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Kenmore Police – King County Sheriff’s Office

Washington’s Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act requires that an independent investigation team (IIT) investigate the use of deadly force by a police officer when it results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm. The goal is to enhance accountability and increase trust between law enforcement and the community. The IIT conducts the investigation in the same manner as a criminal investigation. The IIT will consist of qualified and certified law enforcement investigators and at least two non-law enforcement community representatives (Community Representatives). The IIT will operate completely independently of any involved agency's administrative investigation to conduct criminal investigations of police use of deadly force incidents.

The City Manager worked with the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) to appoint up to ten individuals to a roster. If an independent investigation is required, individuals will be selected from the roster to serve on the IIT. These individuals agreed to a background and conflict-of-interest check conducted by the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Final rule making for IITs is still in-process. This is a non-paid volunteer position.

Responsibilities of the Community Representatives include:

  • Willingness to serve as a community representative, when called upon, after an officer involved use of deadly force.
  • Participate in selection of IIT certified law enforcement investigators.
  • Attend any relevant orientation or training related to the position, which will be provided at no expense. These will be coordinated between the City of Kenmore and the King County Sheriff’s Office.
  • Pass background and conflict-of-interest checks.
  • Review and sign a confidentiality agreement before being appointed to any IIT.
  • Attend any IIT briefings.
  • Review the investigative file when completed. 
  • Review media communications and press releases prior to their release.

Length of Commitment

Length of commitment to remain on the roster is four (4) years. An individual may or may not serve as an IIT community representative during this time period. The Kenmore Police Department has never had a fatal use of force incident in the city’s 22 year history.

Hours of Commitment

The hours for this position will vary depending on the incident dynamics and the time and location of briefings, meetings, and any identified training classes. Community Representatives may be subject to call at various and unpredictable hours to include weekends and holidays.

Supervision Received and/or Exercised

An IIT Community Representative will work with the assigned IIT leadership team (commander or assistant commander). The IIT Commander or Assistant Commander is responsible for ensuring the Community Representative is informed and kept apprised of the investigation.

Washington Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act

Following the passage of I-940 and Substitute House Bill 1064, the legislation was renamed to the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act (LETCSA). The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission is tasked with much of the planning and implementation of the legislation. Additional information on LETCSA is available at: https://www.cjtc.wa.gov/letcsa/about-letcsa

Training

The Community Representatives may be required to attend relevant orientation or training related to the position, which will be provided at no expense.

Future Openings

Community members currently on the roster will remain for 4 years. If you are interested in servings as a community representative, another selection process will occur when the 4-year term expires.