Northwestern University - Traffic Crash Investigation 1
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- This event meets the criteria for specific mandated training
- Non members please click here to contact us to request access to online registrations.
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This event is currently full and we are not allowing for any more registrations at this time. We do apologize for this, but would like to offer you to be added to our Waiting List. Fill out the following form, then if someone cancels their registration, you will be notified and given the opportunity to become an official registrant.
Date: Monday, January 26, 2026
Ends On: Friday, February 6, 2026
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 23, 2026
Class Time(s): 8:00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Ends On: Friday, February 6, 2026
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 23, 2026
Class Time(s): 8:00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Instructor Location:
New Lenox Police Department
Instructor: Course instructor(s) are provided by NUCPS.New Lenox Police Department
200 Veterans Parkway
New Lenox, IL 60451
Driving Directions
New Lenox, IL 60451
Member's Fee: $0
Non-Member & Civilian Fee: $0
The moments immediately following a traffic crash are crucial, and only a well-trained crash investigator knows how to identify and collect the necessary information at the crash scene and to begin the interpretation of that evidence.
Crash investigators must work quickly and confidently to preserve significant physical results before the crash scene is altered or evidence disappears. They must anticipate what information will be needed for enforcing traffic laws, planning crash prevention programs and possible case litigation. In addition, they must properly document the at-scene information and evidence because once the scene is cleared, the evidence might be impossible to recover.
Crash Investigation 1, based on J. Stannard Baker's world-renowned text, Traffic Crash Investigation, is an in-depth study of the skills needed to systematically investigate a traffic crash. Techniques for recognizing and properly recording roadway and vehicle crash evidence are thoroughly presented. Students learn to take measurements and photographs of the crash scene and to create sketches and after-crash diagrams. Crash Investigation 1 also addresses how the collected data are used to reconstruct crashes. Finally, the use of electronic devices to collect and record at-scene data is also introduced.
Course Topics:
- Preparation for traffic crash investigation
- Information from and about people
- Information from vehicles
- Information from roads
- Measuring and mapping the crash scene
- Photographing the crash scene and damaged vehicles
- For this updated program, students will develop a new case study. Photographs and exhibits have been updated, and classroom instruction now includes how the latest generation of vehicle electronics - including data recorders, traction and stability controls, multiple airbags, etc. - affect both the crash and the crash investigation
In all cases, please bring the following additional items to class:
- Comfortable outdoor clothing (likely to get dirty) for Week 2 outdoor projects
- Simple calculator with square root key
- Mechanical Pencils
- Staedtler Geometry Compass
- Laptop computer (or other device) with USB port(s) and Adobe Reader installed.
- Students may use calculators and electronic communication devices in class; however, possession/use of electronic communication devices during closed-book quizzes and exams is prohibited.
Officers/investigators who successfully complete Crash Investigation 1 significantly improve their ability to handle all aspects of the majority of traffic crash investigations occurring within their jurisdictions.
Participants who successfully complete Crash Investigation 1 or its equivalent are eligible to enroll in Tri-River’s and NUCPS’s next crash investigation course, Crash Investigation 2.
This class is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation through the Police Traffic Services Training Project and administered by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board.
This training covers the following mandates:
- Civil Rights - 3 hours
- Constitutional / Proper Use of LE Authority - 4 hours
- Legal Updates - 3 hours
- Procedural Justice - 3 hours
- Lead Homicide Investigator - 80 hours
