August 18, 2020
Olympia, WA – The Washington State Patrol (WSP) seeks qualified citizens to apply for the Independent Investigation Team (IIT) Community Representative Position(s) for the case review of police use of deadly force or substantial bodily harm incidents. The position summary, responsibilities, qualifications and application process may be found here or at www.wsp.wa.gov .
With the passage of Washington State Initiative 940 in 2018 and Substitute House Bill 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. This investigation must be conducted in the same manner as a criminal investigation and state law now requires the work to be done by a trusted outside law enforcement organization completely independent of the involved agency.
The Independent Investigative Team (IIT) consists of qualified and certified peace officer investigators and at least two non-law enforcement community representatives who operate autonomously of any involved agency to conduct investigations of police deadly force incidents.
The IIT Non-Law Enforcement Community Representatives should have credibility with, and ties to, the communities impacted by the police use of deadly force. The community members selected for the two unpaid, volunteer roles must be at least 21 years old and will be required to pass a department/agency background check and attend training in officer involved deadly force investigations. Before beginning their duties, successful applicants will need to sign binding confidentiality and conflict of interest agreements and agree to serve as needed for up to two years. The hours of this service will vary over time and as investigatory needs demand.
The WSP is now seeking applicants for two King County Community Representatives to serve on the Independent Investigation Team. The job announcement may be found here or at www.wsp.wa.gov .
The policies and operating procedures of the IIT are available to the public at:
https://wsp.wa.gov/about-us/our-mission/ or directly at: https://wsp.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CID-IIT-Protocol.pdf
“The goal of this law and the participation of the two Community Representatives is to enhance accountability and increase trust between law enforcement and the communities served. Our hope is that we will find two individuals of great character and competence with a passion for service and an eye for accuracy to serve during this important time for our state and nation,” said John R. Batiste, Chief of the Washington State Patrol. “We will do our best to honor their commitment of time and energy with a commitment of our own of effectiveness and efficiency.”
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