Lakewood officers have substantive reasons to doubt Chief Smith | Opinion

Leadership is a demanding responsibility, made even more difficult when it lacks visible engagement, interest or dedication.

To my knowledge Julius Brown, the author of recent op-eds defending Lakewood Police Chief Patrick Smith, has not spoken with current or recently retired command staff, nor has he engaged with rank-and-file officers. Dismissing the recent votes of no confidence from both police unions, along with the supporting letter from the administrative staff union, effectively dismisses the voices of the department’s workforce.

These unions represent the officers, detectives, sergeants and captains who serve Lakewood every day. These are not “office cops.” They are the men and women who respond to calls for help without hesitation, who organize and support community programs like Shop with an Officer, and who continue to serve professionally despite ongoing leadership challenges.

To suggest that these concerns stem from an entrenched culture resisting change only reinforces the belief that Brown has been given a selective narrative. Had he spoken with department members, he would know these issues have persisted for more than two years. Repeated efforts were made to address concerns quietly, professionally and internally. Those efforts were unsuccessful and, in many cases, deepened divisions within the department.

The achievement of zero homicides is worth celebrating. Any year without a homicide is a success. Lakewood has also experienced years with only one homicide — commendable outcomes by any measure.

However, Smith’s explanation for this success underscores a disconnect. He cited over-hiring, a practice that predates his tenure and has existed since the COVID era. Despite its continuation, the department has remained understaffed throughout his leadership. He also referenced the addition of a business district car and technology — useful tools, but ones that have no direct correlation to homicide reduction.

Correlation does not equal causation.

What can be directly credited is the proactive, tireless work of Lakewood Police Department officers. Their efforts matter. Additionally, the department’s emphasis on Trauma Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) has saved lives. It is advanced first aid techniques put in place well before Chief Smith arrived.

This was clearly demonstrated during the recent shooting at Harry Todd Park, where officers entered a chaotic and dangerous scene involving six gunshot victims. With no certainty the suspect was contained, they secured the scene and provided lifesaving care until medics could safely intervene. In years past, such an incident likely would have resulted in fatalities. Their training and bravery made the difference.

Lakewood’s declining crime numbers also mirror national trends and reflect legislative corrections to Washington law regarding pursuits and detentions. These factors cannot be overlooked when evaluating crime statistics.

While Brown appreciated the engagement Chief Smith showed him, that same energy was not consistently extended internally. Brown characterizes the concerns as emotional or cultural. However, he does not work daily under Smith. He does not experience vague direction or unanswered operational questions.

Those realities belong to the department’s members.

When Smith responded to the TNT article on the vote of no confidence, he accepted full credit for positive outcomes while dismissing the concerns behind the vote. A true leader acknowledges discontent, commits to understanding it and works toward resolution. Perception matters — and for those experiencing it, perception becomes reality.

Leadership requires addressing that reality, not dismissing it.

Smith’s career reflects a troubling pattern: A tumultuous departure from LAPD and then an exit from Birmingham PD following a vote of no confidence, now repeated in Lakewood. This is not a shared cultural flaw across departments separated by geography and mission. It is a leadership and emotional intelligence issue. In policing, patterns matter — and this one is clear.

It is not the many. It is the one.

Andy Gildehaus is a retired law enforcement officer with 32 years of service who concluded his career as a captain with the Lakewood Police Department. He was one of the original officers hired when the department was formed in 2004, held multiple departmental roles and served as treasurer of the Lakewood Officers Charity.