After a two-hour study session on Sept. 21, Lakewood City Council heard police presentations on the city's automated license plate reader program and directed staff to keep the current Flock Safety contract through its January renewal while preparing a council-level policy and vendor-options review.

Lakewood Police reported an overall reduction in many crime categories for the second quarter, noted increases in motor vehicle thefts and shots‑fired calls, and reviewed July 1–6 fireworks‑related calls. Council queried the value of online reporting and whether a full fireworks ban would change enforcement and citation outcomes.

Council approved motion 2026‑47 to accept $115,485 from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to expand training and supplies for law‑enforcement phlebotomy; Sergeant Porsche described Lakewood’s current staffing and regional benefits and the motion passed by voice vote.

Chief Smith told the Lakewood City Council the fourth-quarter 2025 report shows broad reductions across violent and property crimes, with homicides falling to zero and motor vehicle theft plunging after investment in Flock Safety and in-vehicle technology. Council members pressed for more disaggregated collision-severity data and asked about human-trafficking resources.

The commission removed three applicants from the entry-level police eligibility list and moved to certify the list; staff presented department demographics showing 63% of employees are over 40 and 33% have 0–5 years of service, raising questions about retirements and hiring strategy.

Residents demand independent oversight for Lakewood Police following Jax Graton's tragic story.