Accident Investigation
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Accident Investigation Training The Colorado State Patrol is the only highway patrol agency in the country that requires officers to become Level II Technical Accident Investigators as a condition of employment. The Academy trains cadets in Level I investigation, then offers Level II training on a regular basis. Level III Accident Reconstruction and Level IV Computer Aided Accident Reconstruction are also offered throughout the year. The Colorado State Patrol's accident investigation training is considered to be some of the best accident investigation training in the country.
There are four skill levels of motor vehicle crash investigation:
Additionally, the Academy offers advanced Accident Investigation training for accidents involving:
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Level I Accident Investigation
Level I Accident Investigation is a 66-hour introductory course for cadets. The course is structured around a classroom environment. The training includes a practical hands-on portion of training during field scenarios. The course includes the classification and process of accident investigation.
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Accident investigation proper planning and process training includes:
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The student will learn about the different types of roadway evidence such as tire marks, diagramming, and measurements. During this training, students learn why evidence is crucial to accident investigation. The student will learn about vehicle damage, hit and run accidents, and how to apply them to the investigation to determine ‘how” and “why” the crash occurred.
The student will learn the basics of accident photography, electric lamps and the use of the traffic template.
Level II Accident Investigation
Level II Accident Investigation is a two-week, 96 hour course. This course is a continuation from the Level-I curriculum and will introduce the student to technical accident investigation.
This course includes classroom and practical exercises in:
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There will also be several field exercises that cover the above topics to include the simulation of a vehicle while airborne.
Level III Accident Investigation
Level III Accident Investigation is a two-week, 80 hour course. During this course the student will actually witness a staged crash and conduct a full reconstruction of that crash.
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This course includes classroom and practical exercises in:
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Level IV Accident Investigation
Level IV Accident Investigation is a one-week, 40 hour course focused on computer aided crash investigation.
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The primary concepts are:
Software programs that will be taught are:
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Accident Re-Construction Team
The Accident Re-Construction Team, (ART), is a specialized unit within the Colorado State Patrol. The ART members are Nationally certified in Level- IV Accident Re-Construction.
The Patrol’s ART members respond to all fatal, felony and high profile cases that will require an extensive and in depth investigation. Members receive advanced training in the use of technical equipment to aide in the investigation and reconstruction of accidents.
Some of the advanced investigation training is in the field of:
- Commercial Motor Vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Auto Pedestrians
- Light Rails and Trains
Some of the technical equipment utilized by the Art members:
- Vericom 3000
- L.T.I. Laser
- Crash Zone Software in both two and three-dimensional simulations
For more information on the Colorado State Patrol ART team, click here.
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