[NCASG] Office of Independent Investigations - please respond by 10/18/2021

[Parker, Terri (OFM)]

Good morning,

Washington state has created a new Office of Independent Investigations. If your state has something similar, would you please share an organizational chart, job description sample and salary info for related staff including investigators, forensic staff and salary information? I would appreciate your response by October 18, if possible. Thank you!

Here are highlights from WA's statute:

Chapter 43.102 RCW: OFFICE OF INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS (wa.gov)<https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/x2AiC2kNqWUpzw9BinuyaF?domain=app.leg.wa.gov>
The office of independent investigations is hereby established within the office of the governor for the purpose of conducting fair, thorough, transparent, and competent investigations as authorized under this chapter. It is an investigative law enforcement agency, including for the purposes of the public records act, chapter 42.56<https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/EGkuC31XrwupzQEyiqJc5s?domain=app.leg.wa.gov> RCW.

Hire or contract with investigators and other personnel as the director considers necessary to perform investigations conducted by the office, and other duties as required, under this chapter.

The director shall consider the relevant experience and qualifications of investigator candidates including the extent to which he or she demonstrates experience or understanding of the following areas:
(i) Extensive experience with criminal investigations, including homicide investigations;
(ii) Behavioral health issues;
(iii) Youth cognitive development;
(iv) Trauma-informed interviewing;
(v) De-escalation techniques and utilization; and
(vi) Knowledge of Washington practices, including laws, policies, and procedures related to criminal law, criminal investigations, and policing.

The director shall consider the following prior to employing an investigator:
(i) The investigators should not be commissioned law enforcement officers employed with any law enforcement agency as a peace officer at the time of application with the office.
(A) If the individual considered for a position as an investigator was a prior law enforcement officer, the director must conduct a review of prior disciplinary actions or complaints related to bias.
(B) The individual should not have been a commissioned law enforcement officer within 24 months of the date of the application for service as an investigator; and
(ii) The results of a background check that includes research of social media and affiliations to check for racial bias and conflicts of interest.

The director may employ or enter into contracts for services to provide additional personnel as needed to conduct investigations of cases under the jurisdiction of the office including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Forensic services and crime scene investigators;
(b) Liaisons for community, family, and relations with a federally recognized tribe;
(c) Analysts, including analysts to conduct evaluations on use of force data;
(d) Mental health experts;
(e) Bilingual staff, translators, or interpreters;
(f) Other experts as needed; and
(g) All staffing and other needs for the office.


Terri Parker (she/her/hers)
Compensation Policy & Planning Analyst
OFM/ State Human Resources
Cell 360-515-6299
terri.parker at ofm.wa.gov<mailto:terri.parker at ofm.wa.gov> | labor.relations at ofm.wa.gov<mailto:labor.relations at ofm.wa.gov>



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