Traffic_Collision_Reporting

Policy 501CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/26, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentTraffic Collision Reporting - 1Traffic Collision Reporting 501.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The CSU Police Department prepares traffic collision reports in compliance with the California Highway Patrol Collision Investigation Manual (CIM) and as a public service makes traffic collision reports available to the community with some exceptions. 501.2 RESPONSIBILITY The Chief of Police or designee will be responsible for distribution of the Collision Investigation Manual. The Chief of Police or designee will receive all changes in the state manual and ensure conformity with this policy. 501.3 TRAFFIC COLLISION REPORTING All traffic collision reports taken by members of this department shall be entered into the Records Management System. The Records Supervisor will be responsible for annual reports on traffic collision statistics to be forwarded to the Patrol Division Commander, or other persons as required. 501.4 REPORTING SITUATIONS 501.4.1 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS INVOLVING STATE VEHICLES Traffic collision investigation reports shall be taken when a State-owned vehicle is involved in a traffic collision upon a roadway or highway wherein any damage or injury results. A general information report may be taken in lieu of a traffic collision report (CHP 555 form) at the direction of a supervisor when the collision occurs on private property or does not involve another vehicle. Whenever a member of this department driving a State owned vehicle is involved in a traffic collision, required official forms shall also be completed and forwarded to a Lieutenant. The Watch Commander shall fill out the Department of General Services (DGS) State Driver Accident Review Form and the DGS Vehicle Accident Report Form. Both forms shall be sent to University Risk Management and the State Office of Risk and Insurance Management. A copy of the forms will be given to the state driver. Photographs of the collision scene and vehicle damage shall be taken at the discretion of the traffic investigator or any supervisor. 501.4.2 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS WITH POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES When an employee of this department, either on-duty or off-duty, is involved in a traffic collision within the jurisdiction of the CSU Police Department resulting in a serious injury or fatality, the Lieutenant or the Watch Commander, may notify the local police department or the California Highway Patrol for assistance. The term serious injury is defined as any injury that may result in a fatality. CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Traffic Collision Reporting Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/26, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentTraffic Collision Reporting - 2501.4.3 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS WITH OTHER STATE EMPLOYEES OR OFFICIALS The Lieutenant or Watch Commander may request assistance from the local police department or California Highway Patrol for the investigation of any traffic collision involving any State official or employee where a serious injury or fatality has occurred. 501.4.4 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY In compliance with the Collision Investigation Manual, traffic collision reports shall not be taken for traffic collisions occurring on private property unless there is a death or injury to any person involved, a hit-and-run violation, or Vehicle Code violation (including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs). An Incident Report may be taken at the discretion of any supervisor i.e. property damage only). 501.4.5 TRAFFIC COLLISIONS ON ROADWAYS OR HIGHWAYS Traffic collision reports shall be taken when they occur on a roadway or highway within the jurisdiction of this department under any of the following circumstances: (a)When there is a death or injury to any persons involved in the collision 1.The appropriate Lieutenant or Watch Commander should request assistance from the local Police Department or California Highway Patrol for the investigation of any traffic collision where a fatality has occurred. (b)When there is an identifiable violation of the Vehicle Code (including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs) (c)When a report is requested by any involved driver (d)Public/mass transportation vehicles. 1.California Highway Patrol shall handle school bus collisions (pursuant to Vehicle Code section 12517.1) 2.Local Police Department should be notified of collisions involving City public buses. 501.5 RESPONSE TO COLLISION SCENE The first officer on scene should do the following as needed: (a)Advise Dispatch of: 1.Exact location of traffic collision; 2.Number of vehicles involved; 3.Injury or non-injury/number of persons injured; 4.If there is a need for emergency services (fire/paramedics); and 5.If additional police units are needed to assist in caring for injured parties or diverting traffic. (b)Secure the scene, preserve evidence, and prevent other vehicles from becoming involved in the collision scene. CSU Police Department Systemwide Policy Manual Traffic Collision Reporting Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/26, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by CSU Police DepartmentTraffic Collision Reporting - 3(c)Identify injured parties: 1.Provide extent of injuries to Dispatch; 2.Administer emergency medical care (basic life support) until emergency services (fire/paramedics) arrives, if needed. (d)Identify any fire hazards and/or hazardous materials: 1.On collisions involving any fire hazard or actual fire, any officer arriving prior to the fire department should make every effort to handle initial fire suppression pursuant to their training if safe to do so. 2