Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch named Janice Woodard the 2017 Employee of the Year for the Knoxville Police Department.  Ms. Woodard has been with KPD since November 1998.

In the middle of January 2017, Investigator Tom Thurman was advised by the Knox County District Attorney that a first-degree murder trial would be moving forward unexpectedly.  The Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) was in a situation where they had to have eight interviews transcribed within a very short amount of time.  Investigator Thurman sought the assistance of Principal Secretary Janice Woodard.

Ms. Woodard took control of the audio tapes and completed transcriptions by working evenings and the weekend as she completed her regular duties daily.  The tapes were completed, without mistakes, within the week.  Due to Ms. Woodard’s work ethic and competency, the State of Tennessee was prepared to prosecute a murder defendant on the first day of the trial.  The defendant was convicted of all charges including First Degree Murder.

Chief Rausch said, “This is one example of Ms. Woodard’s work ethic, competency, and team attitude.  She works diligently weekly to ensure that officers are prepared for prosecutions as she handles her other duties with not only with the Victim Crimes Unit, but all units within the Criminal Investigation Division.” 

“Ms. Woodard has worked under 4 separate Deputy Chiefs and several Captains during her tenure with KPD.  She has long been considered the one constant that holds it all together,” Chief Rausch concluded.