Within the past year, Investigator Gennie Smith has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to duty and performance as an integral part of the Investigations Division. Investigator Smith is the epitome of a “Team Player” and this is witnessed in this person’s strong ability and ambition to assist others. Her talents and efforts are witnessed every day, not only in cases worked, but also the overall objective to accomplish what was started, no matter how much time it would take. Investigator Smith takes on new assignments without hesitation and realizes every case that is assigned is vital to clear/solve, not only for self, but most importantly the victim. She was instrumental in developing a close relationship with The Medical College of Virginia and Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughter's. This has provided the police department a wealth of resources to investigate crimes involving children of the County. This has proven to be beneficial to the victim and the family in coping with the investigation.
The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, along with Child Protective Services, relies on Investigator Smith's expert approach in investigating cases. On several occasions, she has been specifically asked for by the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office to investigate cases. She has a true talent for interviewing children that have been victims of either sexual assault or physical abuse. She has also accomplished many successful interviews with alleged suspects. She has a no-nonsense approach in getting to the truth of what may or may not have occurred. She is always willing and eager to assist anyone that requires it and has spent many long hours beyond her regular duty hours to ensure a case is investigated properly. She often put her work aside to help other investigators and officers. She is often sought out by patrol officers for guidance on how to proceed with an investigation. She monitors the police radio and has been seen running out of the Law Enforcement Center to assist patrol officers in need. She makes herself available to assist other investigators with their cases after hours and she makes an effort to stay current with all the major cases in James City County and the surrounding jurisdictions.
Investigator Smith serves as a negotiator for the Police Department, working closely with the SWAT team to resolve volatile situations. She has performed these duties in an exemplary manner. She has also taken the initiative to explore training opportunities to keep the team proficient and ready to respond. She willingly takes charge in absence of leadership. On several occasions, she was asked to be the Officer in Charge at crime scenes and she performed these without hesitation and with minimal guidance.
In summary, Investigator Smith has demonstrated great dedication and pride in the Police Department and is recognized for her conduct. She has done all of the aforementioned and still maintains one of the highest clearance rates in the Investigations Division, even while having worked primarily alone for most of the year.
It is for these and many other reasons that Investigator Gennie Smith has been selected as the 2008 Officer of the Year for the James City County Police Department. Investigator Smith represents the best of what is expected of a James City County Police Officer and is recognized for her efforts and outstanding service to the community.