TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma Police Chief Avery Moore is back on the job after receiving a "verbal counseling" from City Manager Elizabeth Pauli, according to statements released by the city Wednesday morning.
Moore was placed on administrative leave at the end of September, and at the time City of Tacoma officials declined to comment on why. Over a week later, Pauli explained that the city was conducting a fact-finding mission related to Moore's "personal use of a city asset and statements relating to that use." She did not go into specifics.
Pauli found that Moore did not intend to be misleading in his use of said "city asset" but that the initial use, cost reimbursement and "statements made around the use and reimbursement" did not meet expected standards of professional judgement.
"As a result, I have given a verbal counseling and the Chief will resume his full duties as Chief of Police," Pauli said in a statement. "The Chief and I stand together in holding ourselves to the highest standards in exercising discretion and judgment in the positions we hold. Our shared focus remains on upholding and supporting the entire police department in the good work they are doing for our community."
Moore said he has accepted his discipline and is ready to move forward in his position as Tacoma's chief of police.
"My dedication to the department and this community remains unwavering, and I look forward to restoring the trust and integrity that have defined my career," Moore said.
Moore was confirmed as Tacoma's police chief by the city council in December of 2021 after being selected over two other finalists. He began working for the city in January of 2022, taking over for Don Ramsdell, who retired in 2020.
Moore worked for the Dallas Police Department for 30 years prior to moving to Tacoma.