Accident Investigation Unit
The Accident Investigation Unit is centrally based at Police HQ, Aykley Heads, Durham and is staffed by eight constables. They are all experienced officers who have a Traffic Patrols background but have enhanced their skills and abilities to become highly qualified collision/accident investigators.
The Unit investigates all fatal collisions/accidents on the roads of County Durham and Darlington and attend serious and life threatening collisions/accidents offering assistance and expertise to Area Roads Policing Officers.
Their role includes:
- a full reconstruction detailing the location
- a scale survey of the scene
- detailed vehicle examinations
- marks at scene and how they were generated e.g. tyre marks
- assessment of damage to vehicles
- dynamics of collision
- sight lines (the maximum view drivers could see on approach, dependent on other vehicles and activity)
- conclusion
- file preparation
As well as road collisions/accidents they are able to assist CID with serious crime scene surveys and the Health and Safety Executive with serious and fatal industrial accidents.
If you have an accident query that is not about a fatal or life threatening accident then please contact central accident records.
