(The Center Square) – This month, the Washington State Office of Independent Investigation began tracking deadly use of force incidents involving law enforcement officers.
Created by the state Legislature during the 2011 session, OII is tasked with investigating incidents where police exercised use of force that resulted in a death. The state law directed OII to begin investigations in July 2023 and permits it to reopen investigations into deadly use of force incidents that occurred prior to that date “if new evidence is brought forth that was not included in the initial investigation.”
OII has an 11-member advisory board appointed by the governor. While the board may include current law enforcement officers, the 26 investigators hired by OII are not. The advisory board can guide OII on policy and procedure but has no legal authority.
The agency has offices in Olympia and intends to set up offices in six regions throughout the state. Investigation reports will be posted to its website once they are completed.