A first of its kind state agency faces a slow start, and pushback from police reform advocates

Back in 2021, following calls for police reform after the murder of George Floyd, Washington state did something unique. Legislators created a state-funded agency to investigate instances of serious or fatal police use of force – even ones that had happened in the past. Many believe the Office of Independent Investigations has potential to improve trust between marginalized communities and law enforcement. But some say it’s taking the office too long to get going. So far, the OII hasn’t officially launched a single investigation. Melanie Henshaw, an Indigenous Affairs reporter at InvestigateWest, spoke to reform advocates and agency officials about the obstacles that are keeping the office from quickly meeting its intended purpose.  Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. GUEST: Melanie Henshaw, Indigenous Affairs reporter for InvestigateWest RELATED LINKS: Three years, no investigations: A slow start for Washington office tasked with probing police violence - InvestigateWest  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.