Guidelines for Evidence Collection in Road Traffic Cases: A Case Study of Inquiry Police Officers In The Samut Prakan Provincial Police Division

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) examine the priority needs in the process of evidence collection for road traffic cases and 2) identify guidelines for evidence collection in road traffic cases among inquiry officers under the Samut Prakan Provincial Police Division. A mixed methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were gathered from a sample of inquiry officers using a needs assessment questionnaire, while qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with experts. The analysis of the Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI Modified) indicates the level of urgency for each issue, thereby facilitating a clear identification of priority problems that require immediate intervention. The research findings reveal that the highest level of priority needs is associated with inquiry officers during the stage of evidence collection (PNI Modified=0.471), particularly regarding crime scene preservation and the strict prohibition of moving any physical evidence until the collection process is complete. In terms of administrative resources (4Ms), budgeting (money) and equipment (materials) present the highest needs due to insufficient budget allocation for actual operations, regarding both office supplies and specialized evidence collection tools. Key recommended improvement guidelines include restructuring budget allocation, procuring advanced technological equipment for evidence gathering, implementing operational digital transformation, and establishing clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain the integrity of evidence in accordance with the chain of custody.