Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and Police Chief Sterling Owen today named Jackie Roberts the 2008 Civilian Employee of the Year for the Knoxville Police Department. Ms. Roberts is the Domestic Violence Case Coordinator and has been with the department since June 2003.
 
Chief Owen said that Ms. Roberts is an integral part of the Domestic Violence Unit and continually goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist victims of domestic violence. There have been many days at the Family Justice Center that will become so busy that Ms. Roberts will handle cases herself to ensure that the victims do not have an uncomfortably long wait.

Chief Owen said, "As the case coordinator, it is Jackie's responsibility to assign cases to system advocates and to investigators. But her involvement doesn't end there. She has stepped up and accompanied investigators to the hospital to make sure the victim obtained all the help and information they would need." 

As case coordinator, Ms. Roberts is required to work with a variety of different people and organizations. Ms. Roberts treats all victims with respect and instead of just creating a temporary fix; she assists victims in solving the problem so that incidents don't continue to reoccur.

Chief Owen said, "On a daily basis Jackie is able to overcome and adapt when it comes to working with all types of people and continually shows excellent management skills with both sworn and civilian employees."

Mayor Haslam said, "It is clear that Ms. Roberts is committed to helping victims of domestic violence. The citizens appreciate the work of Ms. Roberts and we congratulate her on a job well done."