Citizens advisory panel vets and unanimously approves three detectives for independent investigative team

The Clallam County Sheriffs Citizens Advisory Committee on May 28 reviewed biographies and training records for three detectives and voted unanimously to add them to the regions Independent Investigative Team.

Sheriff Brian King introduced the vetting process and the two written questions each candidate would answer, saying the committee must ensure independence and transparency when deadly force investigations occur. "One of the things they're trying not to do right now is investigate any cases unless it actually has resulted in death," the presenter said when summarizing state practice for Office of Independent Investigation involvement.

Detective Dave Fletcher described his qualifications in front of the committee and the sheriff, noting nine years with the sheriffs office, prior assignments and training in interview and interrogation and swift-water rescue. After Fletcher answered the committees questions, a member moved to approve his membership and the motion carried unanimously.

Detective Nicholas (Nick) Kennedy, introduced next, outlined more than a decade of law‑enforcement experience including prior Department of Corrections work and recent lead‑investigator qualifications. Kennedy said he had worked large multijurisdictional investigations and remains the lead investigator on an ongoing Deer Park homicide. The committee approved his appointment by voice vote.

The committee then considered Detective Esther McCullough, who was introduced as recently promoted to detective with background as an EMT, field training officer and child‑forensic interviewer. McCullough said she had been a first responder on a recent homicide and had led evidence preservation and interviews; members praised her work and voted to approve her for IIT service.

Committee members and the presenter discussed the role non‑law‑enforcement community representatives play on IITs: reviewing conflict‑of‑interest statements, attending briefings, and serving as liaisons to ensure factual completeness before files go to prosecutors. The presenter emphasized that the IIT itself "does not make any recommendations" and that the prosecutor is responsible for legal determinations.

The committees approvals are procedural appointments: each detective will be part of vetting teams and on‑call rosters that can be activated for deadly‑force investigations or incidents that result in serious bodily injury. The meeting minutes record motions, seconds and unanimous approval for each candidate.

The committee did not discuss any changes to the IIT statute or alter the requirements imposed by state law. The sheriff said members would sign required confidentiality and conflict‑of‑interest forms and be prepared to respond when called.

The committee adjourned after completing vetting and other agenda items.