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per the Property and EvidenceSOP’s.b. Deliver one copy of the 911 recording to the Records Section /Case Filing Unit who will assureit is included in the Case Fileforwarded to the State Attorney’s Office.III. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION ANDEVIDENCEAll information and physical evidence mustbe collected in a fashion that ensures accuracy and admissibility in Court.A. Interviewing Drivers / Witnesses:Members will be guided by the followingtechniques:1. Interview drivers and witnesses assoon as practical following thecrash. However, the questioningmay be delayed until the person hasreceived medical attention, regainedemotional stability, or has attendedto other urgent needs.2. Interview drivers and witnessesseparately and individually concerning the traffic crash. Members willdiscourage drivers and witnessesfrom discussing the crash amongstthemselves.3. Observe the physical, emotional andmental condition of the person beingquestioned.4. Interview witnesses as to their exactlocation when they witnessed thecrash, what they were doing, whatcalled their attention to the crashand what they saw, heard, or performed in response.5. Determine if the witness can placethe at-fault driver behind the wheelat the time of the crash.Original Date: 11/1/2001Revised Date: 03/04/2015File Name: SOP 231 - Traffic Crash Investigation.docB. Examining Vehicle Condition:Members will conduct a thorough examination of the damage sustained in thecrash. Examination and evaluation ofthe damaged area should coincide withother evidence and statements as tohow the crash occurred. The vehicledamage conditions are a very importantaspect of evidence evaluation. Thismay be of significant importance in establishing the circumstances surrounding the crash and justifying prosecutionfor a violation. When inspecting the vehicle, the Member will:1. Attempt to determine whether vehicle deficiencies contributed to thecrash or were merely a circumstance, which were present, but nota contributing factor.2. Note vehicle deficiencies, whichcontributed to the crash, on the Traffic Crash Report.C. Examining Road and Weather Conditions:In examining the condition of the road,Members will be alert for any foreignsubstance on the surface (sand, loosegravel, oil, etc.), note the condition ofthe surface (dry, slippery, wet, etc.), andnote the roadway markings for clarity orobscurity. When checking the roadwayMembers will:1. Check the road for any obstructionsto the drivers’ view, which existed atthe time of the crash. This includesparked vehicles, glare, backgroundlighting, foliage and structures (permanent or temporary).2. Check for the presence of trafficsigns and traffic control devices anddetermine if traffic lights are operating properly.3. Record weather conditions presentat the time of the collision to includerain, fog, smoke, etc.Page 5 of 12SOP #231

4. Note any roadway and/or environmental conditions in the TrafficCrash Report.D. Photographs:In most instances, the decision to photograph crash scenes will be left to thediscretion of the Investigator. However,in the following circumstances photographs are required:1. Crashes involving serious or lifethreatening injuries.2. Crashes involving any City owned orleased vehicle.3. Crashes involving damage to Cityproperty.4. Crashes involving potential liabilityto the City.IV. SEVERE PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS/LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES ORFATALITIESWhen the Member on-scene determinesthere is severe property damage or serious/life-threatening injuries, the scene willbe preserved until the arrival of a TrafficHomicide Investigator.A. Traffic Homicide Call-Out:If no Traffic Homicide Investigators areon duty, a Patrol Lieutenant will advisethe Teletype Unit to call-out the on-callTraffic Homicide Investigator(s) and oncall Traffic Supervisor.B. Witness Documentation:In the case of a fatal crash, witnessesare compelled to remain on-scene untilthe arrival of a Traffic Homicide Investigator. In the event that a witness mustleave, the Member will properly identifythe witness and document the following:3. Home address.4. Work address.5. Home phone number.6. Work phone number.7. E-mail address8. Cellular telephone number.C. Scene Security:Members will treat all serious injury orfatal crash scenes as crime scenes.1. The crime scene will be securedwith crime scene tape and a crimescene log will be started.2. Only Investigative Personnel assigned by the on-scene Traffic Homicide Supervisor will be permittedwithin the crime scene.3. Vehicle traffic will be re-routed toensure the safety of personnel andthe security of the crime scene.D. Scene Supervision:Upon arrival at the scene of a crash withlife-threatening injury or death, a TrafficHomicide Investigator will assume responsibility of the scene until the arrivalof the Traffic Homicide Supervisor. TheTHI will advise the on-scene Supervisorof any need for assistance (i.e. scenesecurity, perimeter boundaries, trafficcontrol, etc.).The THI will request the assistance ofsupport personnel, as needed. Supportpersonnel may include:1. Additional Police Officers.2. Crime Scene Unit.1. Name.3. Medical Examiner’s Office Personnel.2. Date of birth.4. Wrecker Service.Original Date: 11/1/2001Revised Date: 03/04/2015File Name: SOP 231 - Traffic Crash Investigation.docPage 6 of 12SOP #231

5. Fire Rescue.6. Mutual AidE. Next of Kin NotificationIf the victim dies at the scene of a trafficcrash, Members of the Traffic HomicideUnit will make the next of kin notificationeither in person or with the assistance ofan outside Police Agency. If the victimdies at the hospital, the attending physician or social worker from the hospitalwill make the next of kin notification.Members of the Traffic Homicide Unitwill then conduct a follow up meetingwith the next of kin.F. On-Scene Determination of Death:Hollywood Fire Rescue will make the ultimate decision if death has occurred.They will be responsible for monitoringrescue operations to ensure physical evidence is not unnecessarily disturbed.G. F.H.P. Notification:The Florida Highway Patrol will be notified by the THI whenever a driver, passenger, pedestrian or bicyclist dies frominjuries sustained in a vehicle crash.H. F.D.O.T Notification:The Florida Department of Transportation will be notified by the THI when aCommercial Motor Vehicle is involved ina serious injury crash or fatal trafficcrash.V. CRIME SCENE UNITA. Photographs:Crash scene photographs taken by theCrime Scene Unit will include the following:1. Vehicle and identifying factors.2. Areas of damage.3. Physical evidence.4. Point of reference.5. Roadway.B. Chain of Custody:A strict chain of custody must be maintained with all evidence. The CrimeScene Investigators will collect evidenceat the crash scene as directed by theTraffic Homicide Investigator. Memberswill refer to SOP# 270 Property andEvidence.C. Physical Evidence: [23.02D,41.2.4]Members should be mindful of the vulnerability of “short lived” evidence, i.e.fingerprints, blood, fogged windows, etc,and will make efforts to properly preserve and document such evidence orexisting conditions. Members will nottouch any equipment inside the crashvehicles unless directed by the TrafficHomicide Investigator.VI. CRASH VICTIM’S PROPERTY [23.04]I.Press Releases:The Public Information Officer, or in theirabsence a Traffic Homicide Supervisorwill issue a press release regarding traffic crashes that involve serious injuriesor death. The press release will followthe guidelines outlined in the Public Affairs SOP.Members who respond to the scene of acrash will take precautions to protect theowner’s property from theft in the event theowner is unable to care for the property:[23.04]A. Securing the Property: [23.04]The following procedures will govern theinventory, removal and storage of property:Original Date: 11/1/2001Revised Date: 03/04/2015File Name: SOP 231 - Traffic Crash Investigation.docPage 7 of 12SOP #231

1. Victim Injured: The victim’s property will be secured, collected, itemized, and submitted into the Property and Evidence Unit for safekeeping in accordance with guidelinesestablished in the Property and Evidence SOP.advise the Communications of the existing situation and determine if Fire Rescue is needed. The responding Memberwill administer first aid or needed medical attention to injured persons until FireRescue arrives.B. Late Reported Injury Crashes:2. Victim Dies On Scene: In the eventof a traffic crash, in which the victimdies at the scene of a crash, the THIwill take possession of all personalbelongings and submit them into theProperty and Evidence Unit forsafekeeping. A copy of the Property Form will be placed inside theTraffic Fatality Investigation file.3. Victim Expires Enroute to or atHospital: If the victim expires intransit to a medical facility or in theemergency room of a medical facility, the victim’s personal property,(cash, jewelry, negotiable securities)will remain in the custody of themedical facility, unless the victim’sproperty is needed as evidence forthe investigation.B. Releasing Property:The following procedures will govern therelease of the victim’s property:1. The victim’s property may be released on scene to a third party upon the victim’s consent.2. If the property is not released onscene, the victim may retrieve theproperty from the Department’sProperty and Evidence Unit aftercomplying with established procedures.VII. CRASHES INVOLVING INJURIES, FIREHAZARDS, AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALSA. Injury Crashes:Reports of traffic crashes with possibleinjuries require the dispatch of Hollywood Fire Rescue. A Member arrivingon the scene prior to Fire Rescue willOriginal Date: 11/1/2001Revised Date: 03/04/2015File Name: SOP 231 - Traffic Crash Investigation.docLate reported traffic crashes involvinginjury will be investigated immediately tothe best of the Member’s ability.C. Hazardous Materials:[23.02H,41.2.4][23.01E]Members will always assess crashscenes for hazardous materials. In theevent hazardous materials are present,Members should isolate the area andevacuatenon-essentialpersonnel.Members will be responsible for preliminary hazard identification (spill, leak,fire) and identification of vehicle andcontainer placards. [23.02H]1. Investigation: The Traffic Unit willinvestigate traffic crashes involvinghazardous material spills, whenavailable. [23.01E]2. Initial Response:The first responding Member(s) should followprocedures pursuant to the Hazardous Materials SOP until such timethat the crash can be safely andproperly investigated.D. Fire Hazards:Members arriving at the scene of a vehicle fire prior to the Fire Departmentare responsible for the following actions:1. Preserving life and rescuing occupants.2. Providingbasiclifesupport/emergency medical care andfire suppression services untilproperly relieved by Fire RescuePersonnel.3. Facilitating the Fire Department’sresponse and directing respondingPage 8 of 12SOP #231

Police Units to appropriate locationsfor evacuation or traffic control.4. Evaluating the situation and notifying a Supervisor.5. Upon Fire Rescue’s arrival, they willbe in charge of all injured partiesand extrication. Members will render assistance if requested.E. Supervisors’ Responsibilities:When a Supervisor is notified of a crashinvolving serious injuries, fire hazards,or hazardous materials he will:1. Respond to the scene.2. Confer with the Fire Department regarding evacuation.3. Evaluate the severity of victim’s injuries and determine the necessity ofa Traffic Homicide Investigator’s response.4. Determine if additional support personnel are required.5. Notify the Shift Lieutenant.VIII. TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROLThe first responding Member will determinethe necessity for traffic direction and control.A. Scene Security:Police vehicles should be positioned atthe outer edges of a crash scene involving extensive roadway obstruction.Flares or other channeling devicesshould be placed to direct traffic flow inconjunction with other lane control techniques. Additional Members will be requested as necessary.B. Extended Traffic Control:Supervisors will make arrangements toprovide relief for Members performingprolonged traffic control duties.Original Date: 11/1/2001Revised Date: 03/04/2015File Name: SOP 231 - Traffic Crash Investigation.docC. Traffic Routing:Major traffic congestion as a result of acrash will require the routing of trafficaround the crash to protect the sceneand the investigating Members. Whenrouting traffic, the use of flares, trafficcones, barricades, or portable trafficcontrol devices is encouraged (seeSOP# 240 Traffic & Pedestrian Regulation Equipment). The purpose ofrouting traffic around a crash scene isto:1. Give approaching motorist’s sufficient warning of the hazards ahead.2. Provide a safe alternative routearound or away from the crash scene.3. Provide a safe environment forMembers conducting the crash investigation.D. Notifications:When it appears that traffic is going tobe congested or detoured for an extended period of time, the on-scene Supervisor will advise the Shift Lieutenantand Communications. If the Shift Lieutenant determines that the prompt notification of the public is necessary, he willcontact the Public Information Officer toprovide the information to the media.IX. RAILROAD CRASHESA. Guidelines:When conducting an investigation concerning a railroad crash, the followingguidelines will be followed:1. Motor vehicle vs. train crashes,which occur on a dedicated roadway, will be reported on a FloridaTraffic Crash Report and will behandled by the Traffic Unit.2. All other railroad crashes will bedocumented on a Mobile Field Report and classified as “Other”.Page 9 of 12SOP #231

3. The Investigative Services Sectionwill investigate all non-motor vehicleinvolved crashes, where the victimis either seriously or fatally injured.B. Railroad Police:When investigating a railroad crash,Investigator will make contact withRailroad Police Investigator whosponds to the scene and obtain thelowing information:thetherefol-1. Name of the Engineer and Conductor.2. Train movement number.3. The number of train cars excludingthe engine.4. The number of train engines usedand their individual assigned numbers.X. CRASHES INVOLVING CITY VEHICLESOR CITY PROPERTY [23.01D]The following Section pertains to crashes involving City property and non-Police Cityvehicles. Police vehicle crashes are addressed in SOP# 214 Police VehicleCrashes.A. Supervisory Responsibilities:When a non-Police City vehicle hasbeen involved in a crash, or City property has been damaged as a result of acrash, a Supervisor will:1. Be notified by Communications. Ifthe traffic crash occurs outside ofthe City limits, the Shift Lieutenantwill be notified.2. Will respond to the scene and notifythe Shift Lieutenant.and all vehicles involved, regardlessof damage or evidence of damage.a. A Community Service Officermay be assigned by a Supervisor to photograph City vehiclecrashes under the following circumstances:(1). Minor injuries, and/or;(2). Minor damage.B. Investigator’s Responsibilities:Members assigned to investigate Cityvehicle involved crashes will completeHSMV Form 90003 (Long Form TrafficCrash Report) and HSMV Form 90005(Narrative / Diagram).XI. TRAFFIC CRASH REPORTS:Members investigating motor vehicle crashes, in which a report will be generated, arerequired to complete the appropriate Stateforms and must be completed in MFR.Handwritten crash reports will not be accepted. The Florida Department of HighwaySafety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) TrafficCrash Report Form Manual will be used as aguide.A. Florida Traffic Crash Reports LongForm:Members will complete a long formwhen investigating all traffic crashes(see Appendix A):B. DriverForm:ExchangeofInformationThe Driver Exchange of Informationform will be completed and given toeach driver for all traffic crashes (seeAppendix C):C. Update Traffic Crash Report:3. A Police Officer or Community Service Officer will be assigned to conduct the investigation.This Form will be utilized for the following (see Appendix D):4. Ensure the Crime Scene Unit responds and photographs the scene1. When supplemental information isobtained at a later date.Original Date: 11/1/2001Revised Date: 03/04/2015File Name: SOP 231 - Traffic Crash Investigation.docPage 10 of 12SOP #231

D. Mobile Field Incident Report:A Mobile Field Incident Report will beused in the following instances. TheMember will title the report “AccidentOther”:1. Railroad crashes, which do not occur at an intersection with a dedicated roadway.2. Crashes involving City vehicles,equipment and property where noinjury or minimal property damageoccurs.E. Non-Reporting (N/R):1. When parties involved in a trafficcrash agree to settle amongst themselves and decline to file a formalTraffic Crash Report, the respondingMember will:a. Obtain a Supervisor’s approvalto N/R incident.b. Enter all involved vehicles license plate characters anddriver information into CAD.c. N/R will only be utilized incrashes where both parties mutually agree that a Police Reportis not desired.F. Completing Traffic Crash Reports1. Must Include:a. Date, time and location of crash.b. Descriptions of the vehicles involved.e. Names of the insurance companies for the respective partiesinvolved in the crash.2. Diagrams and Measurements:Members will prepare such diagrams as may be necessary for investigative purposes. If the vehiclesare moved, Members will draw a diagram based on the physical evidence and driver/witness statements. Crash diagrams are requiredon the long form and will:a. Depict the roadway, vehicles,compass points, traffic controldevices and other pertinent information.b. Include roadway, skid marks,andothermeasurementsdeemed necessary.c. Identify drawing as “Not toScale” or “Drawn to Approximate Scale”.d. The diagram will be drawn usinga traffic crash template or utilizing a computer drawing crashsoftware program.3. Report Submission:Members will complete and submitall traffic crash related reports by theend of their shift to the “HWTC”fold

A Traffic Homicide Investigator. 2. The Officer in charge of the scene may designate specific duties to other Members at the scene, i.e., to aid in gathering witnesses, secure the scene, maintaining a safe flow of traffic and preparing supporting re-ports. II. INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES A. Enforcement: Investigations at crash scenes will nor-