The Tacoma Police Department’s leadership troubles continue, as the second in command was fired due to a discrimination investigation.
In a Monday note to staff, interim Chief Patti Jackson wrote that Deputy Chief Paul Junger was “officially separated” from the department after an equal employment opportunity investigation. The note said an external agency was brought in to conduct the investigation and sustained the complaint, but did not outline what the complaint entailed.
Junger was placed on paid leave in October, less than a month after Tacoma’s last police chief, Avery Moore, returned from a brief paid leave. City records indicate Moore incurred personal charges on his city-issued cellphone that surpassed $1,000 while he was on vacation. He ended up resigning in January, though he didn’t say why.
Jackson’s email said the department remains “fully operational” but did not state who is replacing Junger.
“Our command staff is focused on ensuring a smooth transition,” the note said. “While changes like this can bring uncertainty, we are committed to maintaining stability and moving the agency forward — stronger and more unified.”
Junger served as Tacoma’s deputy chief since May 2022 after more than 30 years with the Dallas Police Department, according to his LinkedIn page.