The Pressure Cooker of Tacoma Policing
Chief Zwickey steps down after juggling competing demands from saloon owners and moral reformers
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Tacoma Police Chief Zwickey has resigned his position, effective March 1. His departure follows the city council's move to dismiss Roundsman Kelly, whom Zwickey had defended. For some time, Zwickey has been caught between two fires: the anti-Sunday saloon element, who pressured him to close gambling and liquor dens, and the influential saloon owners who were responsible for his appointment. Local church groups had threatened to bring charges of neglect of duty against Zwickey if he did not enforce ordinances strictly. Mayor Kandle indicated that an investigation into the police department's conduct—including reports of bribery involving Japanese brothels—would have proceeded had the Chief not resigned.
“For some time Chief Zwickey has been between two fires, the anti-Sunday saloon element having been prodding him vigorously on the one side, while the powers that made him chief being prominent saloon men for the most part, held him in check on the other.”
The tension between municipal political backers and the enforcement of social or moral ordinances remains a recurring theme in Pacific Northwest civic governance, echoing modern debates over police reform and selective enforcement.
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