In an ideal world, no police encounter would ever turn deadly. But in the event that they do, the Enumclaw Police Department is looking for members of the community to serve as local independent investigators.

The Washington State Legislature in 2019 passed Substitute House Bill 1064, also known as the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act (LETCSA). The law, passed in an effort to increase police accountability, requires that all police use of deadly force that results in death or substantial or great bodily harm trigger an independent investigation.

At least two community representatives who are from a non-law enforcement background must be a part of that investigation. Enumclaw PD is looking for two community members willing to serve on such a team, if and when it’s needed locally.

Community volunteers on the investigation team must sign a binding confidentiality agreement at the beginning of any police use of force investigation, which lasts until the investigation concludes. They’ll be trained on the rules and best practices on use of force by law enforcement officers.

It’s a serious job. The volunteers will participate in selecting investigators, review press releases, conflicts of interest and the investigation itself, and be present at briefings.

“This is a non-compensated volunteer position of significant importance,” Police Chief Tim Floyd wrote in a news release. “Credibility with and ties to communities impacted by police use of deadly force in Enumclaw is desirable.”

If interested, you can submit a letter detailing your background, community involvement and interest in serving as a citizen representative to the Enumclaw Police Department, with the attention of Chief Tim Floyd, by 5 p.m. on Sept. 15. The department is located at 1705 Wells Street.