Independent Investigation Team (IIT) Non-Law Enforcement Community Representatives

State law (RCW 10.114.011) requires that an independent investigation team (IIT) investigate the use of deadly force by a police officer. IITs consist of law enforcement investigators and at least two non-law enforcement community representatives (Community Representatives) (WAC 139-12-030).

In 2020, the City Manager appointed ten Shoreline residents to the first roster of potential community representatives to serve on IITs in Shoreline should it be necessary. There are currently four vacancies on the roster. 

If you are interested in applying to be considered for placement on the roster of potential non-law enforcement community representative, please fill out the online application by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023. [APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW CLOSED]

This is a non-paid volunteer position. 

Responsibilities of the Community Representatives include:

  • Willingness to serve as a community representative, when called upon at any time, 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 Shoreline 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.

Minimum Qualifications

The following are the minimum qualifications for the Community Representatives. At the time of application, the applicant will:

  • be a Shoreline resident
  • agree to sign a confidentiality agreement with each investigation
  • can meet the time and commitment required of an IIT community representative
  • be willing to submit to a background and conflict of interest check prior to serving on an IIT.

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.

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.

Training

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

Selection Process

  1. Interested individuals must apply by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 15, 2023
  2. City Manager will review applications from qualified applicants and may select applicants for online interviews.
  3. The City Manager and the Chief of Police, along with a City staff member, will interview selected applicants .
  4. The City Manager will notify applicants selected for the roster by mid-November.

Background

The goal of an IIT is to improve accountability and increase trust between law enforcement and the community when investigating police use of deadly force. IITs conduct investigations in the same manner as a criminal investigation. They work completely independently of any involved agency's administrative investigation.

The non-law enforcement community representatives are vital links between the IIT, the community, and the investigation. Community Representatives will take part in the vetting, interviewing, and selection of the IIT investigators that will be part of the team. Community Representatives will also review conflict of interest statements; are present at briefings for the involved agency’s chief or sheriff; have access to the completed investigation file; and review all proposed media press releases.

When vacancies occur on the roster the City Manager works with the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) to appoint, up to a maximum of 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 will need to agree to a background and conflict-of-interest check conducted by the King County Sheriff’s Office.