Pro- Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR)

OII is currently working with the Washington State Office of Equity to ensure everyone in our state can access the opportunities, power, and resources they need to flourish and achieve their full potential.   

PEAR Statement  

The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) is honored to join Washington State agencies in implementing Executive Order 22-04, the Washington State Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Plan and Playbook. As the newest state agency and the first of its kind in the nation, OII has taken advantage of the unique opportunity to place the principles of equity, fairness, access, and belonging at the foundation of our work. 

OII was created in recognition of the devasting impact of historical racism and inequity in our criminal legal systems. OII's mission is to conduct fair, thorough, transparent, and competent investigations of use of deadly force by law enforcement. We will strive to conduct investigations that are free from bias and trusted by everyone. OII staff and leadership will treat people with dignity and respect. We will continuously work to understand the impact and effect of racism in investigations and use an antiracist lens to conduct our work. 

OII acknowledges the historical realities of policing, and the injustices that have harmed disadvantaged communities. We will hold ourselves accountable, not just in words but in actions that reflect our commitment to equity, fairness, and access. Through transparency, we will work diligently to build trust. Our goal is to create an environment where those impacted by our work have a voice in how our work is done. 

OII is committed to operating with empathy, and to honoring the truth and experiences of everyone with whom we interact while conducting our work. We will continuously engage with the communities and people impacted by our work through our Advisory Board, Family Liaison Program, Tribal Relations Program, Community Liaison Program, Investigations Division, and Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Team. 

Together, we will ensure that our collective efforts lead to just outcomes for all. 

/s/ Director Roger Rogoff