Non-Law Enforcement Community Representative

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

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 Administrator will work with the Lake Forest Park Police Department 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 will need to agree to a background and conflict-of-interest check conducted by the Lake Forest Park Police Department.

Final rule making for IITs, including community representatives, is still in process and may not be finalized until late 2020 or early 2021. Applicants should be aware that the final rule making could result in changes to the requirements for community representatives.

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 Lake Forest Park and the Lake Forest Park Police Department.
  • 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 shall:

  • Be a Lake Forest Park resident
  • Agree to sign a confidentiality agreement with each investigation
  • Have the ability to meet the time and commitment required of an IIT community representative
  • Be willing to submit to a background 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 period. The Lake Forest Park Police has not had a fatal use of force incident in the last five years. 

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 submit an application by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020 (Closed).
  2. City Administrator will review applications from qualified applicants and select up to twelve for online interviews. Interviews will be completed by December 18, 2020.
  3. City Administrator  will work with LFPPD to select up to ten individuals to form the roster of individuals available for potential IIT assignments. City Administrator will notify selected applicants by December 30, 2020.


FAQ about Non-Law Enforcement Community Representatives

Information about Law Enforcement Training Community Safety Act