Under state law, the King County Sheriff’s Office is managing information release for the December 2 officer-involved shooting investigation while serving as the Independent Investigative Team for the Seattle Police Department.
Washington statutes RCW 10.114.011 and WAC 139-12 govern the release of information related to officer-involved shooting investigations. These laws require independent oversight when law enforcement officers use deadly force, ensuring investigations maintain objectivity and public credibility.
The King County Sheriff’s Office Independent Investigations Team has authorized the Seattle Police Department to release video providing a brief overview of what occurred during the December 2 incident.
SPD continues collaborating with KCSO to obtain approval for releasing information that will not compromise the independent criminal investigation. The department will release additional details as soon as possible, consistent with its commitment to transparency and legitimacy as allowed under state law.
Seattle Police Department Policy 1.115 regarding Media Release Officer-Involved Shooting is “intended to balance the integrity and credibility of an investigation with public transparency.” The policy requires SPD to take specific actions within 72 hours of an officer-involved shooting.
Required disclosures include releasing the names of any officers who discharged firearms, absent exigent circumstances that would justify withholding identities. The policy also mandates releasing video that provides a general overview of what occurred and photos of relevant evidence unless such release may compromise the investigation.
These transparency requirements reflect evolving standards for law enforcement accountability following years of advocacy from civil rights organizations, community groups, and police reform advocates. The 72-hour timeline balances the need for immediate public information with investigation integrity.
The Independent Investigative Team structure removes potential conflicts of interest that could arise when police departments investigate their own officers. King County Sheriff’s Office investigators operate separately from SPD command structure and reporting relationships.
The December 2 shooting occurred near the Othello light rail station in south Seattle. Previous reporting indicated officers responded to calls about an armed individual and a confrontation ensued resulting in gunfire.
The investigation examines multiple factors including whether officers followed department policy, whether use of force was legally justified under Washington law, and whether criminal charges should be recommended against any involved parties.
State law requires independent investigations of all officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths. This mandate aims to ensure thorough, impartial review of incidents where law enforcement use of force results in death or serious injury.
The King County Sheriff’s Office Independent Investigations Team comprises trained detectives who specialize in examining officer-involved incidents. Team members receive specific instruction in use-of-force law, interview techniques, and evidence collection relevant to these sensitive cases.
Once KCSO completes its criminal investigation, findings are forwarded to the relevant prosecutor’s office for review. Prosecutors determine whether criminal charges are warranted based on evidence and applicable law.
Separate from the criminal investigation, SPD conducts internal administrative reviews examining whether officers violated department policies. These parallel processes can result in discipline even when criminal charges are not filed.
The 72-hour disclosure requirement for officer names and overview video represents relatively recent policy evolution. Historically, departments often withheld such information for extended periods citing ongoing investigations.
Community advocates pushed for faster disclosure arguing that delays fueled suspicion and eroded public trust. The current standards attempt to provide meaningful transparency while protecting investigation integrity.
Video release typically includes body camera footage, dashboard camera recordings, or surveillance footage showing the incident. KCSO reviews proposed releases to ensure they do not reveal information that could compromise witness interviews or evidence integrity.
For additional information about the investigation, the public can contact the King County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Office at 206-263-2560 or via email at kcsomro@kingcounty.gov.
The independent investigation structure applies statewide to officer-involved shootings, though specific IIT arrangements vary by jurisdiction. King County Sheriff’s Office frequently serves in this role for municipal departments within the county.
The investigation will likely take several weeks or months to complete depending on complexity, number of witnesses, and evidence requiring analysis. Ballistics testing, autopsy results, and comprehensive witness statements all require time to gather and evaluate.
