ST. GEORGE — At a recent meeting, the St. George City Council unanimously approved a contract that would allow a civilian response to traffic accidents, which could potentially free up law enforcement resources and streamline accident response.
The contract is with On Scene Services (OSS), a national entity that has also been used in New Orleans for accident response.
According to the City of St. George, the local area has around 7,000 traffic accidents every year, most of which have no injuries. These accidents put a strain on both the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police, added Mayor Dustin Yates.
The partnership with OSS will reduce wait times and give residents a “better experience” with minor accidents, Yates said.
Whenever an accident with no or minor injuries is reported via 911 or the non-emergency line, OSS responders (and not police officers) will be dispatched to the scene of the crash. If the injuries are not minor, there are signs of impairment, or criminal activity, however, OSS will not be sent.
OSS responders are not armed and will drive marked vehicles. They will also have identifying uniforms noting that they are OSS and not law enforcement.
OSS responders will secure and manage the crash scene to reduce further risk, document the crash with reports and photos, assist with the exchange of driver information, and provide reports for insurance and legal purposes.
Services will begin this fall.
For more information about OSS and its services, click here.
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