Snoqualmie council authorizes addendum to let Seattle join King County independent force investigation team

The Snoqualmie City Council unanimously authorized an addendum Jan. 26 that would allow the Seattle Police Department to join the King County Independent Force Investigation Team, often abbreviated iFIT KC.

"State law requires that if deadly force by a peace officer results in death, great bodily harm, or substantial bodily harm, an independent investigation must be completed," said Interim Chief Gary Horace in the council chamber, explaining the role of iFIT KC and why additional investigative resources can benefit member agencies. Horace told the council that member chiefs and sheriffs met with Seattle PD and agreed the team would benefit from Seattle’s crime-scene and investigative capabilities.

The addendum was presented by the public safety committee as agenda bill 25-127; the motion to authorize the mayor to sign the proposed amendment was moved and seconded and carried on a unanimous voice vote. Council members noted Seattle’s likely contribution of investigative staff and that its participation should offset added costs because of the additional investigative resources it brings.

Interim Chief Horace told the council that iFIT KC has handled an average of about four independent investigations per year in recent years and that member agencies are presenting the agreement to their councils; he said eight agencies had approved the amendment as of Jan. 22.

The authorization does not change the city’s internal policies on use of force; it permits the city to participate in a regional interlocal framework that provides an independent investigative team when state law requires an outside inquiry.

The council did not identify additional local costs tied to the amendment and voted to approve the addendum.