£23k Hi-Tech Van Boosts Wiltshire’s Serious Collision Investigations
A new seven-seater van, costing £23,000 and funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, has been dubbed the ‘single most effective piece of kit’ by the Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT). Originally a Highways vehicle, it’s been given extra tweaks to meet the team’s specialised needs.
Mobile HQ with All the Mod Cons
The van is packed with essentials: a desk, four comfy seats with Wi-Fi, a sink, microwave, kettle – and crucially, a bathroom at the back. This setup means officers can stay on the scene for hours, taking witness statements and filing reports without leaving.
With new laws making collision investigations drag on for 12 hours or more, this mobile base is a lifesaver for police officers doing painstaking forensic work at crash scenes.
Why Road Closures Can Take Hours
Sgt Rich Hatch, a Roads Policing Officer with 23 years’ experience, said: “This vehicle is an absolutely amazing addition to our fleet. It lets us work comfortably and efficiently at collision scenes. With tougher forensic rules, investigations take much longer – sometimes requiring road closures of around 12 hours.”
He added: “The van is a well-thought-out rendezvous point for other agencies, making complex incidents easier to manage.”
Road closures at serious crashes often frustrate drivers stuck in the chaos. Sgt Hatch explained why patience is vital.
“Deploying the necessary teams, including the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit, takes time. Multi-agency briefings are essential to identify hazards. Our SCIT team investigates while FCIU laser scans the whole scene, creating a detailed 3D picture. If the crash covers several hundred metres, this takes a while.”
“Then we handle casualty and sometimes body recovery with the utmost respect, followed by vehicle recovery which can be tricky, especially if a lorry’s involved. Finally, the council may be called to clear fluids from the road.”
“It’s a long, vital process to piece together the scene and provide answers for families and those affected.”
Top Brass Back the New Fleet Addition
PCC Philip Wilkinson praised the SCIT, saying: “They’re invaluable for figuring out why collisions happen, bringing offenders to justice, and giving families answers. This new welfare vehicle means officers can work at their best during long incidents.”
He continued: “Investing in the right tools for our officers is a top priority in my Police and Crime Plan. This ensures we build the best police force possible, delivering the high-quality service Wiltshire residents deserve.”
