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