Tacoma City Council has officially signed off on Patti Jackson as the city’s police chief, confirming her appointment on Feb. 3, 2026, with the role set to become permanent on Feb. 9. Jackson steps up from the interim post she has held since March 2025, capping more than a year of leading the department while wearing the “temporary” label. She brings more than 35 years of law-enforcement experience, including leadership roles with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Council confirmation and city response
Interim City Manager Hyun Kim put Jackson’s name forward, and the council voted to confirm the nomination, locking in the leadership shift, according to the City of Tacoma. In a statement, Jackson said, “Tacoma matters to me, and so does the work ahead,” underscoring that she knows the job she is walking into. Mayor Anders Ibsen praised her emphasis on staffing and rebuilding trust, and the city described her as a leader who consistently shows up for the community while helping to modernize the department.
From interim to permanent chief
Jackson first took the helm after former Chief Avery Moore resigned, stepping in as interim chief in March 2025. The city later hit pause on its search for a permanent chief in June 2025 so new leadership could get aligned on decision-making, KIRO 7 reported. The pause effectively extended Jackson’s runway, giving her more time to meet with community members and guide the department through a leadership transition while the “interim” tag stayed on her door.
Background and scrutiny
Jackson’s resume is lengthy and not without scrutiny. Her prior stint leading Pierce County’s Corrections Bureau came under the microscope in a hiring review that was later examined by outside investigators. As reported by The News Tribune, the review flagged questionable hires during a staffing crisis and noted a vote of no confidence from the Corrections Guild. The review did not, however, conclude that bureau leaders violated policy.
Community input and next steps
Before the council’s final vote, the city held January events that gave residents a chance to meet Jackson and weigh in on the selection process, according to January community meet-and-greets. With the confirmation now done, Jackson steps into the role of permanent chief at a moment when city leaders say they plan to keep pushing on staffing, modernization and community engagement across Tacoma.
