Patti Jackson named interim Tacoma police chief
TACOMA, Wash. - The City of Tacoma has selected its new interim police chief.
What we know:
Patti Jackson, a former candidate for Pierce County Sheriff, was appointed by Tacoma city manager Elizabeth Pauli to lead the city's police department.
Jackson will take over as Tacoma's interim police chief effective February 24, 2025.
This comes after former Tacoma police chief Avery Moore announced his resignation on Jan. 28. He officially resigned on Feb. 3.
What they're saying:
Tacoma's acting police chief Paul Junger expressed gratitude at the appointment of Jackson, providing the following statement:
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Tacoma Police Department and to work alongside such a dedicated and professional team. I have full confidence in the City Manager’s decision to appoint Interim Police Chief Patti Jackson, ensuring stability and progress for the Tacoma Police Department and the community it faithfully serves. As we move forward, I remain committed to supporting Interim Police Chief Jackson in any way that best serves both the Tacoma community and the employees of the Tacoma Police Department, whom I have come to know and appreciate."
City Manager Elizabeth Pauli also issued a statement after tapping Jackson as the interim chief:
"Protecting people with compassion, equity, accountability, and trust is one of the most important responsibilities in local government. Patti Jackson has proven experience most recently leading Pierce County’s Patrol Operations as Chief and prior to that, serving the Corrections Bureau for eight years as Chief, and I am confident the Tacoma Police Department will benefit from the relationships she has built and the lines of communication she has opened. She is also uniquely positioned to provide both informed leadership and a fresh perspective. She will lead the department forward through this transition while providing a thorough and objective assessment at all levels."
The backstory:
Jackson has spent 35 years working for the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, having previously led the jail and patrol division.
Jackson lost to Keith Swank in the November 2024 election for Pierce County Sheriff, losing by just under 8,000 votes.
"The Tacoma Police Department has significantly lowered violent crime levels and built strong community relationships, especially in the past few years," said Patti Jackson. "I look forward to prioritizing public safety while strengthening established relationships and fostering new ones. I also look forward to building trust amongst the Tacoma Police Department's employees, both sworn and civilian. In order to move this department and city forward safely, I will need their support and guidance."
Jackson will lead the Tacoma Police Department until the city manager identifies, and the city council confirms a permanent police chief.
The Source: Information in this story is from the City of Tacoma, Tacoma Police Department and Pierce County Sheriff's Office.
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