Tacoma, Washington, Police Chief Avery Moore is set to leave law enforcement, effective Feb. 3, according to his resignation letter he submitted months after he was placed on administrative leave.
Tacoma Police Chief Resigns, Plans to Leave Law Enforcement
"It was a surprise. Let me say that," Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards said. "The chief has decided to take his career in a different direction and that happens to be his decision."
by Staff
January 29, 2025
Tacoma, Washington, Police Chief Avery Moore has submitted his resignation.
Credit:
City of Tacoma
Moore's career in law enforcement spans 35 years with his last three in Tacoma after a move from Dallas.
"It was a surprise. Let me say that," Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards told KOMO News within hours of the resignation announcement. "The chief has decided to take his career in a different direction and that happens to be his decision."
Mayor Woodards expressed her thanks for the outgoing chief's focus on reducing violent crime and property crime, while boosting engagement with the community.
"Tacoma is better off because he chose to work here," she explained.
In late September of 2024, Moore was placed on paid administrative leave due to what City Manager Elizabeth Pauli called " the personal use of a city asset and statements made relating to that use."
"I have concluded that the facts and circumstances of the use of the asset, subsequent cost reimbursement, and statements made around the use and reimbursement, while not intended to mislead, did not meet the expected standards of professional judgment," wrote Pauli in a statement regarding Moore's administrative leave.
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