Washington’s voter-approved 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. IITs consist of law enforcement investigators and at least two non-law enforcement community representatives. The City Manager, working with the King County Sheriff’s Office, is responsible for appointing up to ten Burien residents or King County residents with strong ties to Burien to a roster of potential community representatives to serve on IITs in Burien should it be necessary.
The City of Burien is currently accepting applications from Burien residents interested in serving as community representatives on the IIT. This is a non-paid, volunteer position. Follow these instructions to apply:
Send completed applications to [email protected] with the subject line "IIT Community Representative application". Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021.
Community Representative Responsibilities and Qualifications
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 Burien 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.
The following are the minimum qualifications for the Community Representatives. At the time of application, the applicant shall:
- Be a King County (preferably Burien) resident.
- Agree to sign a confidentiality agreement with each investigation.
- Are able 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
Community representatives are asked remain on the roster for four years. An individual may or may not serve as an IIT community representative during this time period.
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 called at various and unpredictable hours, including 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.
About Independent Investigation Teams
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.
Legislative changes at the state or county level could result in changes or modifications to the IIT requirements for Community Representatives.
Frequently Asked Questions