Wilmington– Delaware State Police Troop 1 will be holding a Community Café at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday November 15th , 2018, at the Einstein Bros Bagels, located at 1732 Marsh Road, Wilmington De. The Community Café will have Troop 1 Administration and the Community Outreach Trooper to meet and interact with members of the public. The Community Café is often referred to as “Coffee with a Cop” in other police agencies and is being held in an effort to build a stronger relationship between the Delaware State Police and the communities that we so proudly serve.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:110818 0800

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Laurel– Delaware State Police Troop 5 will be holding a Community Café on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. The event will held from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. at the Royal Farms located at 30983 Sussex Highway, Laurel. The Community Café will have Troop 5 Administration and the Community Outreach Officer in attendance to meet and interact with members of the public.

This Community Café is often referred to as “Coffee with a Cop” in other police agencies and is being held in an effort to build a stronger relationship between the Delaware State Police and the communities that we so proudly serve.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released:102618 0718

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The Delaware State Police STaRS program, “State Troopers actively Reaching Students” continues to thrive and expand!

The initiative kicked off this past January when Troop 3 in partnership with the Caesar Rodney School District initiated its pilot program at the Allen Frear Elementary School located in Camden.

The program continues to be a huge success and provides students with a great opportunity for Troopers to engage in positive conversations with students during their lunchtime. With the program continuing to succeed, STaRS has now expanded to the Lake Forest School District as well as our New Castle County Schools, including seven elementary schools to encompass both the Colonial and Christiana School Districts.

The students have been extremely receptive in speaking with the Troopers and it provides them the opportunity to forge lasting relationships with the Law Enforcement community.

“The STaRS program is a wonderful opportunity for our troopers to reach elementary aged students in nontraditional law enforcement means.  The program is aimed to foster an inclusive environment that builds a better understanding of what law enforcement officers do, while also strengthening the trust of the police.  We accomplish this by uniformed troopers engaging in normal casual conversation and enjoying lunch with the kids.” Captain Joshua A. Bushweller, Troop 3 Commander, Delaware State Police  

Troopers visit two elementary schools in the participating school districts per week during the students’ lunchtime. The goal is that the STaRS program continues to be a success in which partnerships merge with Law Enforcement and other school districts.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 102418 1447

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Dover, Delaware – Tonight, Thursday, September 27, 2018, a Town Hall Meeting on Police-Community Relations took place at the Whatcoat United Methodist Church located at 341 Saulsbury Road, Dover, Delaware.

This Town Hall was a collaborative venture with law enforcement and the community sponsored by the Delaware Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. All stakeholders supported creating an open, honest dialogue between law enforcement and communities across the State of Delaware. Our delegations of guest speakers were comprised of Law Enforcement Agencies which included Captain Joshua Bushweller of the Delaware State Police, Chief Harry Downes of the Delaware State University Police Department, Chief Marvin Mailey of the Dover Police Department and Captain John Treadwell of the New Castle County Police Department; all who helped guide the conversation towards inclusion for all, cultural sensitivity, building better relationships, respect for one another and finding common ground.

“I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the conversation between law enforcement and the members of the community we serve. This was another wonderful opportunity to engage in a healthy discussion with the citizens as to how we can better work together to make our communities safer and to foster an environment of mutual trust and respect.”

Captain Joshua A. Bushweller, Troop 3 Commander, Delaware State Police  

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sgt. Richard Bratz,

Released: 092718  2210

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Sussex County- The Delaware State Police are now accepting applications for the Fall/Winter 2018 Citizens Police Academy.

The 2018 Spring Delaware State Police Citizen’s Police Academy will begin on Thursday, October 25th, 2018 and will conclude on Thursday, January 10, 2019. The academy will consist of ten, Thursday night sessions, running from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Most of the classes will take place at the Delaware State Police Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, located at 21911 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, Delaware.

Participants will learn about a wide variety of police activities consistent with what a Delaware Trooper experiences today. The instruction includes criminal and traffic investigations, special units, and various other law enforcement related topics. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to ride with patrol troopers. Class size will be limited to 20 participants and a background check will be conducted on all applicants. Deadline for registration is October 18, 2018. Applications must be returned by that date in order to be processed. If interested, access the application on-line by visiting www.dsp.delaware.gov and clicking on the “Community” tab. Please complete the application and send an email with the attached application to Richard.Bratz@delaware.gov of the Delaware State Police Public Information Office in order to be enrolled for the class.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz

Released: 092518 1325

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Seaford-Troopers are joining the Seaford Police Department and the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club for the 27th Annual Seaford Community Night Out-Against Crime and Drugs on Thursday, September 27, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.   There will be free dinners provided by the USDA.  This will be held on the 300 block of Virginia Avenue between the Seaford Police Department and the Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club.  Delaware Night Out gives everyone the opportunity to interact with first responders.

We have a host of invited specialty units and agencies. The Delaware State Police will showcase the Mounted Patrol Unit, the Evidence Detection Unit, the K-9 Unit with a demonstration, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Scuba, SORT, the Command Post, and the  Aviation Unit (weather permitting).   The Chief, the Troop Commander and members of both agencies will be mixing and mingling amidst the event.  Numerous public safety partners will also be highlighted, including, but not limited to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Office of Highway Safety, the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, Sussex County Paramedics, the Division of Consumer Protection, the Citizen Volunteer Corps, Young Marines, Habitat for Humanity, Community Legal Aid, Teen Challenge, and many others.

All are welcomed to come out and enjoy the evening.

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Website of the First State

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Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe

Released: 092418 0851

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Over the past few years the Delaware State Police, while working with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Delaware Department of Transportation and AAA Mid-Atlantic, have sent out warnings to traveling motorists about the increase in deer crossings during deer rut and hunting seasons, which occur predominantly in October and November in Delaware.  When taking a deeper look at 2016 and 2017 deer-related crash statistics, it is very clear the results of tenacious pro-active work and warnings are making a difference.

As you will see, there’s been marked improvement up and down the state of Delaware with the reduction of deer crashes over the past two years. The deer-related crash data, including the pedestrian crash data shows the results by region, month and time of day that pinpoints our focus to better apply resources. Our energy and tactics will be concentrated on what the data tells us while creating greater public safety awareness and education on a continual basis.  Warning our communities, families and our motorists about the hazards in both pedestrian and deer related crashes in a specific clear-cut and effective way will optimistically make a positive difference. Ultimately, with this information, we will continue to work for the safety of everyone in Delaware as we all become motorists and/or pedestrians at some point.

Here are the stats:

1. Last year’s press release regarding deer crashes and how to avoid them showed in 2016 there were a total of 2,042 animal and deer-related crashes with 1,010 animal/deer crashes being investigated in Sussex, 441 in Kent and 591 in New Castle County.  See below for a comparison of the same type of crashes in each county in 2017.  Also, see how many of the 2017 crashes occurred between dusk and dawn.

(2017 Total Animal and Deer Crashes in Delaware that occurred from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. was a total of 1,355 and of that total 375 in NCC, 300 in Kent and 680 in Sussex)

2. Deer-related crash information from 2017 (excluded animal-related crashes), to include the totals in each county and how many were Personal Injury Crashes)

Additionally, over the past few years Delaware has had an issue with pedestrians being struck by motor vehicles with the number of incidents increasing at the beginning of fall and continuing into the winter season.  This is attributed to the longer periods of darkness during this time frame- our darker days.

Pedestrian-related crash information, to include the following:  2017 totals for personal injury and fatal crashes, that occurred from September 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and how many of the crashes occurred during the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (low light hours).

Personal Injury Crash data by month and and time of day.

Pedestrian Fatal Crashes data by month and time of day.

In an effort to properly address these issues, the Delaware State Police have chosen to combine these issues and combat them in a very strategic manner.  First, DSP will continue to educate the public on these hazards and provide ways to lessen the related risks.  We will also enforce the related laws, when appropriate.  Additionally, the Delaware State Police, Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the American Automobile Association (AAA Mid-Atlantic) will join forces and  utilize our resources and make a positive impact on Delaware roadways.  For instance, OHS will provide assistance for enforcement efforts, while DelDOT provides message boards throughout the state to help warn motorists and pedestrians of the hazards.  Lastly, DSP, DelDOT, OHS, and AAA Mid-Atlantic will continue to share the warnings and tips provided below by way of different media channels.

If MOTORISTS strictly follow these suggestions, they will significantly decrease their risk of being involved in a deer-related, or a pedestrian-related crash:

-Consider all roadways and not just back roads for deer crossings

-Consider slowing down during rut and hunting season (and the darker      hours reference pedestrians)

-Never take your eyes off the roadway, especially during this vulnerable time of year

-Drive when you are alert and not when you are too tired to properly focus

-Do not drive a vehicle while impaired by illicit drugs, alcohol, or mind-

altering medications

-Stay focused on the task at hand, DRIVING, and do not take your eyes off

the road for even a split second

-Drive slower during deer rut, hunting and the darker (low light) times

-Be prepared for a deer to cross, or a pedestrian to be on the shoulder on

any type of roadway, due to the fact that deer cross on highways too,

where traffic speeds are higher and deer eyes are more difficult to see

-Know Delaware’s pedestrian-related laws and follow them and know what

to do if a pedestrian is approaching, or partially in a cross-walk

If PEDESTRIANS strictly follow these suggestions, they will significantly decrease their risk of being involved in a pedestrian-related crash:

-Follow all pedestrian laws, to include: walking while facing traffic, walking with a light, or reflective gear; crossing at crosswalks; and utilizing pedestrian-related signals.  Research pedestrian laws online, if you are unfamiliar with them

-Do not walk on, or close to high-speed highways; Call 911 and get as far from high-speed traffic as you can, while waiting for assistance

-Do not walk on, or near a roadway, or highway, if you are under the influence of alcohol, or drugs, to include prescription medication that has mind-altering affects

“The statistics are clear that with shorter daylight hours, we see more vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and deer. Throughout the fall season, motorists will see message boards reminding them to use caution and drive safely. We want everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation, to get to their destination safely!”

Jennifer Cohan, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation

“The fall and winter months are the most dangerous times for pedestrians.  With low daylight hours, it is important for both pedestrians and drivers to be alert on Delaware’s roadways and share the responsibility to keep themselves and others on the road safe.  OHS reminds all pedestrians to be visible, use crosswalks, and not to walk under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.  Drivers should be aware that pedestrians are often not where you would expect them.  Drivers should be focused on the road at all times, slow down when pedestrians are present, and not drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.”

Kimberly Chesser, Acting Director Delaware Office of Highway Safety

“Whatever the reason, everyone is a pedestrian at some point, and everyone plays a role in keeping our roadways safe, look out for pedestrians at all times. When you are operating a vehicle, you have accepted a heightened responsibility for other people on the road. Safety is a two-way street. Often, pedestrians— especially younger ones— are not where they should be or where you would expect them to be. Remain vigilant at all times.”

Ken Grant, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

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Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by the Director of Public Information, Sgt. Richard Bratz,

Released: 092018 1217

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Wilmington – Delaware State Police Troop 6 will be holding a Community Café on Thursday, September 27^th, 2018, from 9:00–11:00 a.m., at the Five Points Fire Company, located at 209 S. Maryland Avenue, Wilmington.

Troop Commander Captain Matthew Cox, accompanied by his deputy commanders and the Community Outreach Trooper, will be in attendance to answer questions and address concerns from community members, specific to State Police jurisdiction in the Troop 6 patrol area.

In addition to the general discussion Captain Cox will present and discuss crime and traffic data related to activity along the Maryland Avenue corridor. Community members will also be instructed on how to access the crime mapping feature on the DSP website.

These Café’s are held in an effort to build a stronger relationship between the Delaware State Police and the communities that we so proudly serve.

We look forward to meeting you.

You can follow the Delaware State Police by clicking on:

Delaware State Police Official Web Site

Facebook

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Nextdoor

Please tell us how we’re doing via our Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

Presented by Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin

Released:092018 1140

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