To Deputy Chief Shearin: My name is Donna Nelson and | am employed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation as the Crime Laboratory Director for the TBI Memphis Crime Laboratory. Detailed below are my opinions and not the opinions of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. {have had the pleasure of working with Lt. Knowlton for the past three years on the Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Project forthe City of Memphis. Lt. knowiton has been an integral part ofthe SAK Working Group and the City of Memphis SAK Task Force created by Mayor Wharton. Lt. Knowiton has shown absolute dedication and commitment to this project in our weekly meetings, almost daily phone cal and in the SAK related conferences that we have attended over the past three years. Lt. Knowlton was given a task ‘that many did not want to take on due to the negative press and the uncertainty of the what the entire Project would ental. Regardless ofthis uncertainty andthe negative press that the Police Department was experiencing, Lt Knowlton accepted this torch with a firm resolve. She moved forward with this project because she was determined to assist each victim in obtaining justice and closure despite the time that had passed since their assault. 'No matter what the obstacle, Lt. Knowlton has persevered and has been determined to make this Project a success. Whether it was assigning cases, investigating cases, notifying victims, training investigators or writing John Doe Warrants alo this and so much more has been a part ofthe learning Process that Lt. knowiton has been dedicated to since the very beginning ofthis project. She has made sure that al of her staff has followed the protocols that have been put in place to establish and execute a victim centered approach in this project. Lt. Knowlton is very passionate about this project and has shown this in everything she has done over the past three years. She has been an advocate for al of her investigators and has done all that she could to get them the resources needed to be successful in this endeavor. Lt. Knowlton has been a true leader in this work and has been looked up to by many others that are dealing with these same issues in their respective cities. Lt. Knowlton has nationally represented the City of Memphis and the ‘monumental work that been completed in and around this City. lt. Knowiton is truly an asset to the Memphis Police Department and the Sexual Assault Kit Project and it has been an honor anda privilege to work with her for these past three years. Respectfully Submitted, Donna C. NelsonDeputy Chief Don Crowe ‘Memphis Police Department June 12, 2017 Deputy Chief Mike Shearin ‘Memphis Police Department Dear Deputy Chief Shesrin, [worked with Lewtenant Out Knowiton on the Sexual Assault Kit Task Force from 2013 unl 2017, When we began the DNA Unit Lt. Knowiton was «sergeant. In 2015 we asked for Sgt. Knowiton to be Paced at an acting lieutenant. Eventual, i. Knowiton promoted from acting lieutenant to permanent lieutenant, Prior to this curent matter, | never questioned her judgment or commitment to the victims or the Project. Best Regards, QF Come Deputy Chief Don CroweChief Shearin, My name is Major Janice Newberry and 1 am submitting this letter as a reference for Lt Quita Knowlton. Lt. Knowlton has been assigned to Regional One Holding Police Unit while in non-enforcement status, While working at the unit, Lt. Knowlton has exhibit nothing but xcellence in her duties. She is kin, generous, intelligent, humble, and dedicated te hee job with the Memphis Police Department, She has contributed alot to the department, tothe DNA Unit, and has received several awards. In her personal life, she is a wonderful mother to her 15 year old son, as well as a loving wife. [, Knowlton has confided in me and has stated on several occasions that she accepts full responsibility for her actions, and for demonstrating poor judgement, and for causing embarrassment to the department. Lt. Knowlton should have known atthe time that her actions Hare Wrong, just as I know they were wrong; however I feel that she still has a lotto offer to the Gepartment. I often listen to a person words, but trust their behavior, and lean say with assurance that she is tuly sorry. I see remorse on her face every day, yet she still report to work giving one hundred percent of herself to the Department, Please sir, extend mercy to her. Regards, Major Janice Newberry Moy phd teShelby County Government Deputy Chief Shearin Memphis Police Department 170 N. Main Memphis, TN 38103 Dear Chief Shearin, 4.2m writing this letier to make you aware of the fine work done by Lt Ouita Knowlton. I have worked with i April, 2014 by Mayor Mark Luttrell. In closing, | wish to assure you that Lt. Knowlton is a great asset to your department and to the citizens of Memphis. | look forward to being able to work with her for many years to come. Sincerely, Crome l,l) LOL) Anna M. Whalley, LCSW ‘Administrator of Crime Victim Services/Shelby County 1780 Madison Avenue. Memphis, Tennessee 38104 (901) 2223950- Fax (801) 2208681 ‘Mp: ishelbycountytn gov