POL 109 - Accident Investigations and OWI Laws

1. Discuss principles and practices of traffic crash reporting and investigation
2. Demonstrate  how to measure and sketch crash scenes, collect evidence and interview witnesses in the field
3. Describe Michigan OWI laws and demonstrate Standardized Field Sobriety testing

 
Course Outline:
I. Identify the elements of a motor vehicle crash

A. Determine that it was an unintentional event

B. Determine that there is damage ($1,000) and/or injury or death

C. Determine that the crash took place on a public highway

II. Determine if drivers have fulfilled their responsibilities as mandated by law

A. Stopped and remained at the scene

B. Identify themselves to others involved

C. Rendered aid when needed

III. Determine whether an officer has authority to take enforcement action at a traffic crash

A. Conducts a personal investigation of the traffic crash

B. Establish reasonable cause that a civil infraction, misdemeanor or a felony has been committed

IV. Take precautions to prevent additional crashes at the traffic accident scene

A. Evaluate scene, park patrol car in best position to protect people/vehicles

B. Facilitate the flow of uninvolved traffic

V. Set priorities for action at a traffic crash scene

A. Consider the number of vehicles, extent of injuries, other hazards

B. Determine the proper sequence of activities

VI. Request assistance at a traffic crash scene

A. Access the need for EMS, utilities, public works department, road commission

B. Additional officers for traffic control activities

VII. Direct activities at the scene of the traffic crash investigation

A. Identify personnel resources available

B. Direct persons who are assisting; wrecker drivers, fire fighters, utility personnel

VIII. Secure the traffic crash scene to protect evidence

A. Tape off area if needed

B. Cover bodies of pedestrian, motorists

C. Protect delicate evidence from contamination

IX. Determine whether or not to photograph the traffic crash scene

A. Seriousness of the crash

B. Department policy

X. Complete the State of Michigan Traffic Crash Report form (UD-10)

A. Obtain the proper documents

B. Record the information on the UD-10 form

XI. Identify persons involved in a traffic crash

A. Ask persons at the scene about their involvement

B. Interview persons separately

C. Search scene for person who may have witnessed the crash

XII. Identify the owner of vehicles involved in the traffic crash

A. Interview the persons who claim to be drivers

B. Check the appropriate documents

C. Verify information through the LEIN system

D. Request vehicle information using the VIN

XIII. Locate witnesses to a traffic crash

A. Ask drivers and bystanders if they can identify witnesses

B. Solicit bystanders by asking what they saw; avoid the word “witness”

C. Canvas neighborhood in serious crashes

XIV. Interview persons involved in the traffic crash

A. Separate all persons involved

B. Advise suspects of Miranda Rights if needed

C. Obtain a written statement from drivers, passengers and witnesses in serious crashes

D. Arrange for the appropriate place to conduct the interview or interrogation

XV. Draw a field sketch at the scene of the crash

A. Include such things as: area of impact, final resting position, traffic control devices, table of measurements

B. Identify such things as: date, time, location, weather condition, road and light condition

C. Location of north and not to scale; (NTS)

XVI. Take measurements at a traffic crash scene for the field sketch

A. Locate the most temporary objects before they are removed

B. Include skid marks, point of impact, road width, resting place of vehicles

XVII. Diagram a traffic crash

A. Record the measurements captured on the field sketch

B. Draw finished diagram using a legend to identify objects and items of evidence

C. Handle diagram as evidence

XVIII. Search the traffic crash scene for physical evidence

A. Determine what evidence is most important

B. Obtain additional assistance if needed

C. Search starting from the area of impact and work outward

XIX. Collect and document physical evidence from the traffic crash scene

A. Identify those things that have real evidential value

B. Photograph first, collect using a proper container, label properly

XX. Identify point(s) of impact at a traffic crash scene

A. Locate physical evidence: gouge marks, liquids, debris

B. Interview drivers and witnesses

XXI. Measure skid marks

A. Identify the various types of skid marks

B. Measure from an identifiable beginning and end of the mark

C. Measure using appropriate equipment (e.g. tape, wheel, etc.)

XXII. Inspect vehicle for fresh damage

A. Determine if it is necessary to impound the vehicle as evidence

B. Inspect vehicle to determine the type of damage present

C. Determine if damage is fresh

XXIII. Test the operating condition of a traffic crash vehicle’s equipment

A. Interview witnesses to determine if a vehicle defect contributed to the crash

B. Inspect the vehicle for the defect

C. Arrange for expert evaluation of the vehicle d. Record the findings

XXIV. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between types of crashes and the injury/trauma occurring to unrestrained passengers

A. Identify the three crashes that often take place in a single car crash

B. Identify the various types of crashes

C. Describe how each one contributes to human injuries

XXV. Follow up the extent of personal injuries resulting from

a traffic crash

A. Determine if follow up is necessary

B. Contact medical personnel as needed

C. Obtain autopsy reports as needed

D. Submit a supplemental report after a death

XXVI. Review the traffic crash with crash investigators

A. Provide the investigator with all of the documents

B. Ask for their evaluation and recommendation

XXVII. Determine the contributing factors in a traffic crash

A. Interview drivers and witnesses

B. Evaluate the physical evidence

C. Submit your conclusion

XXVIII. Determine fault in the crash

A. Consult others if needed (e.g. crash reconstructionists, medical examiners)

B. Determine the primary, definable cause of the crash

XXIX. Issue a citation in the crash

A. Determine if a violation of the law has occurred

B. Decide if it is a civil infraction, misdemeanor or a felony

C. Record the citation charge on the UD-8

XXX. Determine what constitutes an OWI/OUID driving related Offense

A. Operation of a vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic liquor

B. Operation of a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance

C. Operation of a vehicle while under the influence of a combination of controlled substance and liquor

D. Operation of a vehicle while less than 21 years of age and having any bodily alcohol content or a BAS of 0.02 grams or more.

XXXI. Identify those traffic related offenses where alcohol or controlled substances in the blood are admissible.

XXXII. Identify the Elements necessary in order to obtain an OWI conviction

XXXIII. Determine when an arrest can be made for an OWI related driving offense at the scene of a traffic crash

XXXIV. Demonstrate knowledge of applied consent

XXXV.  Administer the accepted field sobriety test

XXXVI. Process the OWI suspect

XXXVII. Prepare for the OWI prosecution

Demonstrations and practical exercises: 40-60%
Mandatory Course Components:
None
Equivalent Courses:
None