Lawrence Police Department procedures call for a team within the department to investigate after an officer is involved in a shooting.

“When an officer of the Lawrence Police Department is involved in a fatal shooting on or off-duty, a thorough and objective investigation of the facts and circumstances will be initiated immediately and completed as soon as possible,” the procedures state.

One person, at least a rank higher than the officer who fired the shot, is designated as the primary investigator for the department and oversees a process that includes interviews, collection of physical evidence and inspecting the officer’s weapon.

The officer who fired is required to be available for interviews and is prohibited from discussing the case with anyone other than prosecutors, investigating officers, and confidants such as attorneys, spouse, clergy or counselors.

Once that investigation is finished, the chief appoints an “Officer Involved Shooting Review Board” that does not call witnesses but reviews the record, requests follow-up interviews if needed, and forwards its findings to the chief for review.