NC S213

Authorizes North Carolina cities to employ civilian personnel to investigate traffic crashes, with minimum employment standards established by each city.

Requires civilian investigators to complete a training program designed by the chief of police (or sheriff if applicable) in consultation with the North Carolina Justice Academy, followed by at least four weeks of field training with an experienced law enforcement officer.

Mandates civilian investigators wear uniforms substantially different from law enforcement uniforms with identifying patches and name displays, be issued credentials, carry no weapons, and have no authority to arrest or issue criminal process.

Restricts civilian investigator vehicles from bearing police markings or using blue emergency lights, though red and amber lights are permitted.

Limits civilian investigators to investigating property-damage-only crashes; law enforcement officers must investigate crashes involving personal injury or fatalities; civilian investigator reports treated the same as law enforcement reports under G.S. 20-166.1.