The Saint Paul Police Department has various levels of crash investigation. They are as follows:
- Basic – this level generally involves reporting and basic data collection responsibilities such as identifying witnesses, photographing evidence, etc.
- Technical – this level involves the identification, interpretation and preservation of physical evidence. Training is required to develop skills at this level.
- Reconstruction – the process of interpreting and analyzing evidence, applying physical laws and scientific principles, and develop conclusions about the causation / contributing factors for traffic crashes. A reconstruction will address specific questions related to an event. Training is required to develop skills at this level. Reconstruction related activities shall be conducted and/or directed by a sergeant from the forensic services unit.
The Saint Paul Police Department will train officers in the various areas of crash investigation. The crash response officer (CRO) shall attend training to learn how to properly identify, interpret, and preserve evidence found at crash scenes. The CRO will respond to certain crashes to assist the primary investigating officer and to properly process the crash scene. The CRO may also assist the crash reconstruction specialist at a crash scene.
A CRO shall be called to the scene of a crash in the following situations:
- All personal injury crashes with substantial bodily injury
- Any crash involving police personnel requiring ambulance transport.
- Squad crash over $5,000 in damage.
- Any unusual circumstances where an officer or supervisor deems CRO response necessary.
If CRO or crash reconstruction specialist is called to the scene, the scene should be protected and secured until arrival.
Revised June 8, 2017