LISA MARCHESONI, Senior Writer
Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2010 7:09 am

Investigating a traffic fatality is similar to investigating a homicide, the commander of Murfreesboro Police’s Fatal Accident Crash Team said.

While some fatalities are crashes, others are considered vehicular homicides prosecuted in court requiring evidence, Sgt. Don Fanning explained.

New technology and training enhanced the capabilities of the 14-member team with 13 traffic crash reconstructionists, Fanning said.

FACT was reorganized following the investigation of a fatal crash where former sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Killings was charged with reckless homicide of pedestrian Lakeisha White, 11, in July 2008 on Bradyville Pike. Police Chief Glenn Chrisman said the team failed to collect sufficient evidence.

Since the reorganization, Fanning was promoted to commander with Sgt. Keith Sanders as assistant commander.

New technology included the purchase of a Sokkia mapping system and a Vericom 4000.

“The Sokkia mapping system uses lasers to do a forensic map of the crash scene with exact measurements,” Fanning said. “It’s as accurate as possible.”

The Vericom 4000 gives investigators gravity, velocity and friction values of the roadway.

“It helps answer the mathematical questions to understanding why the crash happened and what to do to help prevent the crash in the future,” Fanning said.

The Crash Zone Software draws three-dimensional maps of the scene.

Much of the technology was purchased through federal funds administered by Detective Maj. Jim Gage.

Besides the technology, the team trains eight hours per month learning about crash investigations and reconstruction, basic and advanced mapping, train collisions and bus collisions.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Lt. John Albertson of the Critical Incident Response Team and his staff help with the training along with officers from Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement and District Attorney General William Whitesell.

Fanning said he appreciates the training time given to the team by Chrisman and Maj. David Hudgens, who supervises the uniform division.

“We have to have the training to keep our skills up and gather all information,” Fanning said. “It may be critical.”

Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@murfreesboropost.com.