Garner Police Department--2017 Annual Report June 2018 | Page 10

The Garner Police Department has long been a strong supporter of Special Olympics-North Carolina.
in their journey through life toward the goal
of maturity and good citizenship. Garner
PAAL allows our youth the opportunity to
engage with and be mentored by police
officers, creating a positive relationship while
also reinforcing the responsible values and
attitudes instilled in the young people by their
families. During 2017, PAAL was hosted twice
per month by officers and volunteers between
the six elementary and two middle schools.
Learn more at garnerpaal.org.
Special Olympics Fundraising
Officer Judy Benitez serves as the Special
Olympics Coordinator for the Garner Police
Department. Raising money for Special
Olympics has a long-standing tradition in
law enforcement locally and nationally.
The Garner Police Department participates
in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run,
Cops on Top, and other fundraisers at various
restaurants to support Special Olympics of
North Carolina. Garner officers raised over
$13,353 for Special Olympics in 2017.
Schools and Community Organized
to Read (SCOR)
Schools and Community Organized to Read
(SCOR) is a locally developed reading buddy
program sponsored by the Garner Educational
Foundation to support Garner’s elementary
10
schools. SCOR serves primarily second-graders
who can benefit from additional assistance
to improve their reading skills. Numerous
police officers, civilian staff, and community
members volunteered each week at several
elementary schools.
Achievement Academy
Previously referred to as, “Challenge Camp,”
the Garner Achievement Academy was
originally developed by our School Resource
Officer (SRO) and DARE Officer in 1994. The
program has evolved from a two-week session
to one week and is aimed at students in our two
middle schools. Students are selected by school
counselors, school resource officers, and police
officers who volunteer with PAAL, and selections
are based on socioeconomic background and
the student’s discipline record. Approximately
15 students participate in the Achievement
Academy for one week each summer.
Shop with a Cop
Since 2003, the Garner Police Department has
partnered with TT&E Iron and Metal, Inc. and
other area businesses to provide a Christmas
party and shopping opportunity to Garner
area families who might not otherwise have
a Christmas. In 2017, this program helped 11
families and over 40 children.
GARNER POLICE DEPARTMENT 2017 ANNUAL REPORT