Tacoma city council confirms Avery Moore as next police chief

TACOMA, Wash. — The Tacoma City Council confirmed City Manager Elizabeth Pauli’s appointment of Avery Moore as the city’s next police chief Tuesday.

Chief Moore previously served the Dallas Police Department as the assistant chief of police for its investigation bureau. Moore began his career in law enforcement over 30 years ago and has held leadership titles including lieutenant of police, sergeant of police and senior corporal of police.

“I am honored to be confirmed by the City Council for this position,” said Chief Moore. “We have an opportunity today to build on prior successes, while reimagining and reinvigorating the Tacoma Police Department in an ever-evolving public safety landscape. I am confident that, in partnership with our community, the Tacoma Police Department can become a model of public safety excellence based on fairness for all.”

Current interim police chief Michael Ake has led the department since December 2021 prior to former chief Don Ramsdell’s retirement in January 2021.

Interim chief Ake plans to retire in January 2022 to continue his community service in the Washington Army National Guard.

“Public safety continues to be a top priority for the City of Tacoma,” said Mayor Victoria Woodards. “I want to thank Interim Chief Mike Ake for his 32+ years of faithful service to Tacoma, and for his leadership throughout the last year. As we look ahead, we know that Chief Moore will be stepping into a very prominent leadership role and guiding the Tacoma Police Department through a time punctuated by local and national conversations demanding transformative change.”

Moore is projected to begin serving in his new role in mid-January. As chief, he will be responsible for the oversight and administrative management of the Tacoma Police Department’s daily operations.

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