Within the past year, Investigator David Rochard has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to duty and performance as a Narcotics Investigators assigned to the Tri-Rivers Drug Task Force. The Tri-Rivers Drug Task Force is made up of investigators from Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, James City County Police, Matthews County Sheriff’s Office, Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, Poquoson Police Department, York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Investigation.
Investigator Rochard is a consummate “Team Player” and this is witnessed in his strong ability and willingness to assist others. Investigator Rochard devoted his talents and efforts to investigate his cases and accomplish what he started, no matter how much time it would take. Investigator Rochard committed 100% of his time and effort to the betterment of the Department and the communities we serve. He took on new assignments and helped other officers without hesitation. He used innovative techniques to improve officers’ physical fitness and morale within the Department.
Investigator Rochard worked during the past year to help make the Tri-Rivers Drug Task Force one of the most successful Drug Task Forces in the state of Virginia. During the past year, he worked with his partner to help James City County Police Department lead the Tri-Rivers Drug Task Force in arrests, illegal drug seizures and asset forfeitures for several quarters. This alone speaks volumes to his dedication to duty and work ethics.
He worked diligently to address all drug complaints by citizens in the community. Investigator Rochard was instrumental in maintaining a close relationship with the local U.S. Attorney’s Office. This has continued to provide the Department with a wealth of resources to investigate and prosecute drug related crimes, interstate crimes, and any cases that would be better prosecuted in the federal court system. This has proven to be beneficial to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and The Drug Task Force. He spearheaded the investigation into the vice activities in the Newtown area of the County. He identified some of the main figures selling narcotics in drinking establishment through undercover drug purchases. He managed to gather enough information to indict several individuals selling narcotics inside the same establishment. The investigation is still ongoing.
The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office along with the City of Williamsburg, College of William and Mary and James City County relied on Investigator Investigator Rochard for his drug expert testimony in the prosecution of their cases. Over the past year, Investigator Rochard received several compliments on his investigations and his courtroom testimony by the Commonwealth Attorney Office and members of the local Defense Bar.
Investigator Rochard routinely mentored and encouraged officers who had demonstrated interest in conducting narcotics investigations. He made concentrated efforts to provide those officers opportunities to participate and assist in investigations that stemmed from information that they provided. Investigator Rochard understands the importance of having good working relationships and levels of communication. His unassuming and down-to-earth approach in the way he communicates helped him to be very successful. He routinely met with patrol officers and Investigators to share information or provide investigative guidance. He monitors the police radio and would often respond to calls for service and crime scenes to assist other officers and investigators in need. He makes himself available to assist other investigators with their cases after hours and he makes an effort to stay current with all the major cases in James City County and the surrounding jurisdictions. He used his confidential informants to assist general assignment investigators with their cases. He often put his cases aside to support all Investigations Divisions’ operations.
Investigator Rochard did more than just perform his duties as a narcotics investigator. He is a long time instructor for the Citizen’s Police Academy. His class is always well received by the attendees and is one of the highlights of the academy. Investigator Rochard is a key operator on the JCCPD SWAT Team and is well respected by the members and leaders on the team. During the past year, he performed his duties as a SWAT Team operator in an exemplary manner. He often suggested ways to improve training and the performance of the team during operations. Simply put, Investigator Rochard takes charge in the absence of leadership. Investigator Rochard is one of the most physically fit officers in the Department and he helped organize the Police Department Softball team and the flag football games to increase the level of physical fitness among officers, camaraderie, and esprit de corp within the Police Department. Investigator Rochard holds himself to highest standard on and off duty.
There are many more examples that could be included in this nomination that would accurately reflect Investigator Rochard level of performance, dedication to duty, team player attitude, and loyalty to the Department. Investigator Rochard should be commended for his outstanding service and exceptional display of investigative expertise. This reflects highly on him, the Investigations Division, the Police Department, and the citizenry of James City County. Investigator Rochard is hereby nominated as the James County Police Department's "2010 Officer of the Year."