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Anyone who’s ever been involved in a vehicle crash (fender bender or otherwise) can attest that crashes are traumatic events. They can very easily cause injury or death not to mention financial hardships. From a first responder’s point of view crashes are a very traumatic event also. Responding to any type of serious crash is very resource taxing. There is accessing injuries and rendering aid if needed, the responding officer must also ascertain what other units are needed (i.e. ambulance, fire, emergency management) and get them coming. There is getting traffic diverted and flowing again, getting information from crash participants and witnesses, and then there is the matter of investigating what happened before, during and after the crash. In these high needs situations it is critical the department works and functions well as a team. All of the department’s officers were trained in responding, and reporting these type of incidents, and often time’s there are multiple officers responding as there are so many jobs to do! As an additional resource to the team, the Polson Police Department employ’s a Civilian Crash Investigator as a great benefit to you our customers. The civilian crash investigator responds to all crashes during his working shift (and is available for call outs when he’s not on shift) to assist the team in getting through these calls for service quickly and professionally. You can contact the crash investigator M. Scott at mscott@polsonpolice.com With his assistance, your patrol officers are able to clear from these calls sooner and spend more time responding to other calls for service. To obtain crash reports contact: Joan Hart - City Police/Court Clerk 106 1st St. E. Polson MT, 59860 406-883-8200 (M-F 08:00 - 05:00 p.m.) Remember, crash reports can take as long as 10 days to complete and the city charges $5.00 per report. Crash checklist: Try and pullover safely on the side of the road. Contact 911 as soon as possible. Remain on scene until law enforcement responds.