Policy Text
TRAFFIC CRASH INVESTIGATION
EFFECTIVE DATE: 06/01/97 STANDARD NO. 012 REVISED: 06/19/18
REPLACES: SOP Accident Investigations 01-02.1-6 (A) – Rev. 01/01/03; Rev. 03/01/12
OBJECTIVE: To provide procedures for traffic crash investigations.
POLICY: It is the policy of the Homestead Police Department (HPD) to provide emergency
assistance to persons injured in crashes, to protect the crash scene, to conduct
at-scene and follow-up investigations, and to take proper enforcement action.
SCOPE: All employees of this Department shall be governed by the procedures set forth
below.
I. GENERAL:
A. Dispatch will dispatch an officer(s) to respond to the scene of all traffic crashes occurring
in the City of Homestead. If the crash is outside the City limits of Homestead, the
dispatcher will notify the correct agency.
B. When notified of a traffic crash occurring within the jurisdiction of the City of Homestead,
the dispatcher shall dispatch to the scene:
1. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, if injuries are reported.
2. A Traffic Homicide Investigator (THI), if available, or;
3. A Motorcycle Unit officer, if available, or;
4. A Uniform Patrol Division (UPD) officer, and;
5. Whatever support units are requested by the investigating officer or the first
officer on the scene.
C. A THI will be dispatched or called in if:
1. A fatality occurs.
2. The on-scene Fire Rescue supervisor determines that an injured person’s
condition is deemed critical or a trauma.
3. If there are no THI’s on duty, the on-call investigator shall be contacted to
respond. If HPD THI cannot respond, the on-duty Uniform Patrol Captain will be
notified.
D. In the event of a fatality or critical injury as described in Section C above, THI will write
the Traffic Homicide Report and Florida Crash Report.
Traffic Crash Investigation – SOP# 012
E. Officers shall investigate all crashes reported to HPD and complete proper reports
unless drivers and witnesses are gone, and there is no apparent property damage.
F. Upon arrival at a crash scene, the first officer to respond shall attempt to:
1. Park the patrol vehicle in such a way as to provide and maintain maximum
protection of the crash scene, physical evidence, and all persons and vehicles.
2. Be alert for the presence of special hazards including fire, chemical spills or
gasses, electrical hazards, and/or other dangerous conditions. If such conditions
exist, appropriate agencies should be notified to respond and the hazard(s)
minimized as quickly as possible.
3. Summon necessary medical support units and administer emergency first aid
and/or begin basic life support, if needed.
4. Summon additional assistance if needed (e.g., additional officer(s), tow truck).
5. Protect the crash scene and preserve evidence.
6. Establish a safe traffic pattern around the scene.
7. Locate and interview drivers and principals to the investigation as well as any
witnesses.
8. Expedite the removal of vehicles, persons, and debris from the roadway. Prior to
moving vehicles at the scene, ascertain if it meets the criteria for THI to respond.
If so, do not remove vehicles, persons, and/or debris without approval from the
THI unit assigned.
G. Chain of command at crash scenes NOT involving fatalities or critical injuries:
1. The first uniform officer arriving at a crash scene will be in charge of the scene
until relieved by a supervisor or other officer assigned to handle and complete
the crash investigation.
2. The uniform officer in charge of the crash scene will designate specific duties to
other officers at the scene, e.g., to aid in gathering witnesses and maintaining a
safe flow of traffic around the crash scene.
H. Uniform officers shall submit all traffic crash reports by the end of their shift. If the
investigation is incomplete, they shall notify their supervisor.