Tacoma Police Chief Avery Moore placed on administrative leave

Tacoma Police Chief Avery Moore has been placed on paid administrative leave, a spokesperson confirmed to KIRO Newsradio Thursday afternoon.

The Tacoma Police Department’s (TPD) Shelbie Boyd confirmed in an email that Moore was placed on leave, effective Wednesday. Deputy Chief Paul Junger has been named the interim chief in the meantime.

There still have been no reasons given as to why Moore was placed on leave, what the next steps are or if any type of investigation is set to follow. KIRO 7 reported the city and police department say, currently, there is no plan to hold a press conference to discuss the reasons why Moore was placed on leave.

Junger has served as the TPD’s deputy chief since May 2022. He also worked for the working for the Dallas Police Department (DPD) before coming to the Pacific Northwest.

Moore’s tenure in Tacoma

A police source told The News Tribune in Tacoma Thursday officers were not offered any specific details for the move involving Moore. But nobody was surprised to learn of the decision either, the source said to the Tacoma news outlet.

Some in the department are worried about what’s to come and questions remain as to the makeup of the department’s leadership moving forward, according to the Tribune’s source.

The Tribune also explained that Moore’s tenure has seen some controversy. Notably, the outlet brought up former chief of staff, Curtis Hairston, suing the city earlier this year. He alleged he had been “subjected to racial bias and discrimination” during his 18 months in the TPD. He was fired after being the subject of what became a dismissed ethics complaint, the lawsuit said.

More on Chief Avery Moore

Moore has served as the chief of police for the TPD since February 2022. He worked 31 years with the DPD before coming to the state of Washington.

Specifically, Moore served as the DPD’s assistant chief of police for its investigation bureau. Moore also 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,” Moore said in late 2021 after the Tacoma City Council confirmed City Manager Elizabeth Pauli’s appointment of 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.”

Moore took over for Interim Police Chief Michael Ake who led the TPD for about a year after former Chief Don Ramsdell’s retirement in January 2021.

Contributing: KIRO 7; KIRO Newsradio news desk