Identifying resources and technology that can assist law enforcement in their duties

Technology and ResourcesIn Highway Scene ManagementIdentifying ResourcesEach first responder has responsibilities upon arrivalLaw enforcement starts planning asapPlanning and identifying the resources needed for each crash is essential

Each first responder has responsibilities upon arrival at a crash scene.However, planning starts for law enforcement as soon as information is relayed to them through communicationsPlanning and identifying the resources needed for each crash is essential for the safe handling and quick removal of vehicles from the roadway

2Resources Available to First RespondersCommunicationsLaw EnforcementFire DepartmentEMSHazmat TeamsNCDOT/Incident Management Assistance PatrolTowing companiesCrime Scene TechsMedical Examiner/Body removal

3NCDOT Cameras / Digital Message BoardsNCDOT Heavy Machinery (Front End Loader/Snow Plow/Dump Truck)Other Allied LEO (law enforcement officer) Agencies (City, County, FederalSBI, DEA , D.A., etc.)City Transit (Buses to transport involved parties)News Media (Television/Radio/Internet)Mobile Command CenterMedivac Helicopter

Resources available to First Responders (contd.)

41 - Officer determines type of crash

2 Relays information to their communications

Communications Centers

Once an officer determines the type of crash, Officers will relay information to their communications center to contact the resources needed to manage the crash scene. (EMS, HAZMAT, Additional Officers, etc)5Law EnforcementState Highway Patrol

Sheriffs Deputies/Local Police

Law enforcement will conduct the incident investigation to determine its cause using various available resources. In extenuating circumstances, other law enforcement agencies may be required to conduct a more extensive investigation, which could lead to an extended clearance time.6EMSCall EMS prior to arrival if injuries unknownTreat on scene immediatelyTrapped subjectsEjected persons

Fire and EMSFireUsually respond with EMSProtect scenePost -crash firesJaws of LifeImmediate treatment

Fire and EMS

EMS should be called prior to arrival if injuries are unknown.EMS can:Treat subjects on the scene immediatelyAssist trapped subjectsAssist persons ejected from vehicles

The fire department will usually respond with EMS. They can be utilized in several ways:By protecting the scene of the incidentPost-crash firesJaws of Life- they have the ability to cut the person out of a crashed vehicle.Providing immediate treatment to the injured

7HAZMAT

Contact HAZMAT immediately

Isolate the spill

Keep area clear

Wait for instructions

It is essential that the officer or first responder that is first on the scene identify if there is a hazardous material spill.Contact HAZMAT immediatelyIsolate the spillEnsure the area is clearWhen HAZMAT arrives, it will be their scene. First responders will be directed what to do and when the scene is safe.

8NCDOT /Incident Management Assistance PatrolCan assist with:Long-term lane closuresTemporary traffic controlDiverting trafficMoving vehicles onto shoulder.

NCDOT/IMAP is another very important resource that can be used.

Long-term lane closures are handled by NCDOTTemporary traffic control is handled by IMAPBoth NCDOT and IMAP divert trafficIMAP can push and drag vehicles out of the lane onto the shoulder

9Towing CompaniesSupport Incident Commander to: Provide recovery planOpen lanes for trafficClear the sceneLeave scene as soon as work completed

Towing companies are a very important resource. They are relied upon to remove vehicles from the roadways in a quick and efficient manner.

Towing will Support the Incident Commander to: Provide recovery planOpen lanes for trafficClear the sceneLeave scene as soon as work completed

The officer of the scene should request the recovery plan from towing companies upon arrival to the scene. A recovery plan is the action plan for safe and effective removal of the vehicle based on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

10Crime Scene TechniciansAgencies with crime scene technicians:Collect evidence and process the sceneCollect airbagsSwab steering columnsPaint samples Collect clothingOther duties as required Photograph Crash scene

Medical Examiner/Body RemovalContact to remove body in cases of fatalities.

Crime Scene TechniciansAgencies that have crime scene technicians can be contacted to:Collect evidence and process the sceneCollect airbagsSwab steering columnspaint samples Collect clothingEtcPhotograph Crash scene

Medical Examiner/Body RemovalThe medical examiners office will be contacted to remove the body in fatality investigations where the deceased is still at the scene of the crash.

11Available TechnologyNCDOT overhead electronic signsSigns stating crash ahead at mile markerSigns telling motorists to move minor fender benders off of the roadwayINRIX-mobile applications pertaining to road traffic and driver services, gathers, curates and reports roadway incidents such as accidents, road closures and road worksClosed Circuit TV (CCTV)Sends notification to NC Trucking Association

IMAP/NCDOT VehiclesElectronic signs at rear of vehiclePush bumpers to move vehicles off roadway

MediaTelevisionRadioSome Jurisdictions have the ability to use Geo-Notification or reverse 911 systems to notify public of serious incidents.

12Available Technology CamerasSeveral jurisdictions have city and state installed cameras that can assist officers in their investigation.Many crashes are caught on these camera systemsGives ability to capture the suspect vehicle in Hit and Run crashesNOTE: state cameras are not recordedPrivate Business CamerasCanvas scene to locate possible cameras that may have captured the collision eventPolice or Media HelicoptersCan assist in traffic congestion locationsCan assist in diverting traffic by giving information to officers on scene.Provide overhead photographs of the scene.

Crash Data Recorders/Event Data Recorder (Vehicle black box)Vehicle data including speed, seatbelt use, braking, etc are all captured in the vehicles airbag/power train modules

Interstate Incident CoordinationI95 Corridor Coalition

http://www.i95coalition.org

SHRP2 Solutions

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/goshrp2

For training, contactcglogan1@ncdot.gov or-eric.schaberg@ncdps.gov

A critical function of the NCDOT is to coordinate with agencies in neighboring states to reduce the impact of traffic incidents on commerce and the motoring public.

Two major Congressionally-mandated intrastate collaborations are the I95 Corridor Coalition, which focuses on the nearly 2000-mile interstate system between Maine and Florida, and the SHRP2 Solutions partnership, which encompasses the entire US.

Through the support of first responders such as yourself, coordinated efforts have helped to minimize traffic congestion, ensure responder safety, and reduce the number of major traffic incidents. To learn more, please visit the websites shown here. If you are interested in SHRP2 training, please contact one of the individuals listed.14Summary

Although all of the technology and resources described in this presentation are not available in all areas of North Carolina, as a first responder, you need to make yourself aware of what resources are available in your area and how to activate these resources when needed.15