FCPD Detectives Piece Crash Scenes Back Together

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Fairfax, VA- Detectives within our Operation Support Bureau’s Crash Reconstruction Unit (CRU) play an indispensable role as they meticulously piece together crash scenes. They methodically examine the details and circumstances surrounding fatal and serious vehicle crashes to determine what happened.

What CRU Investigates:

CRU detectives are responsible for examining a wide spectrum of investigations.

They investigate or assist with the following types of cases:

  • fatal crashes,
  • fatal hit and run crashes,
  • critical injury crashes,
  • critical injury hit and run crashes,
  • serious injury commercial crashes,
  • all aircraft and train crashes,
  • industrial accidents involving any type of moving motorized vehicle which results in death or life-threatening injury.

CRU Mission:

The primary mission of a CRU detective is to conduct thorough and expert investigations into crashes resulting in fatalities or severe injuries. Their objective extends beyond determining the root causes of these incidents and focus on collecting evidence that can be utilized in legal proceedings when the need arises. Our Crash Reconstruction detectives work closely with our Victim Services Division to ensure families and loved ones of crash victims have access to the necessary resources to navigate fatal crash investigations.

CRU detectives undergo rigorous and specialized training, equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge to analyze crash scenes. This training encompasses a deep understanding of collision physics, vehicle dynamics, and the science of impact. Leveraging their expertise, they reconstruct crash scenarios and piece together the sequence of events leading to these tragic occurrences.

Our detectives teach current officers from the Fairfax County Police Department and surrounding agencies about advanced crash investigation techniques. Additionally, our Crash Reconstruction Unit has been designated as a repository for vehicle crash data retrieval cables which ensures our detectives have the most up to date technology to enhance their investigations.   The invaluable contributions of these detectives greatly enhance our department’s capabilities and its commitment to public safety.

The Crash Reconstruction Unit would like to share a few tips to help keep you and your family safe while driving:

  • Always wear your seatbelt!
  • Stay alert and drive attentively!
  • Never drive impaired!
  • Drive Defensively, Not Aggressively!
  • Share the road- be mindful of pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles!

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.