The Centralia Police Department is seeking applicants for a pool of six to 10 non-law enforcement community representatives to assist independent investigation teams when they investigate officer use of deadly force.
Representatives from that pool “will be expected to impartially monitor the investigation of any Centralia police officer who uses deadly force that results in death, substantial bodily harm or great bodily harm,” according to a job posting by the Centralia Police Department.
State law requires an independent investigation — an investigation completely independent of the involved agency — of any incidents where the use of deadly force by a peace officer results in death, substantial bodily harm or great bodily harm, according to the Centralia Police Department.
“The goal of this requirement is to enhance accountability and increase trust between law enforcement and the community to improve the legitimacy of policing for an increase in safety for everyone,” stated the Centralia Police Department in a news release.
Non-law enforcement community representatives will participate directly in the vetting, interviewing, and/or selection of independent investigation team-certified law enforcement investigators, media communications and use of involved agency equipment requests, according to the news release.
This is a non-paid volunteer position. Applicants should have credibility with and ties to the Centralia community impacted by the police use of deadly force, according to the news release.
Applicants must pass a background check and attend identified training that is relevant to officer-involved deadly force incidents. Non-law enforcement community representatives must sign a binding confidentiality agreement at the beginning of each investigation.
Representatives “may be exposed to stark and disturbing crime scene information and/or images that show moments of crisis or violence,” according to the news release.
Contact the Centralia Police Department at 360-330-7680 or cpd@cityofcentralia.com for an application.
Interested applicants may submit applications to the City of Centralia Human Resources Office, at P.O. Box 609, 118 W. Maple St., Centralia, WA, 98531 or by email to jobapplications@cityofcentralia.com.
Applicants unable to submit electronically may complete a handwritten application form at the Centralia Police Department during normal business hours. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. May 31. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Representatives from the City of Centralia, the Centralia Police Department and local social services will review the applications for qualifications and suitability.
Qualified candidates may be selected for an interview with Police Chief Stacy Denham.
