Tacoma's police chief is returning to full work after being placed on leave

TACOMA, Wash. – Tacoma's police chief will return to full work after being placed on leave by the Tacoma city manager last week.

On Sept. 25, City Manager Elizabeth Pauli placed Chief Avery Moore on leave. The reason for their decision was not immediately known, but a city spokesman confirmed that the reason was not due to a criminal investigation.

Pauli released a statement saying she placed Moore on leave to “allow for an investigation of the facts relating to the personal use of a city asset and to make statements relating to that use.”

She said that after investigating the incident, she concluded that the use of the asset, the subsequent reimbursement costs and the statements, while not misleading, “did not meet expected standards of professional judgment.”

Pauli said Moore will resume full duties as police chief.

According to TPD spokeswoman Shelbie Boyd, Assistant Police Chief Paul Junger was named acting police chief while Moore was on leave.

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Moore also released a statement saying he had been placed on leave pending an investigation.

“I accept my discipline and am ready to move on, fully committed to continuing my work with the Tacoma Police Department and serving the city I proudly call home,” Moore said.

He said that as he returns to his duties, he is committed to restoring trust and integrity in the community.