Lt. Judy Benitez and Chief Lorie Smith at the Administrative Officers Management Program graduation

The Town of Garner and Garner Police Department are proud to announce that Lt. Judy Benitez graduated on Nov. 7 from the 100th session of the Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP) through N.C. State University. 

The program has provided management and leadership education for law enforcement professionals since 1989. It is operated as part of a nationally accredited public administration program, an uncommon distinction among residential police management schools, N.C. State says. All courses are taught by faculty who hold the highest academic credentials in their field, according to the university. 

Participants enroll in five academic courses of three credit hours each. All of the courses carry upper-level undergraduate or graduate credits identical to those earned by any other student at N.C. State. Although it is the prerogative of the university or college to which one transfers to accept credits earned elsewhere, it is typical that credits earned in the AOMP program are readily transferable, N.C. State says. 

"AOMP was a valuable experience and I am grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to attend," Lt. Benitez said. "It was challenging and rigorous, and it provided me with a plethora of useful knowledge that will help me succeed in my leadership position and allow me to develop our future leaders."

To learn more about the Garner Police Department, please visit GarnerPD.org.