Moore Takes Over As Tacoma Police Chief

TACOMA, WA — Avery Moore has officially taken up the mantle and is now serving as Police Chief for the City of Tacoma.

Moore's first day on the job was Tuesday. He replaces outgoing Interim Chief Mike Ake, who had been holding the position since last January, after former Police Chief Don Ramsdell retired, The News Tribune reported. Moore beat out several other candidates for the position, and was unanimously appointed by the Tacoma City Council in early December. Following his 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."

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.

"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."