INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS
In compliance with RCW 10.114.011, an independent investigation must be completed when the use of deadly force by a peace officer results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm. An investigation independent of the involved agency will determine whether the use of deadly force met the good faith standard established in RCW 9A.16.040 and satisfied other applicable laws and policies.
SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT (SIU)
The purpose of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) is to investigate officer-involved incidents occurring within Benton, Franklin and Walla Walla Counties that involved substantial bodily harm or death. In accordance with RCW 10.114.011, the SIU shall conduct an independent criminal investigation to determine the facts of what occurred. The results of the SIU investigation shall be forwarded to the venue county prosecutor’s office for review. The prosecutor’s office, not the SIU, will interpret statutory law as it pertains to the incident and determine if there were any criminal violations.
The SIU shall meet the definition and criteria of Independent Investigative Team (IIT) as defined by WAC 139-12.
Click here to view: Special Investigations Unit Roster
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE
The community representatives are non-law enforcement civilians representing the affected community were the Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) occurred. Community Representatives will be assigned to the appointed Independent Investigative Team (IIT).
A community member representatives roll includes the following:
- Participate directly in the vetting, interviewing, and/or selection of IIT investigators (After January 1, 2021).
- Review conflict of interest statements submitted by investigators.
- Be present at the briefings with involved agency(s) chief or sheriff.
- Have access to the investigation file when it is completed
- Be provided a copy of all press releases and communication to media prior to release.
- Review notification of equipment use of the involved agency.
- Sign and abide to a confidentiality agreement.