The Sheriff's Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team was initiated with deputies Robert Crabtree and Kevin Hellenthal attending the Ohio Peace Officer's Training Academy in London, Ohio. Since its inception, both officers have received classes throughout Ohio in advanced scene investigation, technical crash investigation, vehicle dynamics, and traffic crash reconstruction. Both officers received their certification from the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM) in Jacksonville, Florida. Since then, they have received advanced commercial truck crash investigation training from institutions in Ohio and Florida.
The reconstruction team is capable of breaking down every aspect of a crash into individual elements that form a piece of a puzzle. When the process is completed, all of these pieces are put into place so that we have a very detailed picture of exactly what was occurring during a specific time and place throughout the progression of a crash, in increments as small as 1/10th of a second at a time. We now have the capability of determining fault in situations where it was previously impossible. We no longer have to rely solely on witness and driver statements to determine what happened prior to, during, and after a crash.
Traffic crash reconstruction is a very demanding and time consuming field. The training, which is not as readily available as other specialty areas, is both expensive and mentally challenging.
These men have also assisted other departments in the investigation of traffic crashes within their jurisdictions. This office has seen many benefits of having crash reconstructionists on staff.
Sergeant Tony Rose began his training in reconstruction in the summer of 2002 filling a vacancy created with the promotion of Capt. Crabtree. Deputy Todd Oesterle also joined the crash reconstruction team in 2006 completing all required classes. Capt. Crabtree will remain as an advisor and consultant for the reconstruction team.
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