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First Things to Do at an Accident Scene, Part V

NCJ Number
200648
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 51 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2003 Pages: 12,14
Author(s)
Joseph Badger
Date Published
May 2003
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article offers practical advice to police officers responding to the scene of traffic accidents.
Abstract
The author begins by advising police officers on how to question witnesses at the scene of a traffic accident. Questioning several people, rather than just one or two, is the best way to get a full account of what happened. It is also important, when reporting to the scene of an accident, to keep the police car out of the scene of the crime and to position the police car in such a way as to keep oneself and victims of the accident safe. It is also suggested that police officers quickly get the names of all people involved in the accident, especially if victims will be leaving for the hospital. It is easier to track people down later if their names are known. Another piece of advice offered in the article is that police officers should quickly take control of the accident scene so that evidence is preserved. An officer should also know very quickly whether backup is necessary and what type of backup is needed. If there are injuries, the officer should quickly ascertain how serious the injuries are so that backup can respond appropriately. Taking control of the accident scene also means that evidence will be better preserved. Finally, the article urges officers to take many pictures of the accident scene; these photographs may come in handy later, especially if there is a lawsuit over the accident.