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Incidents where a law enforcement officer uses, or attempts to use, significant force on a civilian are complex investigations that require a comprehensive response. These investigations also demand a commitment to the principles of independence, thoroughness, and transparency.
For decades, the law enforcement executives within the 17th Judicial District have agreed to convene a “Critical Incident Response Team” (“CIRT”) of independent investigators from within the 17th Judicial District to investigate these incidents. Immediately upon notification of an officer-involved incident, investigators from independent law enforcement agencies assemble and conduct the investigation into the incident.
The CIRT investigating the incident is comprised of personnel from at least two agencies independent of the involved agency. The use of a multi-jurisdictional independent team protects the integrity of the investigation by providing an objective, unbiased approach to ascertaining the facts and evidence relative to an incident. The protocols for the CIRT shall serve as a guide for the participating members to produce a consistent, complete and thorough investigation.
