Accident Investigation and Reconstruction

Will County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Deputies are specially trained accident reconstructionists.  They have received their training through Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.  These deputies are called to the scene of all serious as well as fatality vehicle traffic crashes. 

For traffic crash investigators, moments following the crash are crucial.  Personnel reconstruct all traffic crashes involving fatalities, and selected crashes involving major personal injuries.  An attempt is made to determine causation and fault in the crash.  Sophisticated computer analysis aids in this task.  Charges, when appropriate, are then brought forward. Hit and Run investigations and crashes involving Will County vehicles are also investigated by the Traffic Section.  Traffic Section  reconstructionists are also called upon to assist other agencies with their crash investigations, as well. During Fiscal Year 2005, Traffic Section Deputies reconstructed 12 fatal crashes, and investigated 284 personal injury crashes, and assisted other departments on 101 fatal or serious crashes.

Crash Reconstruction software was purchased from Engineering Dynamics Corporation in 1995. Training for all members of the Traffic Section in the ED VAP DOS based software took place at Northwestern University's Traffic Institute. A then state-of-the-art computer software, including a drafting plotter, was purchased and utilized with the software. Then Engineering Dynamics introduced their Window's based HVE-2D software, it was purchased and the Traffic Section members were trained in its use. In 2000, new computer equipment was again purchased, including an updated color plotter, scanner and printer. Map Scenes CAD software was also purchased for use with downloaded data from a Total Station.

A LEICA TC307 Total Station, equipped with a Sokkia SDR33 Electronic Field book was purchased in 2000 and training was provided to all Traffic Section members, Evidence Technicians and three Patrol Bureau Deputies. The Total Station is routinely used on all fatal and major injury crashes, and all outdoor homicide scenes.

The Will County Sheriff's Office Traffic Section routinely assists other agencies with fatal crash scenes, using this equipment.