Washington Administrative Code Title 218 - Forensic Investigations Council
Here’s a refined overview of Title 218 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), which establishes and governs the Forensic Investigations Council:
🧬 What is in Title 218?
Chapters
218‑04 WAC – Forensics
218‑10 WAC – State Death Investigations Account Assistance Applications
1. Chapter 218-04 WAC – Forensics
Purpose & Duties (§ 218‑04‑010)
The Council was created by the 1995 law (chapter 398) to:
Preserve and enhance the state crime laboratory
Fund death investigation systems and improve efficiency
Maintain and improve the tox lab
Provide resources for autopsies by qualified pathologists
Train county coroners and medical examiners
Set up and maintain dental identification systems
Enable counties to establish morgues as needed (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov)
Membership (§ 218‑04‑020)
A 12‑member council appointed by the Governor, including:
1 county coroner
1 county prosecutor
1 county prosecutor who is also ex‑officio coroner
1 county medical examiner
1 sheriff
1 chief of police
State Patrol chief
2 county legislative authority members
1 private-practice pathologist
2 city legislative authority members (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov)
Officers & Meetings
Elects a chair and vice-chair; chair only votes to break ties.
Meets monthly (4th Friday, 9 a.m. at WSP Crime Lab in Tacoma), quorum = 7.
Open to public per state open-meetings law; phone conferencing is allowed. (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov)
Public Records (§ 218‑04‑050)
All records (minutes, etc.) are public unless exempt. Requests are handled via the WA Association of County Officials. (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov)
2. Chapter 218-10 WAC – State Death Investigations Account
This chapter outlines how eligible entities can apply for assistance funds from the State Death Investigations Account, managed under Title 218. (app.leg.wa.gov)
✅ Why It Matters
This title ensures Washington’s forensic and death investigation systems are well-funded, well-organized, and transparent—supporting public safety, justice, and accountability.
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