The Raleigh Police Department has something to celebrate as one of their own, Officer Benjamin Manuel, garnered the prestigious 2024 MADD North Carolina Officer of the Year Award. The honor was announced on Thursday, hardly two years after Officer Manuel began his tenure with the department in 2022. His military background, which includes three and a half years of active duty with the United States Army before donning the police uniform, has been credited with instilling a solid foundation of discipline and service in him, as reported by the City of Raleigh.
According to the City of Raleigh official announcement, Officer Manuel's 2024 track record is impressive, leading his department in all traffic enforcement categories. He conducted more than 1,000 traffic stops that resulted, in 63 Driving While Impaired cases, and generated 85 physical arrests, alongside 418 traffic citations. All these figures were reached while Manuel continued his regular patrol duties, not as part of a specialized traffic unit.
Additionally, Officer Manuel's commitment to public safety extends beyond traffic enforcement. He was responsible for 2,636 calls for service, prepared 204 written reports, and took 155 crash reports in the same year. His pursuit of professional development is equally noteworthy. In 2024 he earned his certification as a Drug Recognition Expert and became a certified Chemical Analyst. "His passion for traffic safety, dedication to continued learning, and relentless pursuit of public safety make him an invaluable asset to the Raleigh Police Department," lauds the City of Raleigh announcement.
His educational journey doesn't stop there, as Officer Manuel is currently attending training to become a Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor. Which will further cement his capabilities as a leader and educator among his peers. The Raleigh Police Department proudly commends Officer Manuel for his "exceptional bravery, professionalism, and commitment to protecting our community," as per the City of Raleigh. Such honors reflect not only on Manuel but also reinforce the public's trust in their protectors and enforcers of law and order.
