State Police C.A.R.S.

The Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Sections (CARS) is one of the Specialized Units assigned to the Division of Field Services.

In addition to providing field troopers with technical assistance in the investigation and reconstruction of fatal motor vehicle crashes, C.A.R.S. officers work in cooperative investigations with local law enforcement agencies to investigate crashes occurring within their jurisdictions. These cooperative investigations are conducted by linking the primary investigator of jurisdiction with the skills and expertise of officers assigned to the C.A.R.S.

Statewide, C.A.R.S. investigates in excess of 600 incidents annually. The Section is under the direct command of a Commissioned Officer and is staffed by highly trained and professionally certified officers.

C.A.R.S. is divided into four geographical teams: The Northeast team covers all of A Troop as well as Middlesex County's northernmost cities and towns within H Troop; The Southeast team covers the remainder of H Troop and all of D Troop. The Central team covers C Troop; and the West team covers B Troop. In order to address the human resource needs of C.A.R.S., the unit will be expanding its compliment of personnel by adding troopers to the Northeast and Central Teams.

In order to ensure that C.A.R.S. officers have received the latest in collision analysis and reconstruction equipment and training, C.A.R.S., with the assistance of the Traffic Programs Section, has procured a generous federal grant through the Massachusetts Highway Department. The basis of this grant is to initiate a "quick clearance" protocol for highway crashes occurring within the Commonwealth. As a direct result of this grant, C.A.R.S. personnel are currently scheduled to undergo six weeks of advanced training in new technology and equipment, prior to February of 2006, with further training intended for the future.

Along with having highly trained and experienced personnel, C.A.R.S., with the funds from the federal grant, has been acquiring the most current state-of-the-art equipment and technology - further enhancing the unit's efficiency and productivity. Such resources include computer aided diagramming programs, software that allows for animated recreations of crashes, and forensic mapping tools. Specifically, C.A.R.S. members will utilize: laptop computers that wirelessly connect to the State Police Network. These computers can be taken into the field or docked to ultra sharp flat panel displays in the office. Members will also utilize crash data retrieval kits and software; digital cameras; digital light meters; GPS navigation equipment; photogrammetry equipment and much more.

C.A.R.S. is pioneering the use of photogrammetry techniques that allow for the faster clearance of crash scenes. Photogrammetry is a process by which C.A.R.S. officers will use digital cameras in the field to photograph crash scenes, then, after the scene is cleared, utilize a software program to derive crucial measurements from the photographic evidence of the scene. When C.AR.S. implements the new photogrammetry technology early this fall, The Massachusetts State Police will be the only policing agency in New England and one of few in the nation utilizing such techniques.

In addition to performing collision analysis, C.A.R.S. has a secondary, but equally important, mission of providing forensic mapping of non-crash related crime scenes. In creating such maps, C.A.R.S. works in partnership with officers, investigators and chemists assigned to such State Police units as the Crime Scene Services Section, the Ballistics Section, the Crime Lab, and the State Fire Marshal's office, as well as with State Police Detectives assigned to the various District Attorney Offices and personnel assigned to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The members of the Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Section are highly dedicated State Police Officers. They take great pride in providing their expertise and technical resources to: assist with reconstructing and analyzing roadway crashes; enhance crime scene investigations; and aid in the prosecution criminal cases.

For further information about C.A.R.S., please contact Lieutenant Andrew Klane, Section Commander, at 978-538-6051 or andrew.klane@state.ma.us (preferred).

To request a copy of a collision reconstruction report, please call 978-538-6061 or send an email (preferred) to cars.reports@state.ma.us.  Please include the date and location of the collision as well as operator information if available.