North Kentucky News

Michelle Robinson-Wilson was drawn to a career in public service in Covington by the example of her firefighter father and her grandfather, who was an auxiliary officer for the then-Latonia Police Department.

COVINGTON, Ky. – Michelle Robinson-Wilson was waiting for her plane at an airport gate in Seattle when her phone rang. A Covington Police officer was on the line with a question about the form for documenting the recovery of a stolen vehicle.

The call wasn’t unusual. Other phone calls have reached her on a friend’s porch in Cleveland and in a hotel room in Washington D.C., that one at 8 a.m. while she was on vacation.

She’s OK with that: “I’d rather you call me and ask me questions so we do it right the first time” is her philosophy.

As the longtime chief records custodian for the Covington Police Department overseeing four records clerks, Robinson-Wilson has earned a reputation for attention to detail (some would use the word “obsessed”) that lends efficiency to record-keeping and leaves officers better prepared for court.

Robinson-Wilson says she’s adamant because she knows what’s at stake – literally, how well an officer documents the details of an investigation can be the difference between a criminal going to prison or being released to do even worse things.

“Whether it’s an arrest citation or a record for a social worker in a domestic dispute or data for a crime map or an open records request … I process pretty much every piece of paper that the office creates,” she said.

But now Robinson-Wilson is retiring.

She’s been at the City for 28 years, making her by some accounts fifth from the top in seniority across the entire echelons of City government. One person above her is Police Chief Brian Valenti – the seventh chief she’s served under.

“Michelle has been a linchpin in our records division for over two decades,” Valenti said. “Her intelligence, wit, and knowledge of all things records will be missed.”

Needless to say, she’s watched many careers pass through Police headquarters at 20th and Madison.

“I gained 100 older siblings when I came here and now I’m like the ‘Auntie.’ It’s definitely a switch from where I started to where I am now,” Robinson-Wilson said. “I remember people coming in as cadets who are now retired.”

One of those people, Rob Nader, retired from Covington as its chief in 2022 after 25 years moving up the ranks. He calls Robinson-Wilson “the Records Guru.” Now Fort Mitchell’s police chief, Nader said he still phones her for advice on situations involving records, “as her knowledge stands unparalleled in Northern Kentucky.”

“I’ve known Michelle since I was rookie and what I learned over the years was the importance of staff who are not police officers, also known as ‘non-sworn’ personnel,” Nader said. “Her position as Records Custodian is a great example, as she ensured that every document was preserved with integrity and her unwavering commitment has played a crucial role in upholding justice and trust that the community relies on.”

Current Police Capt. Justin Bradbury, who heads the D-Team and is also Covington’s press information officer, calls civilian staff like Robinson-Wilson the “unsung heroes” who provide officers with tools and time they need to respond to calls for service and conduct thorough investigations.

“I have known Michelle since I started in 2005, and from Day 1, I was struck by her exceptional organization and meticulous attention to detail. What set her apart though was her relentless drive to go above and beyond what was expected,” Bradbury said. “I’ve always admired her ability to navigate challenging situations and work effectively with strong personalities. Michelle stood firm when she knew she was right and never hesitated to share her honest opinion, a quality that earned her respect from everyone around her.”

Robinson-Wilson started in Covington in 1996 as administrative assistant for community policing division. In 2006 she became records clerk, and she was named manager of office in 2014.

While job is mostly behind scenes, Robinson-Wilson said there is lot of reward in it. She remembers one now-retired officer's high praise after perusal of records helped track down witness in murder trial. She also processes Open Records requests from media and public. And she's involved in lot of Police Department's collaborative work with other offices/organizations from prosecutors to state Attorney General to schools Fire Department other law enforcement agencies.

“It’s all part of collaborative cohesive process to make community safer better place live,” she said.

As Latonia native it’s community grew up family served many levels:

Her grandfather auxiliary officer once-incorporated town Latonia early 1900s (photograph him remains display Police station).

Her father Covington firefighter 20 years.

And uncle Covington Police officer 30 years.

Robinson-Wilson graduated from Covington schools later coached Odyssey Mind team Latonia Elementary national Volunteer Year National Association Police Athletic/Activities League National PAL program aims prevent juvenile crime violence nurturing relationships among police officers youth community.

“It bred into me serve your community – feel odd if wasn’t doing something like that,” she said.

In short term plans lot reading check out museums visit friends long term pondering whether start second career doing something teaching working state government helping families.

But mind forever Covington's officers.

“I’ll continue worry about them getting home safely (every day). It going hard leave,” Robinson-Wilson said.“(But) husband looks forward my phone not blowing up all time.”

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