An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 11 An insight from the MP Corps I n 2014 the Military Police Corps developed a capability in Fo- rensic Collision Investigation (FCI). the theory of this special- ist type of investigation involves the application of scientific formulae and principles based on Newton's laws of motion, combined with the examina- tion of both forensic and physical evidence deposited at the scene of the colli- sion. Vehicle collisions are typically in- stantaneous, therefore understanding their cause and the fac- tors that con- tribute to them requires a methodical yet 'open minded' approach. It guarantees that a comprehensive investigation can be conducted and that accurate information can be provided to any subsequent court case or coroner's inquest. Consistent with this capability the author undertook a 1-year, Level 4 UCPD Certificate course in Forensic Road Collision Investi- gation. The course was conducted by AiTS (Accident Investigation Training School), Gloucester, UK and awarded by De Montfort University, Leicester UK. Primarily studied through distance it consisted of three modules. Module 1, Collision Fundamentals included: Mathematics, Physics, Road surfaces, The coefficient of friction, Locked wheel marks, Speed from skid marks, The equations of motion, Stages of a collision, Pro- jectiles, Pedestrian throw, Limited visibility, Momentum, Circular mo- tion and Swerves and lane changes. Module 2, Collision Case Studies and Reconstructions. Module 3, Statistics for Collision Investigators. The role of the Forensic Collision Investigator is to locate, re- cord, gather, evaluate and interpret evidence, physical or forensic that occurs as a result of a road traffic collision. This evidence can be varied and the process includes locating the point/area of impact and the final resting place of vehicles relative to this point. There will always be collision related marks present on the road surface including tyre marks and marks from the vehicle itself. Due to the velocity of the collision objects including the vehicles themselves, engine blocks, fragments of vehicles and pedestrians or motorcyclists may be projected as a result. Information can also be interpreted from the damage caused to the vehicles from the collision, this is referred to as 'crush damage'. Where skid marks are present the investigator may be in a position to cal- culate a velocity prior to and at impact but must first determine whether full or partial braking had taken place. Other contributing factors include: Road gradients, Changes in road surface, Vehicle dynamics and handling, Circular motion including critical speed, Swerves and lane changes, Momentum, Pedestrian impacts, Projectile equations, Driver reaction times and Maximum safe speeds in limited visibility situations. The FCI who attends the scene of a collision may be attending the scene of an unexplained/unlawful death, or serious injury. Effectively, they are dealing with a crime scene. Therefore it is crucial that once other emergency services have finished, the scene must be carefully preserved. This preservation will allow the FCI to carry out a comprehensive examination and assist with the reconstruction of the events both surrounding and leading up to the collision. An Garda Síochána have been employing this capability for years and the Defence Forces have been working alongside them to develop our own expertise to the highest standards through joint training and exercises. The most recent collaboration conducted at the DFTC on 21st April 2016 consisted of research into skid testing on various surfaces using a number of vehicles to compare the coefficient of friction (μ) results. The research, one of the first of its type conducted in Ireland was overseen and validated by Dr Declan Phillips, head of the Engi- neering Faculty UL. The results once verified and authenticated will be published and shared with the Defence Forces for use as reference. Forensic Collision Investigation represents how science can be applied to this overall specialist field of Mili- tary Police work. The ad- vancement in this area will also assist the FCI who is relied upon to give evidence in court having attended the scene of a serious and/or fatal colli- sion. Military Police and Garda Síochána personnel who attended the Research. Photo: Gda Richard Culhane, Garda Training College Insp Margaret Howard, Garda Training College, Dr Declan Phillips, Head of Engineering Faculty, UL, Lt Col Bernard Markey, OC MP Gp, DFTC and Supt Seamus Nolan, Garda Training College at the opening address for the FCI Research Day on 21st April 2016. Photo: Gda Richard Culhane, Garda Training College Tests are conducted as close to the scene as possible and at a maximum speed of 50kph. by COY SGT PATRICK BALFE, MP GP, DFTC Measurements of skid marks can assist with the calculation of velocity and for the value of the coefficient of friction (μ).

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