Following the passage of Initiative 940 in 2019 the Washington State legislature subsequently passed SHB 1064 requiring that all police use of deadly force that results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm requires an investigation completely independent of the involved agency. One of the requirements for independent investigations is that at least two non-law enforcement community representatives participate in the independent investigation process.
Pierce County law enforcement leaders (including Sumner) have entered into a written agreement to create a multi-agency Independent Investigative Team to investigate all police use of deadly force incidents regionally in Pierce County. Per the new law, the Chiefs and Sheriff of each regional team shall create a roster of individuals willing to serve as non-law enforcement community representatives.
The City of Sumner is seeking a member of the Sumner community willing to serve as a non-law enforcement community representative if an independent investigation becomes necessary involving a Sumner police officer. If selected, the non-law enforcement community representative would be required to sign a binding confidentiality agreement at the beginning of the police use of force investigation that would remain in effect until the conclusion of that investigation. This is a non-compensated volunteer position of significant importance. Credibility with and ties to communities impacted by police use of deadly force is desirable.
Since 2020, the city has also incorporated the community representative into the hiring and promotional testing processes of its police officers.
If interested in serving as Sumner’s next community representative, please submit a City of Sumner (Commission/Volunteer) application (on-line, mail, or drop off) to the Sumner City Clerk, Michelle Converse CMC, at 1104 Maple Street Sumner, WA 98390 or MichelleC@Sumnerwa.gov by April 17, 2024.
Any questions or need more information, please contact Police Chief Brad Moericke at bradm@sumnerwa.gov or by phone at 253-299-5641.
