February 17, 2014 - Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch today named Officer Caleb Crothers the November Officer of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Officer Crothers has been with KPD since January 2007.

Chief Rausch said that in September several complaints of illegal drug activity, alcohol use, and prostitution activities came forward from business owners in the area of Magnolia Avenue and Broadway. Officer Crothers met with concerned citizens and then began planning enforcement efforts to address the illegal activities. Surveillance locations were identified and then utilized over the next several weeks that resulted in multiple arrests and citations being issued to offenders.

Highlights of the operations included:

-- Chase Wilson (DOB 8-20-92) Charged with Possession of Crack Cocaine
-- Damarcus Dickey (DOB 8-1-71) Charged with Violation of Probation
-- Jeffrey Frye (DOB 2-6-73) Charged with Drug Paraphernalia and Trespassing
-- Clarence Mack (DOB 5-8-64) Charged with a Parole Violation
-- Maurice Johnson (DOB 3-22-65) Felony Possession of Marijuana and a Parole Violation

Chief Rausch said, "These actions are only a small snapshot of the efforts and results that have been made in the area. Officer Crothers has by far been the driving force spearheading the efforts."

Officer Crothers actions have directly led to the substantial decrease in illegal activities that have plagued the area.

"These efforts only enhance the extraordinary work ethic and commitment to quality that Officer Crothers has exhibited throughout his career," Chief Rausch concluded.


Click here to view a listing of previous KPD award winners.