DELAWARE STATE POLICE LEGISLATIVE LIAISON

Sergeant Richard E. Dennis

The purpose of the Delaware State Police Legislative Liaison Office is to serve as a liaison between the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security and Delaware’s elected officials of the legislative and executive branches. There are six divisions within the DSHS which includes the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Highway Safety, the Delaware Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, the Division of Communications, the Capitol Police Department, and the Division of State Police. The Legislative Liaison Office helps prepare legislation and answers questions the Governor’s Office, members of the General Assembly, and representatives from other Delaware departments may have in regard to legislation which impacts any of the Department’s divisions.

During the most recent legislative session, the 144th General Assembly, the Division was fortunate to have the support of the Governor and legislators which resulted in the passage of the following bills that were of significant benefit to the Division.

• HB# 343 - Define “TASER” as a dangerous instrument. (class C felony/utilized against law enforcement or emergency personnel).

• HB# 375 - “Money Laundering” (class D felony)

• HB# 396 - “Bump Key” (Burglary tool)

• HB# 501 - Prohibit “Combative Fighting” (Tough Man or Mixed Martial Arts Contest)

• SB# 227 - “Gold Alert Program” (Notification of DIAC in locating senior citizen; a suicidal person; or person with a disability)

- Information obtained from 2008 DSP Annual Report -