scene, Officers should exercise
discretion in determining if a citizen made every effort to comply with F.S.S. 316.027,
316.061, 316.063, and 316.065 in attempting to report the hit and run.
LIFE THREATENING INJURY AND / OR FATALTRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATION
PROCEDURES
5.27.36 Officers called to the scene of a traffic crash involving a life threatening injury and/or death
are required to:
1. Protect the scene for processing in the same manner as a major crime scene;
2. Request a Traffic Homicide Investigator and supervisor respond to the scene;
3. The supervisor may call an outside agency at their discretion.
NOTE: If the scene of the crash has been cleaned up, witnesses released, and drivers cited and
released before the investigating officer learns that the injuries to one or more individu-
5.27-10
als are life threatening, there is no need to call out a Traffic Homicide Investigator. Note
all the circumstances in the report and forward the report to the Special Operations
Sergeant.
4. In cases of fatalities, the Medical Examiner will be contacted as directed by the Traffic Homicide Investigator.
5. Conduct the on-site investigation to include;
a. Assisting the injured;
b. Not advising the driver(s) their Miranda rights (the Traffic Homicide Investigator
will be responsible for administering rights);
c. Reestablishing a smooth traffic flow
d. Maintaining a Crime Scene Contamination Sheet; and
e. Locating and detaining all witnesses for the Traffic Homicide investigator, and obtain
their information for future follow-up if they are unable to remain at the scene.
6. Assist the Traffic Homicide investigator as needed;
a. The issuance of traffic citations at the scene of a life threatening injury or fatality is the
responsibility of the Traffic Homicide Investigator;
b. Officers may issue those citations at the scene as directed by the Traffic Homicide Investigator.
7. If the crash involves a fatality, the Traffic Homicide Investigator will conduct a criminal investigation at the scene and will also provide for;
a. The collecting of additional data by:
(1) Interviewing the victim's family and friends,
(2) Obtaining a Medical Examiner's Report, and
(3) Interviewing hospital personnel, mechanics, and other experts.
b. Obtaining and recording formal statements from witnesses.
c. Preparing formal reports supporting any criminal charges arising from the crash; and
5.27-11
d. Obtaining expert and technical assistance such as mechanics, surveyors, physicians,
crash Reconstructionist, etc., in cooperation with the State Attorney's Office, as necessary.
NOTE: Only in cases which are going to be prosecuted will the services of a traffic crash Reconstructionist be requested. If needed, the crash Reconstructionist will be requested by
the Special Operations Sergeant.
8. Coordinate with the Traffic Homicide Investigator concerning the disposition of the vehicles.
Vehicles involved in fatal traffic crashes or crashes in which a death appears imminent can be
released to owners or their representatives if the Traffic Homicide Investigator called to the
scene authorizes the release;
9. If an Officer is called to a hospital regarding the death of an individual which resulted from injuries sustained in a traffic crash which occurred previously (i.e., several hours earlier or on another date and time), a Traffic Homicide Investigator shall respond and complete a Traffic
Crash Update Report (HSMV-90004). This report shall document the following;
a. The full name (first, middle, and last,) of the deceased victim,
b. The date and time the victim was pronounced dead,
c. The name of the physician pronouncing the individual as deceased, and
d. The attending physician's statement that the individual died as a result of injuries sustained in the traffic crash.
10. If an Officer is called to a hospital regarding the death of an individual which resulted from injuries sustained in a traffic crash which occurred in another jurisdiction (i.e., another county or
state), or the crash was investigated by another agency within this jurisdiction (F.H.P., Volusia
County, etc.), the responding Officer shall have communications notify the appropriate investigating agency within that jurisdiction. It will be the responsibility of the agency conducting
the original investigation to complete the Traffic Crash Update Report.
5.27.37 Supervisors called to the scene of a traffic crash involving a life threatening injury and/or
death are required to ensure that:
1. All activities at the scene are coordinated. This includes evidence gathering, assistance for the
Traffic Homicide Investigator (if needed), the safe rerouting of traffic, contacting needed support units, and requesting the PIO.
2. Witnesses are asked to remain at the scene for the primary interview by the Traffic Homicide
Investigator;
3. Ensure the Division Deputy Chief is notified;
5.27-12
4. The requirements of the Officer's investigation are in order and being completed; and
5. The victim’s next-of-kin are notified and inform the Traffic Homicide Investigator after notification has been made.
TRAFFIC HOMICIDE INVESTIGATOR’S
RESPONSIBILITIES
5.27.38 The Traffic Homicide Investigator’s primary responsibility will be to conduct a criminal investigation of the crash.
5.27.39 If available, two (2) Traffic Homicide Investigators will respond to the scene of crashes involving life threatening injuries or death.
1. One Traffic Homicide Investigator will be responsible for working the traffic crash and conducting the criminal investigation.
2. The other responding Traffic Homicide Investigator will be responsible for assisting the primary Traffic Homicide Investigator with necessary tasks.
5.27.40 The Investigator must determine whether the crash was the result of murder, suicide, DUI,
manslaughter, vehicular homicide, or civil traffic infraction.
5.27.41 The Traffic Homicide Investigator has the following responsibilities:
1. Coordinate the photographing and collection of evidence;
2. Coordinate the security of the crime scene with the field supervisor;
3. Interview all witnesses and drivers at the scene if possible. Advise them a criminal investigation is being conducted;
4. Advise the drivers of their Miranda rights;
5. Take measurements of the scene;
6. If the crash involves a suspected DUI driver, obtain (or direct another Officer to obtain) a
blood sample from the suspect. Blood samples shall be obtained according to DUI procedures.
7. Ensure that the crash vehicles are towed to the custody wrecker yard and stored in the indoor,
secured area;
5.27-13
8. Ensure the next-of-kin has been notified (if not done by the field supervisor);
9. Request Communications notify the Medical Examiner’s Investigator and provide him with
the information on the case. A copy of the Death Investigation Report shall be faxed to the
Medical Examiner’s Office;
10. Complete the Reporting of Traffic Fatality form and ensure teletype is sent to the appropriate
agencies;
11. Complete and fax the required FHP Fatality Report.
5.27.42 The Special Operations Sergeant will review the Investigator’s paperwork for completeness
and accuracy.
5.27.43 Traffic Homicide Investigators shall be required to complete (at a minimum) the “Scene
Traffic Crash Traffic Homicide Investigation”, an 80-hour training course, prior to conducting a traffic fatality investigation.
TRAFFIC CRASHES INVOLVING A CITY OF DELAND VEHICLE
(EXCLUDING DPD VEHICLES)
5.27.44 Officers summoned to investigate traffic crashes involving City owned or leased vehicles
transporting passengers shall follow these procedures:
1. Complete a Traffic Crash Report Long Form;
2. Information on all injured passengers will be entered on the crash report; and,
3. Take photographs of damage and/or injuries.
5.27.45 Officers shall conduct an investigation following the same procedures as with any other traffic crash.
5.27.46 If injuries occur, the injured employee’s supervisor will be responsible for ensuring a City
Accident Investigation Report is completed and routed to Risk Management. In addition, the
supervisor will be responsible for ensuring proper personnel have been notified (such as
chain-of-command, city safety specialist, etc.).
5.27.47 The Deputy Chief of Operations will ensure Risk Management is notified and provided a
copy of the City Accident Report and photographs.
TRAFFIC CRASHES/INCIDENTS INVOLVING DELAND POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLES
(INCLUDING COVERT VEHICLES)
5.27-14
5.27.48 Officers summoned to investigate traffic crashes involving DeLand Police Department vehicles shall notify their immediate supervisor.
5.27.49 The Officer shall investigate the crash unless:
1. The on duty supervisor requests an outside agency to conduct the investigation;
2. Serious injury and/or death.
5.27.50 If responsible for the investigation, Officers will complete a long form Traffic Crash Report
and ensure photographs are taken of any property damage.
5.27.51 Incidents where a DeLand Police Department vehicle suffers damage by criminal acts, an Offense/Incident Report will be required. Found damage will be reported without delay to the
Officer’s supervisor.
5.27.52 Supervisors are responsible for:
1. Responding promptly to the scene;
2. Reviewing the circumstances of the traffic crash and ensuring the investigation is properly
conducted and reported;
3. Coordinating the activities at the crash scene and ensuring that they are properly handled;
4. Act as a liaison between the Police Department and FHP and provide any assistance which is
requested by FHP;
5. Ensuring the City’s policy on drug-free workplace is followed;
6. Notifying Risk Management;
7. Insuring that photographs of the crash scene are taken.
5.27.53 All DeLand Police Department vehicles involved in traffic crashes or incidents where there
is significant damage, whether visible or not, and there is a safety concern, will be inspected
by the Fleet Manager prior to going back into service. For minor damage, putting the vehicle
back into service will be at the discretion of the on-duty supervisor.
5.27.54 The DeLand Police Department shall review all police vehicle crashes.
1. The Officer’s immediate supervisor will be responsible for forwarding to the Deputy Chief a
synopsis of the incident with his / her recommendation as to whether the crash was “Preventable” or “Not Preventable”, along with any suggestions for remedial training or other actions.
5.27-15
2. The Deputy Chief shall review each case and consult with the Chief of Police regarding any
action.
3. Cases determined preventable may subject the vehicle operator to disciplinary actions or remedial training. Such actions shall be based on a review of the evidence including but not
limited to, Officer’s driving history including accident history and any facts or mitigating circumstances specific to each incident.
4. All paperwork associated with employee crashes (in a city-owned vehicle) shall be kept with
the Deputy Chief of Operations. ALL ORIGINAL CRASH REPORTS WILL BE FILED
IN RECORDS.
DUI CRASH INVESTIGATIONS
5.27.55 Members are to carefully observe all parties involved in a traffic crash, paying particular attention to the behavior, attitude, speech, physical condition, balance and other characteristics
which may indicate impairment on the part of any driver.
5.27.56 If signs of impairment are observed, the member shall, at the conclusion of the traffic crash
investigation, conduct a criminal investigation to determine if probable cause of DUI exists.
5.27.57 When probable cause of DUI exists, the driver shall be arrested.
1. Every effort should be made to ensure that an appropriate test is performed to determine the
driver’s blood alcohol content or the presence of chemical or controlled substance, if warranted. If the suspected DUI driver has caused death or serious bodily injury to any human being,
the member shall require the driver to submit to a blood test.
2. If a blood sample is obtained and the driver is going to be admitted to a hospital, the member
shall immediately notify the on-duty supervisor and brief him / her of the circumstances of the
case. The member in consultation with the supervisor will determine the proper course of action.
a. When the driver is not a flight threat due to the severity of his / her injuries, hospital personnel shall be requested to notify the investigating officer when the driver is going to be
released. Once released the driver shall be arrested and processed.
b.
If the driver is a flight threat, the officer shall place the driver under arrest and make arrangements to ensure a guard is stationed with the prisoner at all times.
MISCELLANEOUS CRASH
5.27-16
INVESTIGATIONS
5.27.58 Officers are required to report any crash involving an all-terrain vehicle (using the long form)
which results in the death of any person or injury to any person which results in the treatment
of that person by a physician (Reference F.S.S. 316.2074(5)). All Traffic Homicide procedures will be followed.
DRAFTED: BCM—6/2003
REVISED: GRB---11/2006
REVISED: JWA---01/2008
5.27-17