Maricopa Community Colleges  AJS289AP   19992-20044 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 11/24/98
AJS289AP 19992-20044 LEC 1 Credit(s) 1 Period(s)
Advanced Accident Investigation
Advanced principles and techniques of traffic collision investigation for officers that have completed the basic accident investigation in the police academy. Prerequisites: Certified law enforcement officer or permission of instructor.
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
AJS289AP   19992-20044 Advanced Accident Investigation
1. Describe the proper investigation process. (I)
2. Properly measure and diagram relevant evidence items. (II)
3. Obtain pertinent information from witnesses. (III)
4. Identify relevant evidence on the roadway. (IV)
5. Describe the stopping process of a vehicle in motion. (V)
6. Determine speed from skid. (VI)
7. Define coefficient of friction, determine a drag factor for a given surface, and properly apply braking efficiency to speed from skid formulas. (VII)
8. Properly combine two or more speeds. (VIII)
9. Properly measure and determine speed from a critical speed scuff. (IX)
10. Describe what the damage to a vehicle indicates and the limitations of this type of evidence. (X)
11. Identify pertinent technical aspects of a vehicle to document at a serious injury/fatal collision scene. (XI)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
AJS289AP   19992-20044 Advanced Accident Investigation
    I. Proper pre-investigative procedures
        A. Establishing an investigative "system" for the incident
        B. How much detail is necessary?
      II. Properly measuring and diagramming relevant evidence items
          A. Purpose of measurement and diagrams
          B. Types of evidence to record
          C. Field notes
          D. Departmental policies
          E. Worthless measurements
          F. Specific measurement techniques
          G. Grid measurement system
          H. Reference points
          I. Grades, angles, and curves
          J. The traffic template
          K. Calculations
        III. Obtaining pertinent information from witnesses
            A. Theory
            B. Physical evidence versus witness testimony
          IV. Identifying relevant evidence on the roadway
              A. Points of rest
              B. Tire marks
              C. Skid and scuff marks
              D. Daytime versus nighttime investigation
              E. Critical speed scuff, identification, and documentation
              F. Metal scars and debris
              G. Flips and falls
            V. Understanding the stopping process of a vehicle in motion
                A. Kinetic energy
                B. Perception and reaction time
              VI. Determining speed from skid
                  A. Measuring skid marks
                  B. Determining braking efficiency
                  C. Formulas
                VII. Defining coefficient of friction, determining a drag factor for a given surface, and properly applying braking efficiency to speed from skid formulas
                    A. Coefficient of friction versus drag factor
                    B. Determining coefficient of friction
                    C. Formulas
                  VIII. Properly combining two or more speeds
                    IX. Properly measuring and determining speed from a critical speed scuff
                        A. Measurement techniques
                        B. Formula
                      X. Understanding what the damage to a vehicle indicates and the limitations of this type of evidence
                          A. Impact damage
                          B. Eccentric/partial impact
                          C. Vehicle rotation
                          D. Momentum limitations
                        XI. Identifying pertinent technical aspects of a vehicle to document at a serious injury/fatal collision scene
                            A. Vehicle data at scene
                            B. Scope and authority to examine
                            C. Contact and induced damage
                            D. Imprints and rub-offs
                            E. Collapse and principle direction of force (PDOF)
                            F. Ground contact
                            G. Collision effect on tires
                            H. Collision effect of lamps
                            I. Sources of occupant injury
                            J. Internal component examination
                            K. Vehicle deficiencies
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