The Tacoma Police Chief’s Controversial Claim: Does a Drug Unit Exist or Not?

The debate surrounding Tacoma's law enforcement capabilities has reached a boiling point, igniting tensions between the police chief and the officers on the ground. Chief Avery Moore recently stirred controversy during a Tacoma City Council meeting, claiming that the department lacks a dedicated drug unit amidst a growing drug crisis. However, this assertion seems to clash directly with the reality faced by the Tacoma Police Department. Let’s dive into the details.

What Happened at the City Council Meeting?

During a budget discussion on October 15, Chief Moore outlined his concerns regarding the department's current staffing levels and resources. While he correctly pointed out that the department is under-resourced for proactive policing initiatives, he mistakenly stated:

“We don’t even have, for example, a drug unit when we have a major drug problem.”

Pushback from Officers and the Union

The chief’s comments did not sit well with many Tacoma Police officers, prompting a swift response from the officers’ union. They issued a press release emphasizing the existence and accomplishments of the Tacoma Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU), which focuses specifically on narcotics investigations.

• Focus of SIU: The SIU aims to disrupt illegal narcotics trafficking and has been active in tackling the opioid crisis.
• Impressive Achievements: In 2024 alone, the SIU made over 60 narcotics-related arrests, seized more than 100 firearms, and confiscated over 200,000 fentanyl pills from the streets.

Union Leaders Speak Out

Local 6 President Sgt. Henry Betts stated on "The Jason Rantz Show" that he could not allow the chief's comments to go unchallenged:

“We can’t abide by that. The men and women that work there deserve better than that.”

Betts highlighted the dangers faced by SIU officers as they combat the ongoing drug crisis in Tacoma, asserting that their efforts are crucial to public safety.

Chief Moore’s Clarification

In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the Tacoma Police stated that Chief Moore meant the department does not have a unit “solely” dedicated to drug investigations. However, Betts countered that the primary mission of SIU remains narcotics-related:

“It’s not common for police departments to have similarly-sized units solely working narcotics cases without occasionally being shifted to other jobs.”

Growing Discontent Among Officers

The relationship between Chief Moore and Tacoma Police officers appears strained. Many officers feel disconnected from the chief’s leadership, with Betts suggesting that a vote of no confidence would yield unfavorable results for Moore. He elaborated:

“The problems with understaffing and lack of resources have only gotten worse over the last six months.”

A Tipping Point for Tacoma Police?

With the backdrop of ongoing scrutiny, including a recent administrative leave for investigations into his conduct, Chief Moore's leadership is under an increasingly harsh spotlight. Officers have expressed frustration over perceived disconnects between the chief’s directives and the realities they face on the streets.

As Tacoma grapples with its drug crisis and public safety concerns, the future of its police leadership hangs in the balance. Will changes be made to bolster the department's effectiveness, or will the discord continue to escalate?

What do you think?

• Is Chief Moore’s claim about the lack of a drug unit a serious misstep or a simple misunderstanding?
• Do you believe the Tacoma Police Department is adequately equipped to handle the drug crisis?
• Should there be a vote of no confidence against Chief Moore?
• How should city leadership support law enforcement to improve community safety?