Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Police Chief David Rausch named Deborah Thomas the July Civilian Employee of the Month for the Knoxville Police Department. Ms. Thomas has been with KPD since June 2000.

Chief Rausch said that for thirteen years Ms. Thomas has served the citizens of Knoxville as a vital member of the Internal Affairs Unit. Consistent with past performance, Ms. Thomas recently instituted several interoffice changes that have improved the operation and efficiency of the Internal Affairs Unit. Without being asked, Deborah took the initiative to scan and digitally store IA files. The files are promptly scanned after closure of the investigation and the hard copies are then eligible for off-site storage.

Chief Rausch said, "For years the P.A.R.C. Commission has received paper copies of the closed IA files and distributed them to board members for their review. The old process required the P.A.R.C. office to make several additional copies that were then mailed to the board members. Deborah recognized that this process was a waste of time and resources. Deborah now sends the files, some as large as 100 pages, electronically to the board members which also helps the department in reducing unnecessary waste."