FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tumwater, Wash. A new member has joined the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) Advisory Board as one of the founding board members steps down.
Jerrell Wills, Deputy Director for the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), was appointed Monday, Oct. 27 to join the OII Advisory Board. Wills replaces Monica Alexander, Executive Director of CJTC and one of the original members of the advisory board, who announced earlier this month that she would be leaving the board.
“It has been a genuine honor to be part of the first OII Advisory Board and work with the OII team as they strive to create this unique and important agency,” Director Alexander said. “Although I am leaving the board, I have made many friends through this work and will continue to follow the activities of OII as it continues to grow.”
Wills spent 31 years with the King County Sheriff’s Office, retiring as the Criminal Investigations Division Chief in 2019, and joining CJTC. He has worked with CJTC in various capacities before becoming deputy director in 2022.
"Becoming a member of the OII Advisory Board is an important opportunity to serve the public,” Wills said. “I intend to work diligently to understand the issues that OII faces and bring my perspective and that of the CJTC to board discussions.”
The OII Advisory Board reviews policies and protocols that OII develops and must approve the hiring of potential OII investigators who have been in law enforcement within 24 months of applying. The board also recommends candidates for the agency's director position, which is a three-year appointment. It does not have a role in OII investigations.
OII's statute (RCW 43.102.130) requires the Advisory Board to include a member of CJTC. The other board positions are required to be filled by family members affected by incidents of police use of deadly force, law enforcement, a police chief who is a member of an Independent Investigation Team, community members, a representative of a federally recognized Washington tribe, a mental health professional, a prosecutor, and a defense attorney, a position that is currently vacant.
“We appreciate the many years Monica has been with the board, for her thoughtful input, time and dedication to our agency and work,” Director Rogoff said. “I know having Jerrell join the board will bring a fresh outlook, but one that supports the mission of OII.”
The OII Advisory Board, including co-chairs Fred Thomas, whose son was shot and killed by police in 2013, and Eric Drever, chief of the Tukwila Police Department, welcomed Wills’ appointment to the board.
"We look forward to working with Jerrell and the perspective he'll bring to the role,” Thomas said.
"Having a member from the Criminal Justice Training Commission has always been an important viewpoint to have on the board,” Drever said. “I am confident that Jerrell Wills will be a valuable member of the board and provide a critical voice in our discussions."
OII Advisory Board members are not compensated for their time. They meet monthly in virtual meetings with members participating statewide.
***
The Washington State Legislature created OII in 2021 to conduct independent and unbiased investigations of deadly use of force by law enforcement. It works with an 11-member advisory board that reviews and provides input on agency policies. To view this on the web, visit oii.wa.gov/news-and-updates.
Media inquiries can be directed to Hector Castro, Communications Director, hector.castro@oii.wa.gov or 360-870-8115.