Independent Investigation Team

The Criminal Investigation Division’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) may be called upon to investigate officer-involved incidents that involve death, great bodily harm, or substantial bodily harm, as members of a multi-agency Independent Investigative Team (IIT) or as a single law enforcement agency.  In instances where the CIU is working as part of a multi-agency IIT, the CIU will follow the investigative protocols adopted by that specific multi-agency IIT.  In instances where the CIU is operating as a single law enforcement agency, the following protocols shall be followed.

In accordance with RCW 10.114.011 and chapter 139-12 WAC, the CIU shall conduct an independent criminal investigation to inform any determination of whether the use of deadly force met the good faith standard established in RCW 9A.16.040 and satisfied other applicable laws.  The CIU does not provide recommendations on whether a prosecutor should or should not file criminal charges.  The completed CIU investigation shall be forwarded to the prosecuting attorney for review.  The prosecuting authority reviews the completed investigation and all facts to make a charging decision.

The CIU shall meet the definition and criteria of Independent Investigative Team (IIT) as defined by chapter 139-12 WAC.  The CIU Commander is responsible for ensuring that the CIU complies with relevant statutes and administrative rules as they relate to officer-involved use of deadly force investigations.  The CIU seeks to enhance public trust in the integrity of independent investigations involving police use of deadly force by adhering to the five identified principles:

1. 1. Independence;
   2. Transparency;
   3. Communication;
   4. Credible process; and
   5. Credible investigators.

CIU criminal investigations shall follow the rules of law established by the state and federal constitutions and statutory and case law applicable to criminal investigations. The independent investigation shall be performed in a manner that provides both the appearance and the reality of an objective, thorough, fair, complete and professional investigation that is free of conflicts of interest.

For a complete list of policies and procedures, click here.

Washington State Patrol detectives must have no work history of serious misconduct, pattern of sustained complaints, dishonorable behavior, or any personal history of bias or prejudice against community members that may be impacted by the police use of deadly force.  The team is comprised of experienced detectives with training in criminal investigations who have received training on basic homicide investigation, interviewing and interrogation, violence de-escalation and mental health training; the team members also participate in annual training on advanced criminal investigation topics.

Pursuant to chapter 139-12 WAC, the Washington State Patrol must maintain a public roster of IIT detectives.  Click here for a list of IIT detectives.

The Washington State Patrol has solicited non-law enforcement volunteers from across the state to represent the diverse communities we serve. Pursuant to chapter 139-12 WAC, at least two non-law enforcement community representatives will be assigned as non-investigative participants of the CIU.

The community representatives have credibility with and ties to the communities impacted by police use of deadly force, are selected through a transparent process and are required to sign a binding confidentiality agreement at the beginning of each CIU activation.

Pursuant to chapter 139-12 WAC, community representatives shall:

1. 1. 1. Participate directly in the vetting, interviewing, and/or selection of CIU personnel;
      2. Review conflict of interest statements submitted within 72 hours of a CIU activation.
      3. Be present at the briefings with the involved agency or venue agency’s Chief/Sheriff;
      4. Have access to the completed CIU investigation file;
      5. Be provided a copy of all CIU media releases prior to release;
      6. Review notification of equipment used from the involved or venue agency;
      7. Sign a binding Confidentiality Agreement.

Pursuant to chapter 139-12 WAC, the WSP shall maintain a public roster of these individuals. Click here for the list of community representatives.

The Washington State Patrol is actively looking for community representatives across the state, when there are openings.  To apply to become a community representative and for more information, click here.

Spokane Police Department

The Spokane Independent Investigative Response (SIIR) Team was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on April 18, 2024, near Shadle Park High School in Spokane, Washington.

Washington State University Police Department

The Palouse Area Law Enforcement Critical Incident Investigative Response Team (PALECIIRT) was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on March 27, 2024, on the Washington State University (WSU) campus in Pullman, Washington.

Spokane Police Department

The Spokane Independent Investigative Response (SIIR) Team was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on February 12, 2024, at 1123 E. Wellesley Ave in Spokane, Washington.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office/Spokane Valley Police Department

The Spokane Independent Investigative Response (SIIR) Team was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on November 14, 2023, near the 6800 block of E. 10th Avenue in Spokane Valley, Washington.

Yakima Police Department

The Yakima Valley Special Investigations Unit (YVSIU) was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on May 3, 2023, in the 100 block of Union Street in Yakima, Washington.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office/Spokane Police Department

The Spokane Independent Investigative Response (SIIR) Team was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on August 3, 2022, at 613 E. 3rd Avenue in Spokane, Washington.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office

The Spokane Independent Investigative Response (SIIR) Team was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on November 16, 2022, in the 18600 Block of E. Lindsay Lane in Greenacres, Washington.

Tacoma Police Department

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) assembled an Independent Investigation Team (IIT) to investigate the death of Mr. Manuel Ellis.  The incident occurred on March 3, 2020, at the intersection of 96th and Ainsworth in Tacoma, Washington.

Washington State University Police

The Palouse Area Law Enforcement Critical Incident Response Team (PALECIRT) was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on December 15, 2022, at 1000 SE Latah St. in Pullman, Washington.

Sunnyside Police Department

The Yakima Valley Special Investigations Unit (YVSIU) was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on October 29, 2022.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Independent Investigation Team (IIT) was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on September 23, 2022, at the Brinnon Community Center (306144 U.S. Highway 101).

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office

The Spokane Independent Investigation Response (SIIR) team was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on March 7, 2022, at 927 N. Malvern in Liberty Lake, Washington.

Spokane Police Department

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) Independent Investigation Team (IIT) was activated for an officer involved shooting incident that occurred on January 24, 2022, at 2423 E. Desmet Avenue in Spokane, Washington.