7-502 - Accident Investigation Responsibility

Policy

1. The Traffic Investigation unit shall investigate the following accidents:

• Felony motor vehicle accidents or accidents where there is a death, unless it involves a critical incident or fatal hit and run accident.
• All MPD vehicle accidents. 
• Vehicle accidents in Minneapolis involving on‑duty police officers from another agency, if requested by the involved agency.
• All City vehicle accidents, unless the accident is so minimal that no injury or future injury claim is expected.
• All government vehicle accidents involving Personal Injury (PI).

2. Car 710 shall investigate all critical incident MPD vehicle accidents and fatal hit and run accidents with the assistance of Traffic Unit personnel.
3. Officers not assigned to the Traffic Investigation unit shall investigate and report all other accidents assigned to them.
4. Officers responsible for accident investigations will prepare and submit all required reports and documents to the appropriate unit or agency without unnecessary delay.

1. The investigating officer(s) shall complete an Offense Report for accidents involving an A-injury (incapacitating) as reported on the State Accident Report.
2. For accidents involving Personal Injury (PI) to a pedestrian, where probable cause exists to believe the injury resulted from careless or unlawful driving conduct by a motorist, the investigating officer(s) shall complete:

1. An Offense Report, and
2. A Minnesota Traffic Accident Report. 

• Critical Incident:

  An incident involving any of the following situations occurring in the line of duty:

  • The use of Deadly Force by or against a Minneapolis Police Officer
  • Death or Great Bodily Harm to an officer
  • Death or Great Bodily Harm to a person who is in the custody or control of an officer
  • Any action by an officer that causes or is intended to cause Death or Great Bodily Harm
• Investigation: A structured process of gathering, examining, and evaluating facts and evidence to determine what occurred, assess compliance with laws and policies, and support appropriate actions or decisions.
• Probable Cause: Having reasonable grounds for supporting the requested Court order, to include: search warrants, arrests or other legal process. Probable cause is required by the Fourth Amendment. Officers must have an objectively reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed or that there is evidence of the crime present in the place to be searched.