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Expertise Required for Traffic Fatality Investigations

NCJ Number
109178
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 36 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1988) Pages: 188-193
Author(s)
A G Sharp
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The training and operations of the North Charleston Police Department's Traffic Fatality Investigation Unit (TFIU) (South Carolina) are highlighted.
Abstract
TFIU was formed to find out why fatal accidents were occurring with increasing frequency in North Charleston and to take steps to prevent future deaths. There are nine full-time members of the unit whose only job is traffic fatality investigation. These officers were extensively trained at the University of North Florida's Institute of Police Traffic Technology in Jacksonville, Florida. Usually, five officers will respond to an accident, videotape the scene, and make sure the vehicle is towed by an authorized towing company. Among other tasks, investigation includes tracing victims' movements prior to the accident, attending post mortems, and producing accurate and complete reports.