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APD proposes civilian traffic‑crash investigators to handle property‑damage collisions; startup estimated at $800,000
Summary
Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp outlined a civilian traffic crash investigator program that would assign trained non‑sworn civilians to handle minor, non‑injury collisions, freeing sworn officers for emergencies; staff estimated a roughly $800,000 startup cost and a possible 2027 implementation if funded.
APD staff asked the Public Safety Committee on Nov. 20 to consider a civilian traffic crash investigator program that would use trained civilian professionals—not sworn officers—to respond to minor, non‑injury property‑damage collisions.
Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp told the committee the program aims to reduce officer time on low‑priority collisions (about 84% of calls are property‑damage only) so sworn officers can respond faster to emergencies and proactive policing. Stepp said APD responds to about 8,000 collisions per year and that the civilians would handle collisions that do not involve DWI, hit‑and‑run with injuries, or interstate incidents for safety reasons.
Budget and timing: Staff estimated an approximately $800,000 startup cost to hire and equip the civilian investigators (salary, benefits, vehicles, body‑worn cameras, and training). Stepp said a funding request would go to the finance office in December; if approved through the budget process, implementation could occur in 2027.
Operational details and safeguards: The civilian investigators would wear a uniform that is intentionally distinct from APD sworn uniforms, operate marked (but non‑police) fleet vehicles, complete a four‑to‑six‑week specialized training program (not full BLET), and be dispatched to property‑damage calls via the existing 911/dispatch structure. City Attorney Brad Branham noted recent state law enabling the practice and said it removes a barrier around insurance contests that might otherwise arise when a sworn officer does not take a report.
Next steps: The program will be evaluated against other budget requests; staff and council discussed dispatch procedures, training length, insurance concerns, and a timeline for potential implementation.
