The term "brake checking" is used several times related to the accidents. In fact, drivers are required to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Failure to do so makes them liable for a violation. In this instance, the fault would be on the second and third vehicles.
Kidd is sent to a leadership conference and training as an entry-level firefighter. Another character mentions everyone there was an officer. In fact courses like these have minimum qualifications to attend, and Kidd would not be qualified to go.
The detective refers to the towing criminal as "Mr. Goatee". The criminal has a van dyke beard, which is a combination of a goatee and a mustache.