NCJ Number
218405
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 55 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2007 Pages: 56-58,60,62,63
Date Published
April 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the use of total stations, survey equipment that allows police investigators to quickly and accurately gather vehicle crash data.
Abstract
Before the use of total stations (also referred to as AMIS technology), officers investigating crash scenes often had to shut down interstates, use tape measures, and try to sketch a re-creation of the scene, which was incredibly time-consuming and inaccurate. Now, officers are relying more and more on easy to use total stations that provide accurate measurements of fog lines, street width, center lane dividers, utility poles, skid marks, and many other details pertinent to the details of a car crash. The technology is easy to learn and use and officers automatically receive a 2-day training course when the AIMS technology is purchased. Once data has been captured with a total station, the information is downloaded from the total station to its software, which takes approximately 50 seconds. The software then automatically generates maps showing all the data. Detailed maps can be made for court, including customized and three-dimensional maps to help investigators present their cases with precision and clarity. In addition to all the above stated benefits of using total stations, this technology also helps keep officers safe by speeding up investigation time and allowing officers to take measurements from off the roadway. The author expects total stations to not only grow in popularity, but also grow in the types of investigations for which they are used. Exhibits