The Essex County Prosecutor's Office's Vehicular Homicide Unit within the Homicide Task Force is responsible for investigating fatal traffic incidents, determining whether criminal liability is indicated and for prosecuting responsible persons.

When an incident occurs in Essex County involving a vehicular fatality, local law enforcement agencies immediately contact the Prosecutor's Office. Members of the Vehicular Homicide Unit join local law enforcement in securing and preserving the scene to prevent loss of evidence and to facilitate a comprehensive investigation.

The Vehicular Homicide Unit works closely with local law enforcement to determine potential criminal liability for those involved, and to prepare appropriate cases for presentation to the Grand Jury and for further prosecution. Not all fatal motor vehicle crashes involve criminal liability.