Submitted by Avery L. Moore, Tacoma Chief of Police.

First, I am excited and honored to be a member of this fine department and I am extremely proud to lead a law enforcement agency comprised of such professional employees who are truly dedicated to serving our community. I have enjoyed meeting department members and look forward to meeting with community members and City Council in the near future. We are all “one team” so it will take unity and working together to affect crime and improve quality of life issues in Tacoma. I am very optimistic about our future.

It is my belief that policing is a collaborative effort among our department and all members of our community. Every employee has a voice, as do community members, in shaping this department. I believe it is the people in our organization and the people in our community who make a difference. With input, new ideas and communication, together, we will make a difference as a community.

To me, leadership is not about authority or position, but rather the ability to influence human behavior. I believe every major issue facing policing today can be traced back to a leadership issue. Our country is in desperate need of the type of leadership that will take policing through the 21st Century and beyond. This challenge also presents great opportunity. Together, we will do the tough transformative work required to live up to the promise of the nobility of policing.

So, whether you are a resident, interested in working here, or just visiting our fine city, I welcome you to the Tacoma Police Department and wish you well on behalf of the members of our great department. Our mission statement, listed below, clearly shows our focus and priorities.

Source: The Suburban Times