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Are You a Good Samaritan
Tampering With Crime Scenes
Being a Good Samaritan is very admirable in today’s society. With that said, in the police officer’s position, as a Major Crimes Investigator and Accident Reconstructionist, please don’t destroy the crime scene. Most people wouldn’t think of going into a homicide scene and moving and destroying possible evidence that might make or break a case for prosecution. People want to see justice prevail. An accident scene is no different than a homicide scene when a person dies in the crash; it’s classified as a homicide.
Traffic Accidents
We have had many serious injury accidents and fatalities this year in Springfield. In many of these, “Good Samaritans” have moved vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, and personal items, out of the roadway. Unless it is absolutely necessary to do so for safety reasons, we ask that you do not move things. If you need to, park your vehicle in a manner to protect these items and provide safety at the scene. Utilize your emergency flashers.
Physical Evidence
Evidence left at the scene is sometimes the only information that is obtained to tell investigators how and why the accident occurred. This evidence is used to assist investigators in the follow-up of the crash when there are no witnesses or witness statements don’t match the physical evidence on the roadway.
Physical evidence does not lie, but people can be mistaken about what they observed, depending on the moment they become aware of what is occurring around them involving the crash. As you know, many people will observe the same crash, but each one has a different version as to how the crash occurred.
Public Assistance
In order for the police to do a thorough and professional investigation, we need the public’s assistance, but please think prior to moving any evidence at the scene. Remember, moving evidence could cause your loved ones not to get the justice they deserve.
Please drive safely and obey all traffic laws.
Being a Good Samaritan is very admirable in today’s society. With that said, in the police officer’s position, as a Major Crimes Investigator and Accident Reconstructionist, please don’t destroy the crime scene. Most people wouldn’t think of going into a homicide scene and moving and destroying possible evidence that might make or break a case for prosecution. People want to see justice prevail. An accident scene is no different than a homicide scene when a person dies in the crash; it’s classified as a homicide.
Traffic Accidents
We have had many serious injury accidents and fatalities this year in Springfield. In many of these, “Good Samaritans” have moved vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, and personal items, out of the roadway. Unless it is absolutely necessary to do so for safety reasons, we ask that you do not move things. If you need to, park your vehicle in a manner to protect these items and provide safety at the scene. Utilize your emergency flashers.
Physical Evidence
Evidence left at the scene is sometimes the only information that is obtained to tell investigators how and why the accident occurred. This evidence is used to assist investigators in the follow-up of the crash when there are no witnesses or witness statements don’t match the physical evidence on the roadway.
Physical evidence does not lie, but people can be mistaken about what they observed, depending on the moment they become aware of what is occurring around them involving the crash. As you know, many people will observe the same crash, but each one has a different version as to how the crash occurred.
Public Assistance
In order for the police to do a thorough and professional investigation, we need the public’s assistance, but please think prior to moving any evidence at the scene. Remember, moving evidence could cause your loved ones not to get the justice they deserve.
Please drive safely and obey all traffic laws.