Inspector General
Washington Office of Independent Investigations
OII
63/100
Summary
Created by E2SHB 1267 (2021) under RCW 43.102, the OII independently investigates all incidents in which law-enforcement use of force results in death in Washington State. Investigators may not be current or former sworn officers. The Director is appointed by the Governor for a five-year term and may only be removed for cause. The office has full statutory access to BWC footage, dispatch records, and agency investigative files. The OII publishes public reports but is not subject to prepublication review by the investigated agency. It does not recommend or impose discipline — criminal referrals go to the relevant county prosecutor.
Independence Scorecard
63/100
Limited
Methodology v0.1
| Appointment | Executive appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 5 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Full access |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- RCW 43.102 — Office of Independent Investigations
- Citation
- RCW 43.102
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All law-enforcement agencies in Washington State — statewide UOF/OID investigations