Mercer Island Police Department Community Representative for the IFIT-KC

In 2019, the state legislature passed the “Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act” (LETSCA). Part of LETSCA requires that all police uses of force that results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm be investigated completely independent of the involved agency.

In conjunction with regional law enforcement partners, the Mercer Island Police Department is working to establish an independent investigation team which will be called the “Independent Force Investigation Team-King County” (IFIT-KC). IFIT-KC will investigate the use of police deadly force that occurs within Mercer Island and the jurisdictions of the partner agencies. The goal is to enhance accountability and increase transparency and trust between law enforcement and the community. The IFIT-KC conducts the investigation in the same manner as a criminal investigation.

The IFIT-KC will consist of qualified and certified law enforcement investigators and at least two non-law enforcement community representatives (Community Representatives). The IFIT-KC will operate completely independently of any involved agency's internal investigation to conduct a criminal investigation of police use of deadly force incidents.  

The City of Mercer Island is seeking at least two non-law enforcement community representatives to serve on the Independent Force Investigation Team-King County (IFIT-KC). This is an unpaid position. IFIT is a voluntary position, not a job and it does not receive a salary, hourly wage, or benefits. 

Selection Criteria

  1. City of Mercer Island resident, business owner, non-profit director/manager or faith-based leader within the City of Mercer Island.
  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 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.

Community Representative Responsibilities

WAC 139-12 determines the scope of the non-law enforcement community representative’s participation. A minimum of two representatives who have credibility with and ties to communities impacted by police use of deadly force will be assigned to IFIT-KC during an activation to:

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

Application Process

  • The application process will be on an as-needed basis.
  • Submit a one-page letter of interest including the following information:
    • Outline your ties to the Mercer Island Community
    • Include your reason for wanting to serve in this capacity
  • Submit your letter of interest, resume, and completed application by following this link. 
  • You can also send your application materials to Mercer Island Police at Chris.Sutter@mercerisland.gov or by mail to Mercer Island Police Department, 9611 SE 36th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Please allow enough time for mailing.

Selection Process

Applicants will participate in an interview with the Chief of Police and Command personnel. Selection of Community Representatives will be made in collaboration with the City Manager’s office. The final list of available community representatives will serve for a term of two-years, with yearly review and extension of assignment by the Chief of Police. This is an unpaid position. Participation on IFIT-KC is a voluntary, and it does not receive a salary, hourly wage or benefits.

Applicants will participate in an interview with the Chief of Police and Command personnel. Selection of Community Representatives will be made in collaboration with the City Manager’s office. The final list of available community representatives will serve for a term of two-years, with yearly review and extension of assignment by the Chief of Police. This is an unpaid position. Participation on IFIT-KC is a voluntary, and it does not receive a salary, hourly wage or benefits.

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