Tacoma has a new face at the helm of its police department, albeit temporarily. City Manager Elizabeth Pauli tapped Patti Jackson for the role of interim Police Chief, a move set to take effect on February 24. With a career in law enforcement spanning over three and a half decades, including substantial leadership tenure at the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, Jackson's appointment signifies a continued drive toward community-oriented policing. "Protecting people with compassion, equity, accountability, and trust is one of the most important responsibilities in local government," Pauli said in a statement obtained by City of Tacoma's official website.
The task at hand for Jackson is to not only maintain but also to further nurtur the established community ties and reduce crime, as her predecessor's efforts had effectively done. She is aiming to build upon the lowered violent crime levels and the strong community relationships that have been a highlight in the recent past. "The Tacoma Police Department has significantly lowered violent crime levels and built strong community relationships, especially in the past few years," Jackson told the City of Tacoma. "I look forward to prioritizing public safety while strengthening established relationships and fostering new ones." Her current role as the Basic Law Enforcement Academy Corrections Commander at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission promises to impart an informed perspective to her interim tenure.
Throughout her extensive career, Jackson's commitment to fostering trust between the police and the people it serves has been a guiding principle. Her experience is not limited to the streets; she's also honed skills in areas like contract negotiation, budgeting, and leadership development. By holding lawbreakers to account and simultaneously wielding compassion for those grappling with issues like homelessness and mental health, Jackson has carved a niche for herself as a well-rounded law enforcement leader.
However long or short her interim term proves to be, Jackson has set her sights on unity and progress for Tacoma's Police Department. She is looking forward to "building trust amongst the Tacoma Police Department's employees, both sworn and civilian," and understands that she will need their support and guidance to truly "move this department and city forward safely." The search for a permanent Police Chief is against the clock. The City plans to launch a robust recruitment process in the coming month, and community input will be sought—an approach signaling transparency and inclusivity in the leadership selection process. Updates on how the community can engage will be disseminated through the city's official channels, affirming this commitment to a participatory process.
