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Independent Investigations into Use of Deadly Force Incidents
Washington State Law requires any use of deadly force involving a Police Officer to be investigated by an independent agency. In accordance with these standards, the City of Tacoma cannot investigate or interfere with an ongoing investigation or the integrity of an investigation into the use of deadly force by a Tacoma police officer.
The Criminal Justice Training Commission established the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act (LETCSA), which provides the criteria of what qualifies as an independent investigation pursuant to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 139-12.
Investigations in to police use of deadly force can take months to years to complete. Each investigation is unique and may require additional review of evidence or testimony by experts, which results in varying durations of the investigative process. While state law provides for updates to the family of the deceased, it does not provide for the jurisdiction to receive updates during the investigation.
Information on this page is limited by Washington State Law. For updates to this page, please subscribe to receive email notifications.
For more information on Police Involved Shootings, visit our Results253 web page, which is updated quarterly or Tacoma Police Department policy, visit our webpage.
Case information is directly available from Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT) for cases that they are investigating. Please note that all public records requests for copies of PCFIT reports must be submitted through South Sound 911.
Administrative Review
The Tacoma Police Department recognizes the need to review thoroughly all applications of deadly force by its Officers. The primary purpose of the Board shall be to review the investigation and determine if the application of deadly force was within Department policy. The Board may also examine significant training and equipment issues. The Board shall report its findings to the Chief of Police. These findings may include recommendations to further investigate certain aspects of the attendant circumstances.
The Board consists of six voting members and a non-voting chairperson. The six voting members will consist of two management representatives, two union representatives, and two members of the community.
Current Criminal Investigation of Police Use of Deadly Force:
Cases will be updated upon the conclusion of the investigation and review of findings by the prosecuting authority.