Midwest Center For Traffic Safety

Enhancing Evidence Documentation Through Body-Worn Camera Mapping Techniques

Deputy Chief Stan Taylor, Lake County Sheriff Auxiliary

 

Over the past decade, significant advancements in electronic mapping and measurement technologies have transformed investigative procedures at crash and crime scenes. The integration of drone technology has further enabled investigators to document and preserve evidence with enhanced precision.

Despite these innovations, challenges remain—fatalities may occur days or weeks after an incident, and critical evidence can be missed or obscured during initial investigations. In response, a cutting-edge method has been developed that leverages body-worn camera footage to accurately locate, map, and document evidence after the fact.

This presentation will explore this innovative approach, detailing the procedures involved, showcasing real-world applications, and presenting case studies that illustrate its effectiveness and impact on modern investigative practices.

 

Navigating the Pitfalls of Video Evidence in Traffic Crash Investigations

Amped-FIVE

 

As video recording devices—such as dashcams, surveillance cameras, and mobile phones—become increasingly common on public roadways, they are playing a more significant role in traffic crash investigations. Video footage can offer valuable insight into vehicle speeds, paths of travel, and the actions of drivers and pedestrians. However, while video evidence can be powerful, it also presents unique challenges. Poor video quality, misinterpretation of perspective, timing inconsistencies, and data compression can all lead to inaccurate conclusions if not properly understood and analyzed.

 

This session will provide attendees with the essential foundational knowledge required to approach video forensics with confidence and accuracy. Topics will include the basic principles of video analysis, how to identify and correct for distortions or limitations in footage, and the importance of frame rate, resolution, and camera placement in determining reliable results. Participants will also learn how to follow a structured analysis process, use specialized video analysis software effectively, and avoid common mistakes that can compromise investigations. Real-world case studies will illustrate best practices and demonstrate how properly interpreted video evidence can play a crucial role in crash reconstruction and legal proceedings. Whether new to video forensics or seeking to strengthen existing skills, attendees will leave with a solid understanding of the tools, techniques, and thought processes required to extract meaningful insights from video data.

​

Crash Testing 2025

Get ready for an exciting and educational highlight of the conference! A specialized crash test team from Crash Data Specialists will be on-site to conduct multiple live vehicle-to-vehicle crash tests, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness high-speed collision dynamics in real time.

Thanks to the generous support of the Village of Schaumburg and the Schaumburg Boomers, the live testing will take place in a secured, large-scale parking lot just a short bus ride from the conference center. This dynamic demonstration is scheduled for the conclusion of Day One of the conference and will showcase controlled high-speed impacts designed to replicate real-world crash scenarios.

 

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

 

• Observe test procedures and vehicle preparation

• See the forces of collision and resulting damage up close

• Learn about data collection from Event Data Recorders (EDRs) and other onboard systems

• Interact with the crash team and ask questions about methodology and findings

 

This is an unforgettable, hands-on experience that brings the science of crash investigation to life. Don’t miss it!

 

The data obtained from the testing will be presented at 8:30 am on the third day of the conference!

 

Uncovering Insurance Fraud and Vehicle Crime Trends: Insights from the NICB

National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)

 

This year, agents from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) will share their expertise in fraud detection and investigation with conference attendees. The session will provide an in-depth look at current fraud schemes, vehicle-related crimes, theft trends, and other emerging issues facing investigators today.

Established in 1992, the NICB is dedicated to preventing and combating insurance crime through intelligence-driven strategies, data analysis, and collaborative operations. This presentation will offer valuable insights into their latest findings, investigative techniques, and real-world case examples to help attendees stay ahead of evolving criminal tactics.

 

From Crash Scene to Courtroom: A Three-Part Case Study on High-Speed Collisions and Expert Testimony

 

This dynamic three-part series will guide attendees through the full lifecycle of a real-world crash investigation, beginning with a high-speed collision in Gurnee, Illinois. In Part One, participants will examine the initial case: a stopped vehicle struck by a speeding Cadillac at a traffic signal, resulting in serious injuries and criminal charges. The session will cover every stage of the case—from the initial callout and on-scene investigation to the final prosecution.

 

Part 2: The Courtroom Test: Practicing Expert Testimony and Legal Preparedness

Part Two transitions into a mock criminal trial, where the investigation will be brought into the courtroom. This session will focus on expert witness preparation, including predicate questions, the Voir Dire process, and examination by both prosecution and defense. Attendees will gain firsthand experience in courtroom dynamics and leave with a clearer understanding of what it means to be qualified and questioned as an expert witness.

 

Part 3: Testify with Technology: A Mock Trial Experience for Modern Experts

Part Three will address the role of technical experts in presenting electronic evidence. This includes the introduction and explanation of data from Event Data Recorders (EDRs), BERLA infotainment systems, and other sources. The session will also touch on civil litigation procedures, highlighting key differences between civil and criminal proceedings when presenting expert testimony and electronic evidence.

 

Occupant Kinematics and Injury Patterns in Crash Investigations

Dr. Kevin Adanty

Understanding the movement of vehicle occupants during a collision is critical—especially in cases where occupant positioning or driver identification is in question. Unrestrained occupants follow distinct trajectories influenced by collision dynamics and vehicle behavior. Accurate analysis of these movements, coupled with thorough documentation of physical evidence and injury patterns, plays a vital role in both investigations and legal proceedings.

 

In this session, Dr. Adanty will explore the biomechanics of crash-related injuries, review common injury mechanisms and patterns, and discuss injury mapping techniques. Real-world case studies will be presented to highlight investigative strategies and illustrate how detailed injury analysis can contribute to successful litigation outcomes.

 

Unraveling the Scene: Fundamentals of Hit-and-Run Crash

Mr. Andrew Thomas

Investigating serious injury or fatal collisions presents numerous challenges for collision investigators and their agencies—but when a vehicle flees the scene, those challenges escalate dramatically. The absence of an at-fault driver adds urgency and complexity, requiring a methodical and strategic approach to uncover the truth.

This session will equip investigators with the foundational skills necessary to effectively handle hit-and-run cases. Topics will include essential techniques for identifying and locating fleeing vehicles, collecting and preserving physical and digital evidence, and leveraging witness statements and surveillance data. Emphasis will be placed on linking the suspect vehicle to the crash scene and, ultimately, connecting the driver and occupants to the vehicle involved.

Through case examples and practical insights, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to manage these complex investigations from the moment of response through to potential prosecution.

 

Inside the Dashboard: Using Digital Forensics in Modern Collision Investigations

Sergeant Patrick Murray

 

As in-vehicle technology continues to evolve, the amount and quality of digital forensic data available from modern vehicles has become a transformative asset for crash investigators and legal professionals alike. Infotainment systems, onboard video cameras, advanced driver-assistance features, and connected vehicle technologies now record and store critical data that can illuminate the events before, during, and after a collision. This wealth of information has opened new opportunities to reconstruct crashes with greater accuracy and support investigative and legal efforts with concrete, technology-based evidence.

 

This session will delve into the fast-moving world of vehicle-based digital forensics and its practical applications in both criminal and civil cases. Attendees will learn what types of data are typically captured by infotainment and telematics systems, how to legally and forensically access and preserve that information, and what tools—such as the BERLA system—are commonly used for data extraction. Real-world case examples will highlight how digital vehicle forensics have played a decisive role in crash analysis and litigation. With technology advancing rapidly, understanding how to obtain and interpret this data has become a critical skill for anyone involved in modern-day crash investigations.