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.