Clark, Skamania law enforcement seeking representatives for investigation team

Law enforcement agencies in Clark and Skamania counties are recruiting for community representatives for the Independent Investigation Team.

With the passage of Washington Initiative 940 in November 2018 and HB 1064 in 2019, an officer’s use of force that results in death, substantial bodily harm or great bodily harm requires an independent investigation — conducted in the same manner as a criminal investigation and completely independent of the involved agency.

“The goal of this requirement is to enhance accountability and increase trust between law enforcement and the community to improve the legitimacy of policing for an increase in safety for everyone,” according to a law enforcement news release.

The team will consist of “qualified and certified peace officer investigators and at least two non-law-enforcement community representatives who operate completely independent of any involved agency to conduct investigations of police deadly force incidents,” the news release reads.

Non-law-enforcement community representatives will be involved in the vetting, interviewing and selection of certified law enforcement investigators, among other responsibilities. They must pass a background check, attend training related to officer-involved deadly force incidents and sign a confidentiality agreement for each investigation.

This is a four-year, volunteer position. Representatives must live in either Clark or Skamania counties.

To apply, submit a letter of interest — no longer than two pages — that identifies the applicant’s strengths and potential challenges in the position, as well as a resume, to vanpd@cityofvancouver.us, or drop off the materials at a local law enforcement agency during business hours. Application materials are due by March 31.

For more information about the position, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/police/page/independent-investigation-team-iit.