A Missouri state representative has filed a bill designed to help forensic investigators arrive at the scene of a crime more quickly—something that feels like it should be common sense, but is actually a problem for forensic personnel.
Currently, Missouri law does not allow forensic investigators, coroners or medical examiners to use flashing lights when responding to a crime scene or accident. Since forensic investigators typically use their personal vehicles to get to a scene, their lack of emergency lights—or any indication of their status as a crucial professional—puts them in a bind. Unlike their law enforcement counterparts, forensic investigators are often unable to navigate around traffic, meaning they arrive at the scene much later than others. And since law enforcement can not clear a scene until the forensic investigation is over, everyone is left waiting.
Sara Walsh’s (R-MO) Forensic Investigators Emergency Access Act (HB 380) would allow forensic investigators, coroners and medical examiners to display fixed, flashing or rotating red or red and blue lights on their vehicle when responding to a crime scene or accident. The proposed bill gives permission to investigators to utilize these lights, but does not allocate funding.
“The goal is not only to increase access and safety for investigators as they respond to the scene, but also to eliminate unnecessary delay for fire, law enforcement, medical and highway department personnel,” Walsh said in a statement announcing the bill.
Walsh credits local forensic investigators and Dale Roberts, the executive director of the Columbia Police Officers Association, for bringing the issue to her attention. The state rep emphasized that accelerated investigations benefit the general public, as well.
“This will speed up the process for everyone involved so that traffic backups are minimized, and even more importantly, so families can be notified more quickly in the event of a tragedy,” said Walsh. “I know we all want to do our part and allowing investigators to use flashing lights will let everyone know to get out of the way so they can get to the scene to do their extremely important work.”
Walsh has described the Forensic Investigators Emergency Access Act as bi-partisan, and expressed hope for its approval. The legislation will be considered by the Missouri General Assembly, which convenes for the 2021 legislative session on Jan. 6, 2021.