Policy Text
DEPARTMENTAL Rev.
GENERAL
ORDER J-2
1 Feb 02
Ref: CALEA
Standard 61.2.1-4;
61.3.1; 83.1.1
Index as:
Statewide Integrated Traffi c Records System (SWITRS)
SWITRS (Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System)
Traffic Collision Investigation and Reporting Traffic Collision Scene Management Vehicle Collision Investigation and Reporting
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TRAFFIC COLLISION SCENE MANAGEMENT,
INVESTIGATION AND REPORTING
The purpose of this order is to adopt the St atewide Integrated Traffic Records System
(SWITRS) and to implement the Californi a Automated Reporting System (CARS). The
order also establishes guidelines for managing traffic collision scenes and to set forth policy
and procedures for the investigation and reporting of traffic collisions occurring within the City of Oakland.
I. POLICY FOR SCENE MANAGEMENT OF TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
The following actions shall be taken as applicable:
A. The priority of the first officer upon arri val at the scene of a traffic collision
is to provide care for the injured and/or tend to the dead and to protect and
preserve the scene, thus preventi ng further injury. The officer may
accomplish this by the following actions:
1. The responding officer shall:
a. Administer first aid, as neces sary, to any injured party.
b. Request the response of the Fi re Department and emergency
medical personnel if not previously done by the
Communications Division.
c. Request additional personnel to th e scene, if needed, to assist
in towing or traffic control.
2. The on-scene supervisor or fatal tr affic collision investigator shall
ensure that the coroner is notif ied when the collision involves a
fatality.
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER J-2 Rev.
1 Feb 02 OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
B. Determine whether fire hazards and/or hazardous materials are involved and
take the appropriate action in accordance with the provisions of Departmental
General Order K-1, HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES.
C. Establish traffic control measures at the location of a collision to protect
individuals from further in jury and contamination of the scene. The perimeter
can be accomplished by any or all of the following methods:
1. Positioning of patrol vehicles) w ith emergency lights activated to
block oncoming traffic fr om entering the scene.
2. Setting up flare patterns to alert onc oming motorists of the hazard and
to direct the traffic away from the scene.
3. Assigning personnel to divert traffic away from or around the scene.
4. Using any other traffi c control devices (i.e., cones, yellow crime
scene tape, barriers) av ailable at the scene.
D. Maintain control of involv ed/uninvolved parties at the scene of a co llision to:
1. Ensure the safety of all persons.
2. Protect evidence and personal propert y that may be at the scene.
3. Keep uninvolved persons out of th e scene and prevent them from
interfering with fire department or medical personne l who are treating
the injured parties.
E. Identify, separate, and interview witnesses.
F. Remove involved vehicles.
1. The first officer at the scene of a tr affic collision shall determine if the
collision involves injury.
a. If it is a non-injury collision a nd the involved vehicles are
drivable, the officer shall mark the position of the vehicles.
The officer shall then have the vehicles moved out of the
traffic lanes to allow normal flow of traffic as soon as
practical.
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DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER J-2 Rev.
1 Feb 02 OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT
b. Vehicles involved in an injury collision, a collision resulting in
injuries likely to cause death or a fatal collision should not be
removed from the scene or point of rest. A supervisor or Fatal
Traffic Accident Investigator may authorize that the vehicles be marked and removed from th e scene if it is necessary to
provide medical care to any of the involved parties or to
protect the public from additional vehicle hazards and/or hazardous materials exposure.
2. Vehicle removal from the scene can be accomplished in several ways:
a. The vehicle(s) can be driven away from the scene.
b. The vehicle(s) may be towed at the request of the owner (O.R.
Tow) or at the request of the officer (OPD Tow).
G. Hit and Run Collisions
When an officer arrives on the scene and determines th e collision is a hit and
run collision, the officer should obtain, if possible, a desc ription of both the
suspect vehicle and the suspect driv er. The officer sh all broadcast the
information as soon as possible.
H. Hazards or Debris in the Roadway If a hazard or debris is in the roadway after a collision, the officer shall have
the roadway cleaned by either having th e responding tow truck driver sweep
up the debris or by requesting the approp riate agency to respond and remove
the hazard.
II. COLLISION INVESTIGATION AND REPORTING POLICY
The Statewide Integrated Traffic Reco rds System (SWITRS) produces eight
computer-generated reports each quarter re flecting tabulations a nd categorizations of
traffic collision activity with in the respective jurisdicti ons. These reports allow the
city to identify high collision frequency locations, high collision causing violations,
type of collisions, types and ag es of parties invol ved, and other information to assist
in the analysis of traffic collisions.
Personnel shall complete and submit a Co llision Report (CHP 555