Officers Dispatched to Traffic Crashes:
When directed to respond to a traffic crash, the officer will be informed of the exact location, the severity of the crash, whether traffic is blocked, and other units assigned (including ambulance, wrecker, and fire apparatus), to the extent that this information is available to the department.
Officers directed to respond to a crash scene should choose the best possible approach route, considering 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 response.
While en route to the scene, officers should be alert for vehicles which give an indication of involvement in the crash.
Crashes Encountered by Officers:
As soon as possible upon encountering an unreported traffic crash, officers will notify the dispatcher of the crash location, probable severity, injuries, and any other pertinent circumstances.
Approach and Arrival at Traffic Crashes:
When approaching the scene, officers should be aware of any possible evidence of contributing factors to the crash.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers should park police vehicles in such a way as to provide maximum protection to the scene. Officers should not jeopardize their patrol vehicles by placing them on the roadway in hazardous locations, unless the terrain makes this necessary.
Officers should assess the scene to determine needs for medical assistance or transportation, investigative assistance, traffic control or a supervisor.
Personal Injury Crashes:
In the event that injuries are present at the scene, officers shall check injured persons to identify those most seriously injured, and fatalities.
Officers shall administer appropriate emergency medical aid to injured persons. Officers will not attempt to administer medical aid or treatment beyond their capabilities. Officers will not permit incompetent volunteers to treat injured persons.
Officers shall summon appropriate medical assistance to the scene, and assist in getting persons seriously injured removed to medical facilities as soon as possible. If there is any question as to whether a person has expired, that person shall be removed to a medical facility.
In the event paramedic service is not available and will not be available for an extended period, and in the officer’s opinion the life of the injured person depends upon immediate professional medical aid, the injured person may be transported in a police vehicle. When injured persons are to be transported in police vehicles, preliminary emergency medical aid should be administered at the scene. Additional police personnel should be summoned to the scene to assist in the emergency and in protecting the scene. Officers transporting injured persons shall, to the best of their ability, ensure that the injured persons are properly attended to, and shall exercise due care and caution in driving.
Protecting the Scene and Clearing the Roadway:
Officers shall use the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights, flares, and other appropriate warning devices, as necessary to protect the victim, the scene, and to alert approaching traffic.
Officers will direct vehicles at the scene (emergency and otherwise) to be parked safely off the roadway as soon as practicable. Officers shall direct passersby (except witnesses) to leave the scene.
Officers will be alert to dangers at the crash scene, including but not limited to fire hazards and hazardous materials. Officers will initiate appropriate actions, in conformance with applicable departmental directives.
Officers will conduct traffic direction and control activities, as necessary. Traffic direction and control activities will conform to all applicable departmental directives.
Officers will wear the current, department approved vest while involved in traffic direction and control.
Investigation -- Reporting and Enforcement:
In general, the original officers dispatched to a crash will be in charge of the scene. If a supervisor or crash investigator arrives on the scene, the supervisor will take charge to ensure that all required tasks are carried out.
At all scenes where there is a fire or the presence of a hazardous material, the Fire Department will be in charge and responsible for the scene until the danger is under control.
Officers are responsible to safeguard crash victim's personal belongings, to prevent theft or pilferage. Property taken into police custody shall be handled in accordance with department property procedures.
Officers will conduct on-scene traffic crash investigative and reporting activities such as checking driving credentials and physical condition.
Officers will take enforcement action based on the evidence obtained from their investigative and reporting activities.
Clearing the Scene:
Officers will arrange for the prompt and safe removal of all involved vehicles and debris from the scene consistent with the need to first deal appropriately with injuries, hazards and to obtain and preserve evidence.
Officers will assist the drivers, as necessary, in safely entering the traffic stream.
Officers will arrange for the prompt removal (and proper disposal, if applicable) of all flares and other warning devices that may have been employed to protect the scene.
Officers will advise the dispatcher once they have cleared the incident with the appropriate disposition (i.e. advised, assisted, report, etc.).
Revised June 8, 2017