Independent police-shooting investigation team seeks non-law enforcement community representatives

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is seeking non-law-enforcement community representatives from every county, statewide, to be a part of the Independent Investigation Team (IIT) and assist WSP’s Criminal Investigation Division.

With the passage of Washington State Initiative 940 in November 2018 and SHB 1064 in 2019, incidents where the use of deadly force by a peace officer results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm require an independent investigation. The independent investigation is conducted in the same manner as a criminal investigation and state law requires an “independent investigation” completely independent of the involved agency. The goal of this requirement is to enhance accountability and increase trust between law enforcement and the community.

The IIT will consist of a team of qualified and certified police officer investigators and at least two non-law-enforcement community representatives who operate completely independent of any involved agency to conduct investigations of police deadly force incidents.

The non-law-enforcement community representatives should have ties to the communities impacted by police use of deadly force.

Representatives selected will participate directly in the vetting, interviewing, and/or selection of IIT certified law enforcement investigators, media communications and use of involved agency equipment.

This position will require the community representative to pass a department/agency background check and attend identified training that is relevant to officer-involved deadly force incidents.

This is a non-paid volunteer position. The hours for this position will vary.

Interested, qualified applicants must submit the required application materials by Friday, July 30, 2021. The full posting for these volunteer positions can be found online at wsp.wa.gov.