An Open Letter to Lakewood Police Chief Mike Zaro

Not even two weeks into 2019 and Lakewood has another mental health death on its hands. Distressing, but we know it is not the first.

At my very first meeting at the Public Safety Advisory Committee, I asked about non-lethal options. We discussed that all LPD officers are trained in proportional force progression and non-lethal options.

I’d hate to think that because my friend Marty is having a bad day that mortality instantly becomes the go-to default.

I am mindful of a shoot-out that happened in my neighborhood a year or two ago that resolved despite the assailant shooting at officers. Someone has to point out that in that case the assailant was white and the two mental health sufferers in these most recent incidents were not.

I’m begging you, Mike, to consider a “bring ‘em back alive” challenge. Of course I want our ‘thin blue line’ to get home safely every night. Does that exclude a higher level of professionality?

Yeah, my short history as a police reservist long ago is not the same as knocking on that door not knowing what’s on the other side now. I have a profound respect for our officers, many I’ve worked alongside in neighborhood events and at the Fallen Officers Food Drive every year.

Let them earn the title, everyday, of “Lakewood’s Finest”.

(presented to members the City of Lakewood council, January 18, 2019)