Accident Investigator Unit/Hit and Run
The Accident Investigation/Hit & Run Unit is comprised of 10 Accident Investigators and three Hit & Run Detectives. The officers assigned to this unit undergo hundreds of hours of extensive training for accident investigation and accident reconstruction.
The unit has the primary role of traffic accident investigation and enforcement in Salt Lake City. Enforcement of traffic laws leads to a reduction in the substantial number of yearly accidents, as well as safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
They also assist with traffic control during events such as the Days of '47 Parade, the Gay Pride Parade and many other functions, including LDS General Conference, dignitary escorts, and protests and mass gatherings.
The unit issued 3,294 traffic citations in 2008. Of the 7,722 traffic accidents that occurred in Salt Lake City last year, the 10 accident investigators handled almost half of the reportable accidents. They responded to 14 fatal accidents, four of which involved pedestrians and four of which were alcohol or drug related. The Hit and Run Detectives investigated more than 1,000 cases, and the unit also enhanced more than 100 DUI arrests into felony charges.
