CHP Q&A

Do they usually want/need witness statements or do the dash-cams pretty much take care of that?

Not all law enforcement vehicles have dash cams. If you witness a collision, please remain and provide a statement.

The same goes for witnessing anyone else involved in a collision. Witness statements are quite valuable to an investigation as they are non-partial.

I would have stuck around but, as traffic began moving again (I was stopped at a red light), the officers seemed to be in "guns drawn" stance on both sides of the civilian vehicle. (I don't know if they were in pursuit of the guy or whether anyone who could have done something as stupid as the civilian did just had a really high likelihood of also being dangerous). And, as I was completely focused on the stupid civilian car, I couldn't even guarantee which law enforcement agency was involved ("black and white" doesn't help much).

Any way to find out who was involved at 3:30 p.m. yesterday, approximately 34th and Waterman?

Well, Scaryfast, I tried. 45 minutes on the phone with various agencies (who were all VERY NICE) and the correct agency involved was determined. However the lady I was referred to was rather uninterested and said "they probably have all the information they need. Call back tomorrow if you want."

So if there's an SBPD officer out there who wants a witness to confirm his story, Sheriff's Department has my number.

Please don't lete one person discourage you. Sometimes, an employee just doesn't get it. Call SBPD and ask to speak to the traffic sergeant, or have him call you back. Explain what happened and he'll do what needs to be done.

I'm planning on calling again tomorrow as requested. Her computer wasn't doing what it was supposed to and I know how frustrating that can be

SBPD isn't known for their friendliness. I think rude is a much better description.

Everyone but the last lady was quite lovely and appreciative. And she was having a bad computer day so I'll try again tomorrow.

If you witness an accident and you stop to help or call for help, or stop to give a witness statement, you are doing the right thing.

xoxo, good for you for trying help out. If I witnessed an accident and then saw what I thought were police officers with guns drawn, I would not approach that scene. I think you did the right thing to move with the traffic and call later.

BTW, xoxo, that's your user name, I am not sending you hugs and kisses. Even tho you probably derserve them.