An independent investigation team (IIT) is made up of qualified and certified peace officer investigators, civilian crime scene specialists, and at least two non-law enforcement community representatives who operate completely independent of any involved agency to conduct investigations of police deadly force incidents. All IIT leadership will be commissioned peace officers with previous criminal investigation experience and will be recommended by their agency to the commander. IIT leadership (chosen by the chiefs and sheriffs who support and participate in the IIT) will make sure that all applicants have the correct qualifications, will make sure they are interviewed by a panel that includes the community representatives, will ask each applicant the same questions, and will select those best suited for the IIT. 

INVESTIGATION PROCESS

Once the involved agency has rendered the scene safe and provided/facilitated lifesaving first aid, they must immediately call the IIT. The involved agency will protect and preserve the scene until the IIT arrives. Once the IIT arrives, the involved agency will relinquish control of the scene. No member of the involved agency may participate in the investigation conducted by the IIT, except for necessary sharing of specialized equipment, and if the involved agency requests to release body cam footage or other information of urgent public interest. No member of the involved agency nor the IIT will provide the media with criminal background information of the person against whom deadly force has been used unless required by law. The IIT commander will provide public updates once a week.

PRINCIPLES OF AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION

Five fundamental principles to enhance public trust in the integrity of independent investigations involving police use of deadly force:

• Independence - The need to demonstrate no undue influence on the investigation
• Transparency - The need to shine a light on who was conducting the investigation and ensure it is done in compliance with the law
• Communication - The need for frequent and respectful communication is necessary to maintain the opportunity to trust the people and process involved in the investigation
• Credible process - The requirement to follow established best practices
• Credible investigators - The requirement to ensure that investigators are appropriately trained, experienced, and trustworthy