G14.1.6 Traffic Collisions
Chapter: Chapter 14 – Collection and Preservation of Evidence
Sub-Chapter: 14.1 - Evidence Collection
Effective Date: 02/08/2023
Revised Date: 02/08/2023
Rescinds: None
Purpose
To describe the procedures the Indiana University Police Department (IUPD) will follow when collecting, processing, and preserving evidence from a traffic collision scene.
General Order
The IUPD will follow the procedures outlined in this general order when collecting, processing, and preserving evidence from the scene of a traffic collision. IUPD personnel will collect, process, and preserve the evidence commensurate with the training they have received. If the traffic collision requires evidence collection beyond the capabilities of IUPD personnel, mutual aid will be requested from another law enforcement agency.
Definitions
Serious bodily injury – bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes serious permanent disfigurement; unconsciousness; extreme pain; permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a body member or organ; or loss of a fetus.
Procedures
Generally, the IUPD investigates all traffic collisions that occur within the IUPD’s primary jurisdiction as defined in G1.1.2 Jurisdiction and Service Boundaries. Depending on the severity of the traffic collision, officers trained specifically in traffic collision evidence collection may be requested to respond (for example, an accident reconstructionist or an officer with advanced training in alcohol and/or drug detection). Mutual aid should be requested as necessary.
If it is determined that a specially trained officer should be requested, the initial responding officers will secure the scene and follow any direction received from the specially trained officer.
In accordance with G10.2.1 Collision Reporting and Investigation, an accident reconstructionist will be requested by a supervisor for traffic collisions involving death or serious bodily injury. In addition, if alcohol and/or drug impairment are suspected, the responding officer will request assistance from an officer with specialized training in the detection of alcohol and/or drugs to assist with the investigation and evidence collection.
Depending on the nature of the traffic collision, evidence may be collected through photographs, measurements, sketches, reviewing any available video footage and/or through a certified chemical test. Measurements should be taken from fixed locations that can offer revisiting if necessary. These locations can include curb lines, fire hydrants, utility poles and buildings. Fences, trees, other vehicles or any object that is more likely or able to be moved or altered should be avoided.
Any evidence collected from the scene of a traffic collision will be documented in the IUPD’s Records Management System and submitted as evidence.
Related Information
Indiana University Police Department
- G1.1.2 Jurisdiction and Service Boundaries
- G10.2.1 Collision Reporting and Investigation
- G10.2.2 Response to Collision Scene