Members of the RCMP receive basic collision investigation (Level I) training during Cadet Training while at Depot Division in Regina.

The goal of "H" Division Traffic Services is to have each Traffic Services Investigator trained to a minimum of "Level II". This is a 2 week course that provides investigators with the skills to properly measure and photograph a collision scene. Members so trained, are prepared to do basic speed calculations from skid or yaw marks, are trained to properly measure most scenes, to collect and preserve evidence, and now have the foundation for further training as Collision Analysts (Level III).

Each Traffic Service Unit in "H" Division will also have members on staff who have advanced collision investigation training, either as a Collision Analyst (Level III), or a Collision Reconstructionist (Level IV). Some larger traffic units may be fortunate enough to have both an Analyst and a Reconstructionist on staff. This training is conducted at the Justice Institute of Canada (Atlantic Police Academy) and also at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa. This training provides members with the expertise to analyze and reconstruct collisions in a detailed and thorough manner, and to offer "opinion" evidence in both Criminal and Civil Court.

Collision Analysts and Reconstructionists have recently begun to take advantage of new techniques for investigating collisions and answering difficult questions. Vetronix Corporation has been manufacturing electronic components used in many automotive manufacturers; including Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Lexus, and many others. Crash Data Retrieval Systems, manufactured by Vetronix are standard equipment in many new vehicles and are extremely useful in analyzing pre-and post crash electronic data. This system can answer a number of questions regarding vehicle speed, engine RPM, seatbelt useage, brake lights (on/off), etc.... This information can be invaluable in determining causation and fault in collision analysis.

Recent developments in computer software have provided experienced collision investigators with several new options in terms of collecting collision scene evidence and presenting crash scene diagrams. Visual Statements and Map Scenes are two popular options currently available for graphically reproducing collisions scenes, but there are others as well. These programs have various options, but essentially they allow analysts and reconstructionists to plug scene data into computer software programs which allow for completion of mathmatical calculations as well as 2 and 3-dimensional scene presentations.

When possible, the RCMP trains analysts and reconstructionists in the proper use of Surveying Equipment for scene measurement. By using this modern equipment investigators can quickly and accurately measure collision scenes. The equipment required to conduct these surveys is VERY expensive and this cost makes it difficult for many police organizations to employ it as often as they would like.

For further information with regards to this training, follow the links below:

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