TACOMA — Deputy Chief Paul Junger with the Tacoma Police Department has been placed on paid administrative leave, multiple sources with knowledge of the matter told The News Tribune on Thursday.
The news comes nearly a month after Chief Avery Moore was placed on paid administrative leave. Junger served as acting chief while Moore was out.
City Manager Elizabeth Pauli said an investigation had been launched into Moore’s personal use of a city asset. He returned to the job the following week after a verbal counseling.
It is unclear what prompted Junger to be placed on leave.
Tacoma Police Department spokesperson Detective William Muse said via email that Moore placed the deputy chief on paid administrative leave Thursday, “pending the results of an investigation into an allegation made against” Junger.
“It is the policy of the City of Tacoma to encourage its employees to report any allegations of improper actions by City officers or employees,” he told The News Tribune.
Muse added that the city is limited in what it can disclose about a personnel issue. Any disciplinary action against Junger as a result of the investigation will be relayed to the public, he said.
Junger, who followed Moore from the Dallas Police Department, has worked as Tacoma’s deputy chief since May 2022. Junger has served in law enforcement and public safety for more than 15 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.
The News Tribune has obtained screenshots of an email that Moore sent to the department Thursday.
“Team, I wanted you to hear from me that I have placed Paul Junger on administrative leave, effective immediately, pending the outcome of an investigation,” the email reads. “I know this will be difficult news for many.”
Moore urged officers to stay focused on the department’s mission and values.
