LAMP AND LIGHT FILAMENTS

 

During a crash investigation it may become important to determine whether or not a headlight, taillight, or other light unit was on or off at the time of an impact. These determinations can usually be made if the lamp was cracked or broken, but in some instances may be made even if the glass was not broken.

 

During the investigation of crashes where operating conditions of lights are important, remember:

  1. Never attempt to turn on the lights to see if they are operational.

  2. Always check the position of the light switches.

  3. Question all suspects, victims, and witnesses as to their observations concerning the operating conditions of the lights involved.


IMPOUNDING OFFICER PROCEDURES

Recovery of all parts of the broken lamp is of primary importance.

  1. Carefully remove the complete lamp unit if possible. Otherwise, remove all parts of the unit. The parts recovered should include the socket, glass fragments, filament supports, and filaments. The recovery of the filaments is of greatest value since more information can be secured from them than any other part of the lamp unit.

  2. Broken lamp units and parts should be marked with the location of the lamp on vehicle and the orientation of the bulb in the socket. Package the components in a manner to prevent further damage during shipment (e.g. in a cardboard box or suspend the bulb in a Styrofoam cup). If the broken unit is one of a pair, attempt to remove and submit the other unit for comparison whenever practical.


EVIDENCE OFFICER PROCEDURES

STORAGE

  1. Ensure proper packaging; refer to the example board in the evidence processing areas.

  2. Place one barcode on the item and the corresponding barcode on the property receipt.

  3. Place the item in a location best suited to the size of the item, and area specified by the evidence room guide.

  4. Using the barcode reader, scan the location of the shelf and then scan the barcode that is affixed to the item.

  5. Place the item in numerical order by case number.


DISPOSAL

  1. Upon authorization or disposition of the case, see “General Disposition of Items."

 

 

Revised 11/05/03