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Assume a local company operates several plant sites. An accident occurs, and EMS and LE are dispatched to the site, where someone is obviously injured. LE for years has basically documented the scene ie photos, drawings, measurements, and taken statements from witnesses. Usually there is nothing criminal, and all the info collected is gathered by OSHA and lawyers.

Now an accident happens, and Company tells LE no photos, no statements and if you took any they must be returned to Company.

Doesn't LE have a right to investigate?
 
Posts: 21 | Location: Kermit, Texas | Registered: October 13, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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If this happened in a bar, would you ask the bar owner permission to block off the crime scene? Give your pictures to the bar owner?
 
Posts: 764 | Location: Dallas, Texas | Registered: November 04, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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It's in the transportation code...

Sec. 550.041. INVESTIGATION BY PEACE OFFICER. (a) A peace officer who is notified of a motor vehicle accident resulting in injury to or death of a person or property damage to an apparent extent of at least $1,000 may investigate the accident and file justifiable charges relating to the accident without regard to whether the accident occurred on property to which this chapter applies.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) a privately owned residential parking area; or

(2) a privately owned parking lot where a fee is charged for parking or storing a vehicle.
 
Posts: 7 | Registered: December 01, 2010Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Telling officers who not to talk to, restricting access to evidence, witness, and information and what to do with their evidence may violate some criminal statutes.
 
Posts: 293 | Location: Austin, TX, US | Registered: September 12, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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"Worst case", officers enter the scene to secure it and prevent the destruction/alteration of any evidence while other officers obtain a search warrant.
 
Posts: 7 | Registered: December 01, 2010Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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