NCJ Number
94769
Date Published
1984
Length
100 pages
Annotation
The New York State Commission on Investigation reviewed an accident investigation following a traffic death incident. The Commission found numerous failures during the original investigation and made legislative and administrative recommendations to improve the delivery of criminal justice.
Abstract
The vehicle's driver was convicted of a driving violation, fined $20, and had his license suspended for 6 months but had no homicide or assault charges brought against him. This brought up questions about the adequacy of the original investigation. When reviewed, records showed that the deputies assigned to on-scene investigation failed to properly photograph, measure, and diagram the accident scene. The arresting deputy failed to properly warn the defendent of his rights and failed to conduct objective sobriety tests. Some failures were due to insufficient training in proper traffic accident investigative methods. A survey of accident investigation training in rural areas indicated that this insufficiency is widespread. Consequently, several recommendations for legislative and administrative action were developed. Requirements for accident investigation training of all road patrol deputies should be upgraded. Personnel responsible for investigating serious accidents should have advanced accident investigation training. Furthermore, the basic training program requirements established by the Bureau of Municipal Police should be re-evaluated, and the State's general municipal law should be amended to require minimum training for deputy sheriffs.