Senior Investigator

Who We Are In response to deaths resulting from encounters with law enforcement and the community’s demand for change, the Washington State Legislature created a new, first-of-its-kind agency: the Office of Independent Investigations (OII). This new agency was formed in 2021 and operates under the requirements of the law, in which investigations involving the use of deadly force must be truly independent of the involved law enforcement agency. Our mission is to conduct fair, thorough, transparent, and competent investigations of incidents involving the use of deadly force. This approach to investigations will remove conflicts of interest, improve accountability and transparency, and renew the public’s confidence. Through these efforts, we hope to strengthen the relationships between police and the community, build public trust, and promote effective policing. To help us carry out this mission, we are looking for Investigators of all levels to join our growing team who trust us and promote effective policing. To help us carry out this mission, we are looking for Investigators of all levels to join our growing team. As a Senior Investigator on our diverse team, you will play an integral role in the investigations of complex, high-profile cases involving police use of deadly force. Your primary focus will be conducting criminal investigations of the use of deadly force, including evidence collection and conducting interviews, in accordance with RCW 43.102.080. Part of your day-to-day responsibilities may also include communicating with families and partnering with regional Community Liaisons to ensure the public is well-informed and the process is transparent. Due to the nature of these positions, OII conducts a pre-employment background investigation prior to hire. Background investigations include a psychological evaluation, fingerprinting, and a polygraph. Location: This recruitment is specific to Pierce and Thurston County, which are located in western Washington. While we offer a hybrid work environment, 100% remote work is not an option for this position. For more information on our regions and counties covered, please refer to OII’s regional map: include but are not limited to… Investigations: • Respond immediately to scenes involving law enforcement use of deadly force. • Conduct in-person, telephonic, and/or virtual interviews with involved law enforcement officers, witnesses, and others relevant to the investigation. • Objectively analyze investigative needs and employ a full range of investigative methods and procedures, including evidence collection, obtaining necessary search warrants and records, and requesting forensic testing of critical evidence. • Follow-up with investigative leads and document activities in a timely manner using a case management system, per OII policies and procedures. • Manage and prioritize investigative assignments in accordance with OII’s established standards of quality. • Protect confidentiality of Criminal Justice Information (CJI) data. • Lead, train, and mentor the Investigator staff on use of force investigations and best practices. • Testify in legal proceedings as required. • Participate in the Prior Review Program, which may include screening materials for compelled statements and follow-up investigative tasks. Documentation and Evidence Collection: • Adhere to legal requirements, responsibilities, and best practices when identifying, collecting, and preserving evidence. • Organize and analyze case facts and evidence to determine the course of the investigation using appropriate methods and procedures. • Gather, review, and evaluate documentation relevant to the investigation, coordinating with interested parties when necessary. • Participate in the law enforcement incident notification rotation, receiving and documenting information from involved agencies when a use-of-deadly-force incident occurs. Coordination and Community Outreach: • Coordinate with interested parties regarding investigations as necessary or required. • Communicate with Medical Examiners and/or Coroners' offices to gather relevant information relating to the incident and attend autopsies. • Communicate with OII’s Family and Tribal liaisons regarding investigations. Development, Operations, and Governance: • Complete required training programs in accordance with RCW 43.102.060 to develop and maintain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the role. Required training includes criminal investigations, homicide investigations, use of force, crime scene documentation and photography, interviewing techniques, relevant Washington laws and policies, and training related to understanding the impact of racism in investigations, the history of racism in policing, and the application of an antiracist lens in independent investigative work. • Research, interpret, and apply relevant provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) that support the mission and operations of the Office of Independent Investigations (OII). • Contribute to the development and improvement of investigative protocols, policies, and best practices by providing data-informed feedback and insights based on field experience. Required / Minimum Qualifications: • Extensive background and demonstrated experience conducting or leading complex criminal investigations, including crime scene management and evidence collection. • Requisite experience working within state laws, practices, policies, and procedures related to criminal law and investigations. • Experience managing a caseload, prioritizing assignments, and using data to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, and produce recommendations. • Familiarity with the rules of evidence/chain of custody is necessary to protect the integrity of evidence that is collected during an investigation. • Ability to testify in court and/or legal hearings if required, and write detailed, comprehensive incident reports. • Excellent interpersonal skills, including sensitivity, empathy, discretion, and tact when dealing with those impacted by investigations and sensitivity to issues related to culture and gender. • Ability to interpret relevant laws from the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) or Washington Administrative Code (WAC) pertinent to the mission of the OII. • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in writing, including preparing detailed and comprehensive incident reports. • The ability to take action to learn and grow. • The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. Desired Qualifications: • Five (5) years of experience, which includes crimes against persons, deadly force investigations, and/or death investigations. • Advanced education, training, or industry certification(s) in criminal justice or related field. • Two (2) years of experience operating as a lead investigator on major crimes, homicide, forensic, and/or crime scene investigations. • Working knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and experience working in quasi-judicial and judicial environments. • Interest in understanding the impact and effect of racism in the investigation, the history of racism in policing, and how to use an antiracist lens to conduct independent investigative work. • Education, knowledge, or practical experience in behavioral health, youth cognitive development, trauma-informed interviewing, and de-escalation techniques. • Experience using open-source investigative techniques, including the use of social media, mapping equipment, video forensics, and other electronic means. How to Apply Interested? We would love to hear from you. Click “Apply” at the top of this page to start your application (you can save the application and come back to it, if needed). In your submission, please include the following: • A letter of interest that describes your specific qualifications, including any experience or knowledge in the following areas: • Behavioral health issues • Youth cognitive development • Trauma-informed interviewing • De-escalation techniques and utilization • A current resume that details your applicable experience and qualifications. • Three professional references with current contact information, including a telephone number and email address. We will review all applications as they are received and contact the top applicants to interview for this position. Because we base our selection on the information you provide, we recommend submitting a tailored resume outlining the knowledge, skills, and abilities you possess that address the qualifications described above. To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the required/minimum qualifications. Questions? For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected]. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388. The Office of the Governor is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects diversity in cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply. If you require accommodations or assistance with the application process, or if you prefer to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 1-800-833-6384 or dial 711 to access the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf system. Special Note: This position is exempt from civil service rules. For more information, please see WAC 357-19-195. Apply tot his job