Lakewood Lyre Editorial; LPD Leadership

A garland of soft blue lights circles my front window, night and day.

For years they are a reminder of the ultimate price that Thin Blue Line serves.

Their authority is bestowed upon by elected officials that have their authority bestowed by their citizenry.  The force should accommodate that city’s leadership choice.

The leadership of those officers must be a stable, innovative presence.  We are witnessing the effect in real time, nationally and locally. 

Three-and-a-half years ago, the then-Chief Mike Zaro retired.  While he was a renowned spokesperson for the force, numerous incidents under his command seemed to have forced him to step away.  

A year ago, Assistant Chief John Unfred was placed on administrative leave while an investigation was said to have been held lasting four-and-a-half months.  A settlement was paid to Unfred of over $400,000 dollars.  No rationale has been divulged.

Now the current Chief, Patrick Smith, has been placed on administrative leave.

The Lakewood Police Independent Guild earlier in the year voted a supermajority ‘no confidence’ decision.  An additional vote by Lakewood Police Management Guild returned a unanimous downvote. The Lyre has reached out to the Guild for perspective.

https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article314270415.html

Lakewood released a statement saying "The City of Lakewood can confirm it has placed the Chief of Police on administrative leave as we review the details and findings associated with votes of no confidence and multiple investigative reports. Assistant Chief David Claridge will be assuming the role of Acting Chief."

Acting Chief Captain David Claridge will step in as Interim Chief.  Claridge is formerly an Assistant Chief of Fife, a force of 40 staff.  Captain Claridge joined LPD a month ago.