Law Officer of Year from N.C.
National Commander Jimmie L. Foster presents the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award to Officer Scott P. Womack of the Raleigh, NC, Police Department at the 2011 American Legion National Convention in Minneapolis, Wednesday, Aug., 31, 2011. Scott's wife Jenny looks on. Photo by Tom Strattman

Law Officer of Year from N.C.

Scott Womack, a crime-prevention officer from the Raleigh, N.C., Police Department, was lauded not only for performing his day-to-day law enforcement duties in an exemplary manner, but for the close relationship he has established with the community he serves. Womack's community involvement extends back to his teenage years when, as an Eagle Scout, he served with the Nash County Sheriff's Office Explorer Post. After graduating from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with a degree in history, Womack returned to Nash County as a Child Protective Services Investigative Social Worker. In that capacity, he earned certifications in child welfare, including the investigation of suspected child sexual abuse cases. He joined the Raleigh Police Department seven years ago.

While his working hours were spent on patrol duties in the city's Northwest District, Officer Womack furthered his education during his spare time and was awarded an MBA degree from Pfeiffer University several years ago. In March 2009, Womack was selected as the Northwest District's Crime Prevention Officer, a position he holds today.

A compelling speaker, Officer Womack meets regularly with residential and civic organizations, often conducting presentations for homeowners associations and scouting groups. He also manages his district's Community Watch program and established an electronic database of trespassing reports to aid the police department in taking action against neighborhood intruders. He too has created a network of retail loss prevention professionals to help guard businesses in his district.

On a wider scope, Officer Womack is credited with circumventing a major industrial catastrophe in the Raleigh area. In 2009, a well-known ice manufacturer was victimized repeatedly by thieves who siphoned off hydrated ammonia from an external storage tank to utilize in production of the psychostimulant drug commonly known as crystal meth. In the process, the criminals polluted the site with leaking ammonia. Officer Womack met with the ice company's officials and developed a multifaceted security system that has prevented further, potentially dangerous incidents.

Officer Womack has received a great many thank you notes and letters from the community he serves and has been recognized for his exceptional service by the Raleigh Police Department. Last year, the Exchange Clubs of Raleigh named Womack its Police Officer of the Year. This year, it was The American Legion's Department of North Carolina that nominated him for this current honor.

Officer Womack received The American Legion Law Officer of the Year award at the organization's 93rd annual convention in Minneapolis. The Legion honors outstanding law enforcement officers annually, consistent with its founding commitment to "Law and Order."