NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

Vehicle safety inspections
Traffic crash reconstruction
Preparation of formal reports to support criminal charges
Technical assistance provided by physicians, surveyors, engineers, mechanics,
or other specialists
B. When investigating a serious injury crash where a question arises about brake failure, the
officer may order the vehicle impounded for a brake inspection. When this vehicle is
impounded, it should be towed directly to a facility where it can be stored inside a
secured environment until an authorized mechanic can check and certify proper
functioning of the brakes. The investigating officer is responsible for coordinating the
inspection and ensuring that the mechanic prepares a written document detailing the
results.
2.2.5 Victim Property Control
The officer in charge at the scene of a traffic crash will ensure that valuable personal property
belonging to a crash victim is properly cared for to prevent theft. He/she is also responsible for
checking a vehicle for valuables before it is towed from the scene of a traffic crash by a private
tow company. If a vehicle is impounded out of a traffic crash due to the arrest of the
owner/operator (see Directive 2.4.3 (B)), it is the responsibility of the officer completing the
vehicle impound form to collect items of value from within the impounded vehicle and properly
place them in an area of safekeeping. The officer in charge is responsible for the retrieval of
items of value that are outside the vehicle or with an injured victim. All items of value will be
recorded on the property impound form and placed in the property room to be claimed by the
owner or immediate family member. Items of no value (such as an operator’s license) may be
held by the investigating officer who shall ensure its return to the owner. If an item is not returned
by the end of the officer’s shift, the item will be impounded and placed in a property locker.
2.2.6 Traffic Crash Classification System
As outlined in the Ohio Traffic Crash Procedure Manual, officers will complete the appropriate
form(s) when investigating traffic crashes.
Normally, an OH-1 will be completed on all traffic crashes investigated by an officer.
Officers may utilize the OH-2 for drawing diagrams or recording notes.
Witness statements are to be placed on an OH-3.
The release of Crash Reports and records shall be subject to Ohio’s Public Record Act
(O.R.C. §149.43).
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