Redmond Seeks Volunteers For Independent Force Investigation Team

REDMOND, WA — Redmond is seeking community volunteers to fill spots on the city's new Independent Force Investigation Team, which will review incidents involving deadly use of force by the Redmond Police Department.

The team's creation follows legislation passed by state lawmakers in 2019 mandating fully independent investigations of police use of force that results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm.

The Redmond Police Department is working with regional law enforcement partners to stand up a new team with a goal to "enhance accountability and increase transparency and trust between law enforcement and the community." City officials said the investigations will operate like criminal probes, involving certified law enforcement investigators, while including at least two community representatives unaffiliated with police agencies.

According to state law, each community representative must:

1. Participate directly in the vetting, interviewing, and/or selection of the independent investigative team (IIT) investigators.
2. Review conflict of interest statements submitted by the investigators within 72 hours of the commencement of each investigation.
3. Be present at the briefings with the involved agency chief.
4. Have access to the investigation file when it is completed.
5. Be provided a copy of all press releases and communication to the media prior to release.
6. Review notification of equipment use of the involved agency.

If selected, community members will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement that will remain in place until a criminal case is concluded or a prosecutor declines to file charges.

In order to qualify for the team, community members must fulfill the following requirements:

1. City of Redmond resident.
2. Be at least 21 years of age.
3. Submit a resume and letter of interest describing your background, community involvement and interest in serving as a community representative.
4. Successfully pass a criminal records check (For Criminal Justice Information Services compliance) since the candidate will have access to law enforcement sensitive information and personal identifying information (PII).
5. Must be willing to attend some basic training that may enhance basic knowledge of proper investigation protocols. Dates and times to be determined after selection.
6. Able to meet the time and commitments required of the Non-Law Enforcement Community Representative position.

Qualified applicants will be called on to participate in an interview with Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe and his command staff. Lowe will forward a list of candidates to the mayor's office for final approval. Each representative will serve a two-year term, with possible extension by the chief. Since the position is voluntary, there is no salary or benefits offered.

Those interested in learning more about applying can participate in a virtual information session with the chief on Jan. 21. The application window opens the next day and closes on Jan. 29. Resumes and letters of interest can be sent to the Redmond Police Department's volunteer coordinator via e-mail during that time. Interviews are slated to begin on Feb. 1.

Learn more about the volunteer position via the city of Redmond website.