VENTURA : Police to End Reports on Minor Accidents

Ventura police officers soon will stop taking full reports or assigning fault when responding to non-injury accidents on public roadways, establishing a policy already adopted by a majority of the county’s law enforcement agencies.

Starting May 1, officers will only take full reports when responding to accidents involving injuries or a hit-and-run or drunken drivers, as required by state law.

Ventura Police Sgt. Randy Adams said the change is a result of budget cuts and restructuring that caused the traffic division to lose 12 positions to community policing and patrol.

“In the vast majority of accidents we respond to, someone bumps someone and it’s a minor incident,” he said. “If no one is injured, we’re not required to do an investigation. That’s what insurance companies are for.”

Police will provide a sketch of the collision to those involved so insurance companies can make evaluations. The department met with insurance agencies in drafting the new policy.

Until now, officers would respond to every call. Starting May 1, drivers will be instructed to exchange information and handle the problem themselves.