State auditors find 3 procedural lapses in probe into Sheriff's Deputy suspect shooting death

These audits are valuable to the Legislature, law enforcement agencies and the public in assessing police accountability efforts.”

Washington State Auditor’s Office

Officials from the Washington State Auditor’s Office found three procedural lapses in Region 3 (Critical Incident Investigation Team) CIIT probe on the deadly force incident that resulted in the death of Sok Chin Son by Thurston County Security’s Office on January 21, 2020. Many of the requirements for compliance with state law were shown to have been followed.

“Our independent audits provide essential accountability and transparency regarding police use of deadly force investigations. These audits are valuable to the Legislature, law enforcement agencies and the public in assessing police accountability efforts,” said the Washington State Auditor’s Office in its audit report.

Region 3 CIIT’s investigation was prompted by an early morning encounter involving Thurston County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jordan Goss, who responded to a 911 call that ended tragically with the death of Sok Chin Son.

Responding to reports of Son violating a no-contact order at his sister's residence, Goss encountered the individual in his pickup truck parked in the driveway and attempted to apprehend him.

Despite warnings and attempts to subdue him with a taser, Son emerged from the vehicle wielding a knife, leading to a struggle during which the responding deputy fired four rounds, two of which struck Son, ultimately resulting in the suspect's demise.

The Region 3 Critical Incident Investigation Team (CIIT), tasked with independently investigating police use of deadly force incidents, started its inquiry.

Collaborating with investigators from Grays Harbor, Lewis, and Mason counties, CIIT examined the circumstances surrounding Son's death.

CIIT concluded its probe on February 18, 2020, submitting its findings to the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

After a review by a deputy prosecuting attorney, it was announced on March 26, 2020, that no charges would be filed against the deputy over Son's death.

The Washington State Auditor’s Office then conducted an audit, mandated by state law, to scrutinize the actions of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and CIIT, evaluating adherence to the Washington Administrative Code and best practices outlined by the Washington State Criminal Justice Commission.

The audit sought to ascertain compliance with established guidelines through a comprehensive review of investigative files, training records, and interviews with involved parties.

“Region 3 Critical Incident Investigation Team (CIIT) investigators and officers involved with the shooting followed many of the requirements to ensure the investigation into Sok Chin Son’s death was independent, transparent, credible, and communicated to the public timely, as state laws and rules require,” noted the Washington State Auditor’s Office in its audit report.

CIIT's response to the shooting incident largely adhered to state regulations, relinquishing scene control, perimeter maintenance, and witness canvassing, all meeting required standards.

However, state auditors pointed at three notable lapses in the CIIT investigation, including the failure to appoint community representatives, to restrict access to case files, and to notify Son's family of pertinent press releases adequately.

In light of these findings, the state auditors made the following recommendations:

• Assign a minimum of two community representatives to participate in each investigation, and ensure it includes them in all the processes required by the WAC;
• Ensure it properly limits case file access to CIIT members participating in the investigation, and maintain documentation to demonstrate that it did so, and
• Ensure it notifies family members about all press releases and significant developments in the case, and maintain documentation to demonstrate that it did so.

Investigations conducted by CIIT underscore the importance of independent investigation teams mandated by Initiative 940.

These teams, comprising law enforcement personnel and community representatives, were sent to ensure impartiality and transparency in the aftermath of deadly force incidents.