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Residents and advocates press Lakewood City Council on police culture and accountability
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the Lakewood City Council to address alleged bias and cultural problems within the Lakewood Police Department, citing past officer conduct, lawsuits and calls for stronger leadership accountability.
Several residents and community advocates told the Lakewood City Council on Monday that they are concerned about the culture and leadership of the Lakewood Police Department and urged the city to take stronger steps to hold officers accountable.
Speakers described a pattern of offensive conduct and long-running community mistrust. Julius Brown, a veteran and the founding chairman of the Lakewood African American Police Advisory Committee, said he came “not out of anger, but out of deep concern and responsibility,” and warned that jokes and “signals” of bias among officers risk real harm to residents and public trust.
The comments came during the council’s public comment period and followed media coverage and a series of high-profile lawsuits and settlements in which the city and its police officers were parties. James Dunlop, a Lakewood resident, cited the killing of Leonard Thomas and a later $8 million settlement in another case as evidence the city has not fully confronted systemic problems.
City leaders did not take action during the public-comment period. Council members acknowledged the remarks and said police leadership has taken steps to address personnel and discipline issues; Mayor Jason Whalen noted the department had acted in response to concerns and that some matters went to arbitration. No formal council directive or personnel action was announced at the meeting.
Why it matters: Speakers told the council that perceived tolerance for biased behavior can erode trust between officers and communities of color, lead to legal and financial liabilities for the city, and put residents at risk. Commenters urged preventive discipline and leadership changes to restore trust.
Discussion vs. decision: The remarks were public comment (discussion only). Council members responded with general acknowledgements of the concerns and references to prior administrative action; the meeting record shows no formal vote or staff direction tied to the public comment.
Background and context: Commenters referenced several older incidents and civil claims that have informed local debate about policing in Lakewood, including the 2009 deaths of four officers and later civil settlements. Speakers said the history underscores the need for preemptive accountability and cultural change within the department.
Next steps: The council did not schedule a specific follow-up in open session. Because these issues cross personnel, legal and public-safety functions, further review could involve council-staff briefings, referral to a council subcommittee, or requests for an independent review — none of which were entered on the record during the meeting.
Quotes in context: “We cannot, must not allow officers to make racial and inappropriate [remarks] on the job to return to positions of leadership,” Julius Brown said. “Accountability isn’t vengeance. It’s about prevention. It’s about public trust.”
Speakers listed below provided these remarks during the public comment period and are the only people quoted in this article.
