Who can perform accident reconstruction?

It is currently unclear who is truly "qualified" to be a reconstructionist. Many reconstruction experts have engineering degrees, while others just have experience in law enforcement. According to reconstruction Gregory Anderson, the main difference between an engineering and police background is that engineers start with an “analysis” background from their education in math and physics and then learn the “investigation” portion of reconstruction, as they begin having practical experience with accidents. Police officers start with the “investigation” side of reconstruction and then learn the analysis portion.

Engineer or police officer?

The debate over who is qualified to reconstruct seems lopsided in engineers' favors. Many reconstruction experts have stated that those with analysis or educational backgrounds (such as an engineering or physics degree) have an advantage over whose who do not (“Qualifications of the Reconstructionist: Differing Points of View,” 1994).

In addition, journalist Joseph Badger notes, “We find that some officers, including those who have had no more than a couple of weeks of reconstruction instruction, are holding themselves out as accident reconstruction experts, yet make grievous blunders. Sometimes without even realizing it." Some common reconstruction mistakes often made by experts include misinterpreting shadows as skid marks in photos, and incorrectly computing drag.

A summary of qualifications

John Treat, who works as an attorney in product liability cases, summarizes the qualifications a reconstructionist must have: a foundation in physics and math, technical knowledge of vehicles and reconstruction, knowledge of how drivers and witnesses process information and psychology of eyewitness testimony, an understanding of problem solving, logic and common sense, understanding of the legal process, familiarity with techniques for illustrating reconstruction (use of models) and good oral skills. He also writes that having a strong technical background and an automotive background is “better than starting as an investigator” (“Qualifications of the Reconstructionist: Differing Points of View,” 1994).

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