Multi-agency police unit to investigate officer shootings

Police agencies in King County are banding together to help each other investigate officer-involved shootings.

Police, who often investigate their own shootings, say they’re trying to improve objectivity and transparency. The King County Sheriff, the Washington State Patrol and eight other police agencies will contribute members to the squad.

Bellevue Police Major Mike Johnson will lead the King County Investigative Response Team (KCIRT).

Seattle Police declined to participate in the multi-agency unit.

Smaller agencies in the county can still request that the KCIRT team investigate police shootings, even if they can’t commit an officer to the unit.