Captain Charles J. (Chip) Simpson

The jurisdiction of Delaware State Police Troop 4, located on US Route 113 in Georgetown, encompasses a 335 square mile service area, covering the south central and eastern corridor of Sussex County. Troop 4 houses criminal investigators, Governor’s Task Force, the Sussex Drug Unit, as well as uniformed patrol personnel. The criminal investigation units are responsible for investigating all significant and/or serious crimes committed throughout the entire county. The Drug Unit and Governor’s Task Force concentrate on quality of life issues prevalent in many communities throughout the county.

During 2008, Troop 4 was staffed by 80 sworn personnel comprised of patrol officers, criminal investigators, School Resource Officers, Governor’s Task Force members, Drug Unit members, and administrators. Five civilian personnel were also assigned to the troop.

In 2008, Sussex County’s population continued to increase dramatically, resulting in a proportionate increase in demands for police services by Troop 4 personnel. Troop 4 patrol troopers continued to be at the forefront of several proactive law enforcement initiatives. During 2008, patrol personnel made 12,116 traffic arrests and 423 driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs arrests. Additionally, patrol troopers handled 11,950 traffic and criminal complaints and made 1,730 criminal arrests. Troop 4’s criminal investigators made 4,927 criminal arrests and recovered approximately $290,523.00 worth of stolen property. Troop 4 personnel continued to solve crime and produce outstanding clearance rates, which far surpassed the national averages in both major crimes and property crimes. Detectives investigated over 2,251 cases in 2008.

Troop 4 was instrumental in developing the School Resource Officer (SRO) program in Sussex County. Since the mid 1990s, this program has positively impacted the lives of children and their families, by addressing concerns at pivotal and developmental ages. In 2008, Troop 4 had two School Resource Officers assigned to the Indian River School District. SRO and Youth Aid Division members were also responsible for security during the Senior League Girls World Series Softball Tournament held in August at the Lower Sussex Little League complex located in Roxana. Teams from across the country, as well as, from Canada, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico and the Philippines were in attendance.

Members of the Governor’s Task Force (GTF) continued to serve the entire Sussex County community, working closely with the Sussex Drug Unit. During 2008, these units seized firearms, currency and a significant quantity of illegal drugs destined for area communities. Through their combined efforts, the units handled 640 cases and made a total of 1,848 criminal arrests. They seized 30,397 grams of cocaine, 2,130 grams of crack cocaine, 12 grams of heroin and 82,896 grams of marijuana. Additionally, these teams seized in excess of $359,103.00 in suspected drug proceeds. The units worked in known high drug and crime areas, and were called upon to assist with several significant multi-jurisdictional crime sweeps. In February of 2008, a significant investigation culminated with the arrest of three defendant’s who were involved in the transportation and distribution of multi kilos of cocaine from Texas to Delaware. This joint investigation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency resulted in the seizure of over 20 kilos of cocaine and $152,000.00 in currency.

Numerous troopers were recognized for their outstanding performance both at the troop and division level during the year. Corporal/1 Mark Little was selected as the Troop 4 Patrol “Trooper of the Year” in recognition of his productivity and exemplary investigative efforts. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Awards were earned by Corporal/1 Andrew Partyka and Tfc. Todd Buchert.

Troop 4 continued its longstanding tradition of facilitating Division programs at Camp Barnes. From its inception in 1947, the camp has provided deserving youth with the opportunity to experience life at a traditional summer camp, with the hope of reducing and eliminating juvenile crime and delinquency. During the summer of 2008, under the direction of Master Corporal Randy Ramirez, 360 children between the ages of 10-13 were able to attend the camp free of charge. The camp season runs for six weeks and is staffed by troopers from throughout the state. In July, the 36th Annual Camp Barnes Stock Car Race was held at Delmar International Speedway. The race committee is spearheaded by School Resource Officer Preston Lewis. The race raised $39,000.00 for Camp Barnes and featured drivers from several states.

Troop 4 personnel continue to maintain steadfast in their commitment to the Delaware State Police mission of “providing the citizens and visitors of Delaware with professional, competent and compassionate law enforcement services.” The year proved to be very productive for both patrol and criminal investigative units and the men and women at Troop 4 look forward to the many new challenges they face during the upcoming year.

- Information obtained from 2008 DSP Annual Report -