Tacoma Appoints Next Police Chief

TACOMA, WA — After an extensive search and evaluation, Tacoma has selected its next police chief.

The Tacoma City Council voted unanimously Monday night to affirm City Manager Elizabeth Pauli’s appointment of Avery Moore as the next Police Chief for the City of Tacoma.

Moore previously served as the Assistant Chief of Police at the Dallas Police Department's Investigations Bureau, the city said. He began his career as a rank and file police officer for the Dallas Police Department, before working his way up through a number of leadership positions, including East Patrol Bureau Commander and Deputy Chief of Police.

He will begin his new position sometime in mid-January.

“I am honored to be confirmed by the City Council for this position,” said Moore in a written statement. “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.”

Moore will replace outgoing Interim Chief Mike Ake, who has been holding the position since last January, when former Police Chief Don Ramsdell retired after 17 years on the job, The News Tribune reported. During Monday night's confirmation, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards took some time to thank Ake for his efforts over the last year.

“Public safety continues to be a top priority for the City of Tacoma. I want to share my appreciation for our community who took the time to engage with us during these historic times,” Woodards said. “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. I am excited about the depth and breadth of experience that Chief Moore brings to Tacoma.”

Ake, who will retire in January when Moore steps in, said he's excited to hand the reigns over to Moore, who he believes will continue his efforts to transform the police department.

“The Tacoma Police Department remains committed to realizing our community’s long-term vision for public safety, defined through community-led antiracist transformation efforts,” Ake said. “I welcome Chief Moore to Tacoma, and will work to ensure a smooth transition for the Tacoma Police Department and our community.”