Chief Taylor, Lynden’s outgoing police chief, recently shared his reflections on his career, his time in Lynden, and the challenges facing law enforcement in Washington state. A lawyer by profession and a police officer for 36 years, he began serving in Lynden in January 2020—just months before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life.
Navigating Challenges During COVID
Chief Taylor’s early days in Lynden were marked by controversy as he faced criticism from different sides. Some faulted him for not strictly enforcing mask mandates, while others thought he should have pushed back harder against state restrictions. “It was impossible to make everyone happy,” he recalled.
Lynden: A “Hidden Gem”
Despite the difficulties, Chief Taylor describes Lynden as a “hidden gem” and a truly special community. While he is reluctant to leave, he cites frustrations with Washington’s political climate as one reason for his retirement.
Frustrations with State Policies
Taylor expressed deep concerns about state laws that, in his view, make policing more difficult. He noted that legislation often ignored police input, leading to unintended consequences. One example was the 2021 Blake decision, which effectively decriminalized narcotics possession. Officers were limited to confiscating drugs and referring individuals to treatment, while minor infractions like underage smoking remained enforceable.
He contrasted Washington’s $14 billion deficit and looming tax increases with Arkansas’s $400 million surplus and tax cuts, highlighting Arkansas’s stricter drug laws as more effective deterrents.
Crime Trends in Lynden
Locally, Chief Taylor has seen an uptick in minor crimes like shoplifting. A major factor, he explained, is the aging county jail, where 60% of cell door locks were broken in 2020. As a result, booking restrictions meant offenders often walked free, sometimes reoffending the same day.
Homelessness: Local and State Perspectives
While Lynden has avoided large encampments thanks to a local ordinance and limited services, Taylor noted that homelessness often stems from substance abuse and mental health challenges. Many individuals, he said, reject shelter due to restrictions on drugs or alcohol.
Recruiting and Staffing
On a positive note, Lynden continues to attract high-quality police recruits, thanks to its reputation as a supportive community and workplace. Background checks are rigorous and independent, ensuring fairness and high standards. But staffing shortages remain a significant challenge. Washington has the lowest per-capita police staffing levels in the nation, and Lynden falls below even the state average. Overtime and uncovered shifts are the norm, a reality Taylor warns will test his successor.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares to return to Arkansas, Chief Taylor says he will miss the people of Lynden most—both the community and his dedicated police staff. His advice for the next chief is clear: focus on staffing, continue building community trust, and be prepared to navigate the challenges of policing under evolving state laws.
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Posted: September 9, 2025 by hhulbert
Reflections from Chief Taylor: Policing in Lynden and Beyond
Chief Taylor, Lynden’s outgoing police chief, recently shared his reflections on his career, his time in Lynden, and the challenges facing law enforcement in Washington state. A lawyer by profession and a police officer for 36 years, he began serving in Lynden in January 2020—just months before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life.
Navigating Challenges During COVID
Chief Taylor’s early days in Lynden were marked by controversy as he faced criticism from different sides. Some faulted him for not strictly enforcing mask mandates, while others thought he should have pushed back harder against state restrictions. “It was impossible to make everyone happy,” he recalled.
Lynden: A “Hidden Gem”
Despite the difficulties, Chief Taylor describes Lynden as a “hidden gem” and a truly special community. While he is reluctant to leave, he cites frustrations with Washington’s political climate as one reason for his retirement.
Frustrations with State Policies
Taylor expressed deep concerns about state laws that, in his view, make policing more difficult. He noted that legislation often ignored police input, leading to unintended consequences. One example was the 2021 Blake decision, which effectively decriminalized narcotics possession. Officers were limited to confiscating drugs and referring individuals to treatment, while minor infractions like underage smoking remained enforceable.
He contrasted Washington’s $14 billion deficit and looming tax increases with Arkansas’s $400 million surplus and tax cuts, highlighting Arkansas’s stricter drug laws as more effective deterrents.
Crime Trends in Lynden
Locally, Chief Taylor has seen an uptick in minor crimes like shoplifting. A major factor, he explained, is the aging county jail, where 60% of cell door locks were broken in 2020. As a result, booking restrictions meant offenders often walked free, sometimes reoffending the same day.
Homelessness: Local and State Perspectives
While Lynden has avoided large encampments thanks to a local ordinance and limited services, Taylor noted that homelessness often stems from substance abuse and mental health challenges. Many individuals, he said, reject shelter due to restrictions on drugs or alcohol.
Recruiting and Staffing
On a positive note, Lynden continues to attract high-quality police recruits, thanks to its reputation as a supportive community and workplace. Background checks are rigorous and independent, ensuring fairness and high standards. But staffing shortages remain a significant challenge. Washington has the lowest per-capita police staffing levels in the nation, and Lynden falls below even the state average. Overtime and uncovered shifts are the norm, a reality Taylor warns will test his successor.
Looking Ahead
As he prepares to return to Arkansas, Chief Taylor says he will miss the people of Lynden most—both the community and his dedicated police staff. His advice for the next chief is clear: focus on staffing, continue building community trust, and be prepared to navigate the challenges of policing under evolving state laws.
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