OFFICER SAFETY AT ACCIDENT SCENES
POLICE
Car 81 Jan. 13, 2008 Forbes Ave.
Vehicle Positioning
• Should be facing oncoming traffic See what’s coming at you Ability to move vehicle if needed
• Best occupant protection Front impact – not T-bone
Activates airbag & seatbelt
• Vehicle’s ability to absorb impact
Vehicle Positioning• Overheads are most visible from the front
– not the side Fewer strobes = better Turn off headlights, takedowns, etc.
Don’t blind oncoming traffic
• If vehicle is the barricade … You become the barricade
• Safest place to be is outside vehicle Allows you to control traffic
PD
Unobstructed view
Best occupant protection
Safest location
Barricades
Create a buffer zone between traffic and officers
PD
•Accident investigators have small # of barricades & cones•Wood barricades available at 1 Union
Buffer zone = reaction time
Personal Safety
• Wear your vest
• Required by OSHA and dept. policy Any time you are in the road
• Identifies you as police officer
POLICE
Maximum visibility
Personal Safety• Use flashlight w/ wand
White gloves
Create maximum visibility
NHPD Light Tower
Use of Light Tower
• Supervisor can request if needed to illuminate the scene
• NHPD: Ofc. Esposito Cell Pager
• NHFD has same unit