CRASH INVESTIGATIONS
The driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident that injures or kills any person, orthat
damages property to an apparent extent of $1000 or more, shall immediately report that
crash to the nearest or most convenient police station, or to the nearest or most convenient
police officer (Michigan Vehicle Code257.622).
204.1 - 4.2 State of Michigan Electronic Traffic Crash Report (UD-10)
The State of Michigan Electronic Traffic Crash Report (UD-10) is used for reporting motor
vehicle crashes occurring on public thoroughfares within the City of Detroit. The UD-10 shall
be prepared carefully and completely by the reporting member. All verified information shall
be entered on thereport.
204.1 - 5 Responding Member’s Duties
- Members responding to the scene of a motor vehicle crash shall render aid to any
person injured, and shall make the appropriate notifications as needed. - If the danger of explosion exists, injured persons shall be aided in evacuating the area,
if doing so does not pose a significant threat of injury or loss of life to the member. - All persons in the vicinity shall be evacuated from the scene in accordance with
Department procedures concerning hazardous materialscenes. - If a vehicle involved in a crash is unsafe to drive, the responding member shall not allow
the vehicle to beoperated. - If a wrecker or fire department service is required to clear the scene, it shall be
requested via radio.
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204.1 Crash Investigations - Buses or other public vehicles that are involved in crashes that do not result in serious
injury shall not be unduly delayed. If a public vehicle must be detained, the driver must
be allowed to arrange for the transfer of passengers.
204.1 - 5.1 Responsibility for Preparing Crash Reports - Members on patrol who come upon the scene of a motor vehicle crash shall conduct
an initial investigation. Absent exigent circumstances, members shall determine if each
driver possesses a valid operator’s license and shall record all drivers’ information (i.e.
names, addresses, telephone numbers, vehicle information, etc.) on the Officer Daily
Report. After identifying the involved drivers, members shall determine if any of the
below-listed circumstancesexist:
a. Injury to any involvedpersons;
b. Damage to city property;
c. Any of the involved drivers or pedestrians are under the influence of liquor or drugs;
d. A hit and run crash occurred;or
e. Any of the involved vehicles aredisabled. - If any of the above circumstances exist, members shall request a precinct traffic crash
investigator via radio. In the event there is not a traffic crash investigator available,
members shall follow the instructions of the zone dispatcher. If none of the above
circumstances exist, the involved parties shall be advised to report the crash at the
nearest precinct. - If only one (1) driver is present, any information offered about the condition of the other
driver or other circumstances regarding the crash, which cannot be readily verified by
the member receiving the report, shall be noted in the narrative section on the UD-10.
The investigating member shall state in the remarks whether or not sufficient information
is available, and whether or not all drivers were present when the report was made.
The name, address, telephone number, and statement of each witness shall be
documented, if available.
204.1 - 5.2 Crashes on Private Property
- Motor vehicle crashes that occur on private property are classified as non-traffic
crashes. Non-traffic crashes shall not be reported on the UD-10 nor submitted to the
State of Michigan Records System except forthe following situations:
a. Non-traffic snowmobile crashes;
b. Non-traffic off-road vehicle (ORV) crashes;and
c. Fatal non-traffic crashes. - The State of Michigan requires that both traffic crashes and non-traffic crashes involving
snowmobiles and ORVs be reported. This requirement applies whenever a
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snowmobile or ORV is involved in a crash resulting in a fatality, personal injury, or
property damage estimated at $100 or more. - While there is no state law requiring the reporting of non-traffic crashes other than
snowmobiles and ORVs, the State of Michigan requires that fatal non-traffic crashes on
private property be reported on the UD-10. All other crashes occurring on private
property should be reported by preparing an Incident Report. The report shall be titled
“Private Property Crash.”
204.1 - 5.3 Investigative Limitations - The duties of a member investigating a crash are confined to the criminal aspect of the
case. The member shall take no part in placing liability for damages, advising citizens
about adjustments, or signing statements placing the blame on either party. - Only members who have received formal advanced training in traffic crash
investigations and members assigned to Fatal Squad may conduct on-scene
investigations of crashes. - Members are prohibited from taking photographs or making video recordings of a crash
scene using privately owned equipment. If a member does take photographs or video
recordings of a crash scene, copies of any recordings or photographs shall be
immediately provided to Homicide. All recordings and photographs are subject to
discovery under the Michigan Rules of Evidence. Members failing to provide such
material to Homicide are subject to court sanctions in criminal cases, disciplinary action,
or both.
204.1 - 5.4 Identifying Witnesses
The investigating member at the scene shall determine if any complainants or witnesses
can verify the identity of the driver. These witnesses are to be listed on the UD-10 and all
other required reports.
204.1 - 5.5 Witness Statements
Written statements and signatures should be obtained from all involved persons and
witnesses utilizing the Witness Statement Form (DPD103). A Constitutional Rights Form
(DPD342B) must be provided, agreed to, and signed by the witness, the driver involved in
a critical/fatal accident or an “at fault” operator (if applicable), and the member taking the
witness statement. All persons have the right to refuse to make a statement. If a person
refuses to make a statement, the investigating member shall prepare a negative Witness
Statement Form.
204.1 - 5.6 Diagramming
It is essential that the position of the vehicles be documented both at the time of impact
and where the vehicles came to rest, including any obstructions that may appear on or
bordering the roadway. The box to the left of the diagram on the UD-10 shall be used for
additional information. The member shall describe, in detail, the damage to vehicles or other
property and note any other factors that may aid in the investigation of the crash. Reporting
members shall not speculate or record their opinions.
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204.1 - 5.7 City Property Damage - When city property, other than a police vehicle, is damaged as a result of a motor
vehicle crash, the precinct watch commander shall ensure that the affected city agency
receives a telephone notification. If the damage occurs when the agency is closed, a
notation shall be entered in the precinct electronic desk blotter as a reminder to the
officer-in-charge of Platoon Two (2) on the next working day to make the notification. - An incident report shall be prepared, detailing the damage and the affected agency
shall be advised that they can obtain a copy of the reports through Records. - If a portable stop sign is deployed as a result of damage to a traffic control device, a
notation shall be made on the UD-10 to that effect.
204.1 - 5.8 Hit and Run Crashes - When a serious hit and run crash occurs, the responding member shall notify the zone
dispatcher immediately, giving a description of the wanted car and driver for general
broadcast. - The precinct watch commander shall ensure that a teletype is requested and prepared
when sufficient information is available. When an arrest is made, the precinct watch
commander shall ensure that the teletype iscanceled. - If contact has not been made with the defendant in a hit and run motor vehicle crash
within twenty-four (24) hours after the report is prepared, the investigation shall be
handled by the precinct ofoccurrence. - Additionally, an Incident Report shall be completed and submitted on all hit and
run crashes.
204.1 - 5.9 Injury Crashes - When an injury crash occurs, the responding member shall be responsible for securing
the scene. If the injuries are critical, fatal, or involve persons under the age of five (5) or
over the age of seventy (70) who have sustained a serious injury, Fatal Squad will
investigate. All crashes not fitting Fatal Squad’s criteria shall be handled by the precinct
of occurrence. - The responding member shall immediately notify the zone dispatcher upon arrival at an
injury crash and, if the criteria is met for Fatal Squad to handle the injury crash, the
member shall notify Fatal Squad via the Homicide AlertDesk. - The member preparing the UD-10 shall indicate the hospitals to which all injured
persons are conveyed, the number of the conveying medical unit, the treating doctor,
and the chart number and condition of the victim. This information shall be recorded on
the Officer Daily Report and in the “Remarks” section of the UD-10. If the injured person
is a juvenile student, the school attended shall be indicated on the report. - Additionally, an Incident Report shall be completed and submitted on all injury
crashes.
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204.1 - 5.10 Pedestrian Crashes - In all cases involving a pedestrian, the following procedures shall be followed:
a. The scene shall be secured until a medical condition is ascertained from the treating
physician at the medical treatment facility;
b. The on-scene member shall request, via the zone dispatcher, that another member
or supervisor obtain the condition, chart number, and name of the treating physician;
c. This information shall be recorded on the Officer Daily Reports of both the on-scene
member, and the member or supervisor obtaining the information; and
d. If the crash is critical or fatal, or the victim is under the age of five (5) or over the
age of seventy (70) who has sustained a serious injury, the on-scene member shall
notify the Homicide Alert Desk of thefollowing:
The circumstances of the crash;
The medical treatment facility;
The treating doctor’s name; and
Any other relevant information. - The Homicide Alert Desk will notify Fatal Squad during regular business hours, after
hours, weekend, and holidays.
204.1 - 5.11 Aircraft Crashes - Members receiving the initial call to the scene of an aircraft accident shall, without delay,
request a supervisor and notify dispatch of the following:
a. Time and location of theaccident;
b. Identification number of the aircraft;
c. Type and class of theaircraft;
d. Owner of the aircraft;
e. Name and address of the pilot (ifobtainable);
f. Extent of damage to the aircraft or other property;
g. Number of casualties;
h. Circumstances of the accident; and
i. The unit and officerreporting. - Additionally, the investigating member will be responsible for promptly notifying Homicide
via the Homicide Alert Desk during regular business hours, after hours, weekends, and
holidays.
Note: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) have the statutory responsibility for investigating all civil aviation
accidents.
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204.1 - 5.12 Train Crashes - Members receiving the initial call to investigate a crash involving any train shall, without
delay, request a supervisor and notify dispatch. Additionally, the member shall:
a. Contact the appropriate railroad police agency, ifany;
b. Coordinate traffic/crowd control and first aid;and
c. Obtain driver/witness statements whenever possible. - Additionally, the investigating member will be responsible for promptly notifying
Homicide via the Homicide Alert Desk during regular business hours, after hours,
weekends, and holidays.
204.1 - 5.13 Industrial Accidents - Members who respond to any industrial accident shall immediately request a supervisor
and notify dispatch. Additionally, the membershall:
a. Coordinate crowd control and provide first aid;and
b. Obtain witness statements whenever possible. - Additionally, the investigating member will be responsible for promptly notifying
Homicide via the Homicide Alert Desk during regular business hours, after hours,
weekends, and holidays.
204.1 - 5.14 Vehicular Pursuit
If a crash occurs during or as a result of a vehicular pursuit, responding members shall
ensure that a supervisor is notified to respond to the scene. (Refer to Directive 303.2,
Vehicular Pursuits, for additional information).
204.1 - 6 Fatal and Critical Injury Crashes - When notification to Homicide is warranted and a fatal-trained traffic crash member is
needed but there is not one available at the precinct of occurrence, the patrol supervisor
shall request, via dispatch, that a fatal-trained traffic crash member from an adjacent
precinct be dispatched to thescene. - If no on-duty fatal-trained traffic crash member is available Department-wide, the patrol
supervisor shall be contacted to recall a fatal-trained traffic crash member from the
precinct of occurrence or an adjacentprecinct. - The drivers involved in fatal or critical injury crashes shall be detained until FatalSquad
arrives at the scene, with the exception of those drivers who are injured and transported
to a medical treatmentfacility. - Responding members shall secure the scene until Fatal Squad arrives and releases
them from the scene. Fatal Squad shall make the final determination as to the
disposition of the driver (e.g. arrest, release, or notification to appear). - Witnesses shall be separated and asked to wait for the arrival of Fatal Squad. However,
witnesses shall not be detained against their will solely because they are a witness to
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the crash. In such cases, members shall make reasonable efforts to identify the witness
(e.g. requesting identification, contact information, and telephone numbers). This
information will be recorded and provided to Fatal Squad to be contacted at a later date.
204.1 - 6.1 Responsibilities of Fatal Squad - Investigating and prosecuting felonies committed with motor vehicles except felonious
assault, homicide, or fleeing and eluding offenses that do not result in a crash. - Investigating all felony operating while intoxicated (OWI) 3
rdoffenses. - Investigating all fatal and critical traffic crashscenes.
- Investigating all fatal and critical crashes involving watercraft, aircraft, trains, and
industrial accidents. - Making notifications to Crime Scene Services and the Medical Examiner.
204.1 - 6.2 Notifications to Fatal Squad
Fatal Squad will determine what action, if any, will be taken. Fatal Squad shall be notified
of any of the following crashes:
a. Fatal motor vehicle crashes;
b. Critical injury crashes (all crashes involving persons under five (5) years of age and
persons over seventy (70) years of age who have sustained a serious injury shall be
considered critical for notificationpurposes);
c. Any crash involving a city vehicle that results in an injury;
d. Any crash involving a vehicle that seats six (6) or more occupants that results in a
serious injury;
e. All pursuits by any law enforcement agency resulting in a crash or injury within the city
limits;
f. All train crashes resulting in serious, critical, or fatal injuries;
g. All industrial accidents involving self-propelled vehicles resulting in serious, critical, or
fatal injuries;
h. Any aircraft crash;
i. Any watercraft crash;
j. Any high profile crashes that create large crowds and media attention; and
k. All felony 3rd OWI offense arrests.
204.1 - 6.3 Responding On-Scene Fatal-trained Traffic Crash Investigator
Responsibilities
The responding on-scene fatal-trained traffic crash investigator shall be responsible for the
following:
a. Promptly notifying Homicide, via the Homicide Alert Desk, and Communications
Operations;
b. Prior to the arrival of Fatal Squad, the fatal-trained traffic crash member that
responds to the traffic crash scene shall be the officer-in-charge of the scene;
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c. A precinct fatal-trained traffic crash member shall conduct an on-scene
investigation, complete witness statements, and any additional reports as needed;
d. Ensure that the traffic crash scene is clear of all non-police or unauthorized
personnel;
e. Ensure that the traffic crash scene is clear of all non-police or unauthorized
personnel;
f. Ensure that at the conclusion of the traffic crash scene, vehicles are towed to an
authorized tow company;
g. Ensure that proper clean-up is conducted by the tow companies removing the
vehicles from the traffic crash scene (tow companies which fail to properly cleanthe
roadway in affected areas and ensure the road is safe for travel, will be responsible
for a civil infraction);
h. Ensure that there is no debris or items placed inside the vehicles (plastic particles,
tires, dirt, glass, etc.) which can contaminate anyevidence;
i. Members shall not remove any items from a vehicle nor shall any vehicles or
property bereleased without written approval from Fatal Squad;
j. Completing a detailed UD-10report;
k. Document the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of allwitnesses;
l. Document the names, badges, and assignments of all responding members, Detroit
Fire Engines and Squads, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Units, and Medical
Examiners;
m. Document all drivers and passengers that were involved in the vehicles on the UD10 including names, addresses, telephone numbers, operator’s license numbers of
drivers, birth date, race, sex, and position of all occupants in the vehicle. This
information will also be included in the completed fatal package(s); and
n. Ensure that incident reports are completed by every responding member (if
applicable). - In addition, the member preparing the necessary reports is responsible for ensuring hand
delivery of the reports to Homicide immediately upon completion and prior to going off
duty. The precinct watch commander shall also be responsible for ensuring that all
necessary reports are delivered immediately upon completion to Homicide.
204.1 - 7 Crashes Involving Intoxicated Drivers - When an investigating member of a motor vehicle crash has probable cause to believe
that an involved driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle is impaired due to intoxicants,
medication, or narcotics, the member shall immediately detain the driver and prohibit
the driver from operating thevehicle. - If the driver is not injured, field sobriety evaluations shall be given followed by a
Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) and Breathalyzer test, ifapplicable. - The defendant shall be conveyed to the Detroit Detention Center (DDC) to be processed
in accordance with Department arrest and Operating While Intoxicated
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(OWI) procedures. Exception: Foreign diplomats are immune from arrest for OWI.
(Refer to Directive 202.6 Diplomatic/Legislative Immunity). - In cases of a refusal, a search warrant for blood may be requested. If the driver is
injured, a search warrant or consent warrant for a blood draw may be obtained. - All 1st and 2nd OWI arrest notifications shall be made to 36th District Court by each
commands court officer. The precinct court officer shall present a request for warrant
relative to misdemeanor OWI arrests to the Prosecuting Attorney. - Members must verify 3
rd OWI offenses through the Law Enforcement Information
Network (LEIN) which will indicate a felony charge. All felony 3
rd OWI offense arrest
notifications shall bemade immediately to the Homicide Alert Desk. - All original reports for 3rd OWI offenses are to be delivered to Fatal Squad and/or
emailed to: FatalSquad@detroitmi.gov (Refer to Directive 204.3, Operating While
Intoxicated, for additional information/procedures).
204.1 - 7.1 Member does not Witness Crash - When a member responds to the scene of a vehicle crash in which they did not witness,
but have probable cause to believe that the person was, at the time of the crash, the
driver of a vehicle involved in the crash and was operating the while intoxicated or under
the influence of a controlled substance, or a combination of both, shall, without a
warrant, arrest thedriver. - The investigating member at the scene shall ascertain if any complainants or witnesses
are available and are willing to sign a complaint or testify regarding the crash. If the
precinct watch commander determines that a warrant will be requested, contact
information for willing complainants or witnesses shall be acquired at the scene. This
contact information shall include phone numbers and addresses and shall be verified by
the investigating member by photo identification when available. This information shall
be used by the Prosecuting Attorney to discuss this matter with the complainants or
witnesses when necessary. The precinct arraignment officer shall present the request to
the ProsecutingAttorney.
204.1 - 8 Disposition of Crash Vehicle - If a person is arrested as a result of crash, the person’s vehicle shall be privately towed,
impounded for evidence or safekeeping, or parked in a legal parking zone. - If impounded, property in the vehicle shall be inventoried in accordance with
Department policy. - If the vehicle is not impounded for evidence, and ownership is not in question, the
vehicle may be parked legally on the roadside and locked properly by the operator or a
member (Refer to Directive 204.4, Impounding ofVehicles). - If at the time of arrest, the operator requests that personal property inside the vehicle not
be left with the vehicle, then the arresting member shall place such property in
safekeeping. This information shall be indicated in the “Removed To/By” box on the UD10.
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204.1 Crash Investigations - Only Fatal Squad shall release vehicles involved in cases assigned to Homicide. The
precinct watch commander may release vehicles impounded as the result of minor
vehicle crashes investigated and prosecuted at the precinctlevel.
204.1 - 9 Issuing Violation Notices
Members assigned to the Detroit Police Department may issue violation notices for offenses
they did not witness that resulted in motor vehicle crashes. Such action must be noted in
the appropriate box on the UD-10. Patrol members shall not issue citations in the below
listed circumstances: - Fatal or Critical Crashes
- Hit and Run Crashes
- Injury Crashes
204.1 - 10 Submission and Review of Crash Report - Any member who prepares a UD-10 must inform the precinct watch commander once
completed. - Any member who prepares a UD-10 shall check their Department e-mail and the UD10 database on a daily basis to check if any reports they submitted have been returned
for corrections. Corrections must be made immediately and resubmitted
204.1 - 10.1 Supervisor’s Responsibility for Reviewing the UD-10
The precinct watch commander shall review the submitted UD-10. The reviewing
supervisor shall:
a. Log into the UD-10 database, daily and periodically, during their shift to review and
approve any UD-10s that have been entered into the database;
b. Return any report that needs corrections or that is incomplete to the member who
prepared the report. The supervisor shall also notify the preparing member of the
returned report; and
c. Ensure the UD-10s that do not need corrections are approved and submitted.
204.1 - 11 Obtaining a Copy of the Crash Report
Copies of closed UD-10s may be obtained for a $10 fee at Records, Monday through
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed UD-10s may also be obtained on line at
https://policereports.lexisnexis.com no sooner than three (3) to five (5) days after the UD10 is prepares. The online fee is $17. No information may be obtained by telephone.
204.1 - 12 Off-Duty Members Involved in Crashes
When an off-duty member is involved in a motor vehicle crash, while driving a privately
owned vehicle, or as a pedestrian within the city of Detroit, the involved member shall notify
an emergency service operator or the watch commander at the precinct of occurrence. If
the involved member is unable to do so, the first member at the scene shall make the
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notification via radio. The zone dispatcher shall send a precinct traffic crash investigator and
a precinct patrol supervisor to the scene.
204.1 - 12.1 Supervisor’s Duties - The patrol supervisor shall update the precinct watch commander and make appropriate
entries on their Officer Daily Report. - If the involved member has the odor of intoxicants on their breath, the responding patrol
supervisor shall notify the zone dispatcher who shall dispatch a lieutenant from the
precinct of occurrence, if available. If the lieutenant is not available, the field duty officer
shall be dispatched. If neither is available, or it is impractical to dispatch them due to
distance, then a lieutenant from a nearby precinct shall be dispatched. The responding
lieutenant or field duty officer shall be responsible for determining if there is probable
cause to believe the involved member’s ability to drive is impaired due to intoxicants,
and to take appropriateaction. - In addition, the patrol supervisor shall prepare a written report on an Inter-Office
Memorandum (DPD568), setting forth all known details, including the name of any
responding member and the action taken in the event of:
a. Fatality;
b. Any injury requiring immediate medical attention;or
c. Drinking on the part of either driver or pedestrian.
204.1 - 12.2 Distribution of the Supervisor’sReport
This report shall be distributed as follows:
a. Original to the commanding officer of the precinct or command to which the
member is assigned; and
b. A copy to the commanding officer of the precinct in which the crash occurred.
204.1 - 13 Crashes Involving DPD Vehicles or On-Duty
Members - When a member is involved in a motor vehicle crash in the city of Detroit while operating
a Department vehicle, whether on or off duty, as a pedestrian while on duty, or if a
Department vehicle is involved in a crash while unattended, the member shall notify the
emergency service operator, the zone dispatcher via radio, or the watch commander by
telephone, atthe precinct of occurrence. - If the involved member is unable to do so, the first member at the scene shall make the
notification via radio. The zone dispatcher shall send a precinct traffic crash investigator
and a precinct patrol supervisor to the scene.
204.1 - 13.1 Supervisor’s Duties - The responding patrol supervisor shall determine if any of the following circumstances
exist:
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a. A fatality orinjury;
b. Damage to any property other thanDetroit Police Department property;
c. A crash involving any pedestrian or vehicle, other than a police vehicle;
d. Total damage to all property to an apparent extent of $400 or more;
e. Hit and run damage to a policevehicle;
f. Drinking on the part of anydriver; and/or
g. Department members involved in a vehicularpursuit. - If any of the above circumstances exist, the responding patrol supervisor shall prepare
the following reports:
a. A Supervisor’s Traffic Crash Report (DPD159A) in the Management Awareness
System (MAS); and
b. Four (4) copies of the City of Detroit Vehicle Accident Report (CofD113). - Include in the Supervisor’s Traffic Crash Report (DPD159A) a declarative statement
documenting the following:
a. Whether video exists for the incident, and if not, why;
b. Whether the video was reviewed by the investigating supervisor; and
c. The results of the review by thesupervisor. - In all cases, the responding supervisor shall update the precinct watch commander
and make the appropriate entries on the responding supervisor’s Officer Daily Report. - If a crash has occurred as a result of a vehicular pursuit, refer to Directive 303.2,
Vehicular Pursuits, for additional reportingrequirements.
204.1 - 13.2 Distribution of Supervisor’s Traffic Crash Report (DPD159A) - The Supervisor’s Traffic Crash Report shall be routed to the involved member’s deputy
chief, through official channels. - Each reviewing supervisor shall approve, disapprove, or make further recommendations
before forwarding the report. - The deputy chief shall approve, disapprove, or make further recommendations and
forward the report along with a copy of the City of Detroit Vehicle Accident Report, to the
commanding officer of Fleet Management and endorse the Supervisor’s Traffic Crash
Report within fifteen (15) days ofreceipt. - Any corrective action taken is documented within thirty (30) days of the deputy chief’s
approval. Mitigating circumstances for preventable collisions resulting in verbal
reinstruction shall also be memorialized on a DPD568_Other in MAS, and routed to the
appropriate deputy chief for tracking purposesonly. - One (1) copy shall be forwarded to the commanding officer of the patrol supervisor who
prepared it, and one (1) copy shall be placed in the member’s command personnel file.
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204.1 - 13.3 Distribution of the City of Detroit Vehicle Accident Report
(CofD113)
The City of Detroit Vehicle Accident Report shall be distributed as follows:
a. The original City of Detroit Vehicle Accident Report shall be forwarded to the City of
Detroit Risk Management Office within twenty-four (24) hours of thecrash;
b. One (1) copy shall be forwarded to the Director of the City of Detroit Finance
Department, Central Safety Section within twenty-four (24) hours of thecrash;
c. One (1) copy shall be forwarded to Fleet Management, along with the original
Supervisor’s Traffic Crash Report, endorsed by the deputy chief; and
d. One (1) copy to the member’s personnel file, maintained at the member’s place of
assignment.
204.1 - 14 Crashes outside the City of Detroit Involving a
Department Vehicle - If a member is involved in a motor vehicle crash outside the city of Detroit while operating
a Department vehicle while on or off duty, or if the Department vehicle is involved in a
crash while unattended, the member or employee shall notify the zone dispatcher via
radio or the Communications Operations supervisor by telephone. - The member or employee shall also notify the local police.
- A patrol supervisor shall be sent to investigate the crash scene.
204.1 - 14.1 Supervisor’s Duties
Supervisor’s duties are the same as outline above with the exception that the local police
authority shall be responsible for preparing the UD-10.
204.1 - 14.2 Odor of Intoxicants
If the odor of intoxicants is on the breath of the involved member, the supervisor shall take
the same action as delineated previously in this directive.
204.1 - 15 Disposition of DPD Vehicles - When a Department vehicle is involved in a crash, the commanding officer of the
precinct or command to which the vehicle is assigned shall ensure that the vehicle is
taken to Davison garage for a damage estimate Monday through Friday between the
hours of 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., within twenty-four (24) hours of the crash. - During closed hours, weekends and holidays, members shall have the vehicle delivered
to Davison garage. It is the responsibility of the involved member’s command to contact
Davison garage the next day they are open and inform them of the vehicle. The
command shall also hand deliver copies of the Supervisor’s Traffic Crash Report and
the City of Detroit Vehicle Accident Report to Davison garage. - The Vehicle Damage History Log (DPD249) will serve as the garage foreman’s
authorization for the damageestimate.
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204.1 Crash Investigations - The supervisor to whom the damage is reported shall record the following information
on the Vehicle Damage HistoryLog:
a. The date and time the damage is reported to have occurred;
b. The date and time the damage isreported; and
c. The location and type of damage on thevehicle. - The supervisor’s signature and badge number shall be affixed in the spaces provided.
- If the vehicle is inoperable, care shall be taken to prevent theft or loss of valuable
equipment. - Members to whom the vehicle is assigned shall, if possible, remain at the scene until the
vehicle is towed. The municipal garage shall place a high priority on such towing
requests. - If the driver of the damaged Department vehicle is seriously injured, the patrol supervisor
responding to the scene shall take necessary steps to protect the vehicle and its
contents. Particular attention should be given to the area around the crash scene to
recover any Department or personal property, which may have fallen from the
Department vehicle. - The responding supervisor shall ensure the in-car video camera and monitor, if
applicable, are removed from the vehicle prior to towing and secured at the precinct.
204.1 - 16 Crashes Involving Non-Police City Vehicles
When a city-owned vehicle, other than a police vehicle, is involved in a motor vehicle
crash, a precinct traffic crash investigator, when available, shall be dispatched to the
scene. The notation “City Vehicle” shall be made on the UD-10.
204.1 - 17 Boating Crashes Involving Members - When a member is involved in a crash while being the operator of any boat, the involved
member shall stop, render assistance and offeridentification. - If the crash occurs on waters under the jurisdiction of the city of Detroit, the involved
member shall report the incident to Communications Operations. Communications
Operations shall then notify the involved member’s commanding officer and other
Department executives as necessary. - Members of Harbormaster shall report all on-duty crashes to Communications
Operations and the field duty of executive officer. In addition, a supervisor from
Harbormaster shall notify Homicide, prepare a Detroit Police Department Inter-Office
Memorandum (DPD568), and follow all Departmental procedures in accordance with
crash investigations. - In addition, a report shall be made to the appropriate marine authority in every case
where the following circumstancesexist:
a. Injury or death of anyperson;
b. Total damage to all property in an amount greater than $100; or
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204.1 Crash Investigations
c. Disappearance of any person (that indicates death or injury). - In the event there is death or disappearance of a person, the nearest authority having
jurisdiction on the waters where the crash occurred shall be notified immediately. Under
other circumstances, the crash shall be reported as soon as possible. Crashes occurring
on waters under the jurisdiction of the city of Detroit shall be reported to Harbormaster.
- Motor vehicle crashes that occur on private property are classified as non-traffic