Senior Investigator (Region 1 and Region 2)

Salary: $86,717.76 - $121,226.88 Annually Location : Thurston County - Multiple Locations, WA Job Type: Exempt Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid Job Number: 2024-11395 Department: Office of Independent Investigations Division: Investigations Opening Date: 10/09/2024 Description 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: 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 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. 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 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 region 1 and region 2 , 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: Duties Responsibilities 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 as required. 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: Proactively communicate with OII's Family, Community and Tribal Liaisons during critical incidents. 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. Development, Operations, and Governance: Successful completion of required training programs to ensure the requisite knowledge, skill, and abilities are obtained (RCW 43.102.060). This training includes criminal investigations, interviewing techniques, Washington law and policies as well as training to understand the impact and effect of racism in investigations, the history of racism in policing, and how to use an antiracist lens when conducting independent investigations work. Learn and interpret laws from the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC) pertinent to the mission of OII. On-call rotations with 24/7 state-wide response availability and willingness to work non-standard hours, including long shifts, rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends, as required. Provide input using data and experiences to improve protocols, policies, and best practices within the investigations program. Qualifications Required / Minimum Qualifications: 3 years of practical experience conducting complex criminal investigations, including crime scene management and evidence collection. Requisite experience working within Washington state's laws, practices, policies, and procedures related to criminal law and investigations. Knowledge of comparable practices outside of Washington state can be substituted for this requirement. 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 necessary to protect the integrity of evidence that is collected during an investigation. Strong ability to practice sensitivity, empathy, discretion, and tact when interacting with those impacted by investigations, as well as the ability to testify in court and/or legal hearings if required, and write detailed, comprehensive incident reports. Completion of a pre-employment background check, which includes a mental health evaluation, fingerprinting, and polygraph. Must be able to safely operate a state assigned vehicle for the purpose of conducting field work. Desired Qualifications: 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 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 investigations work. Education, practical experience, or depth of knowledge of behavioral health issues, youth cognitive development, trauma-informed interviewing, and de-escalation techniques and utilization. Experience using open-source investigative techniques, including but not limited to the use of social media, mapping equipment, video forensics, and other electronic means. Supplemental Information 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 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 cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodations or help in the application process, or who wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, you may call 360-725-0158 or dial 711 to reach 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 More than Just a Paycheck Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs. Read about our benefits: The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time. Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance Benefits Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs. Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses. Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction. The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees. Retirement and Deferred Compensation State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site. Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options. Social Security All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system. Public Service Loan Forgiveness If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year. Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information. Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. Vacation (Annual Leave) Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave. Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday. As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave. Additional Leave Leave Sharing Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave Without Pay Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits. Updated 12-31-2022 01 The application process requires that you attach the following documents.1. 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 2. A current resume that details your applicable experience and qualifications.3. Three professional references with current contact information, including a telephone number and email address. Yes, I have attached a letter of interest, a resume and include three professional references. No, I have not attached a letter of interest, a resume and include three professional references. 02 Do you have 3 years of practical experience conducting complex criminal investigations, including crime scene management and evidence collection? Yes No 03 Do you have experience working within Washington state's laws, practices, policies, and procedures related to criminal law and investigations OR knowledge of comparable practices outside of Washington state? Yes No 04 Do you have experience managing a caseload, prioritizing assignments, and using data to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, and produce recommendations? Yes No 05 Do you have familiarity with the rules of evidence/chain of custody necessary to protect the integrity of evidence that is collected during an investigation? Yes No 06 Do you possess the ability to testify in court and/or legal hearings if required, and write detailed, comprehensive incident reports? Yes No 07 Please select the location of interest. Region 1 Counties: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Kitsap, Thurston, Lewis, Pacific, Cowlitz, Clark, and Skamania Region 2 County: Pierce Interested in both regions. 08 Please let us know if you were referred by anyone or spoke to anyone at OII about this position. Required Question