Office of Professional Responsibility

The citizens of Delaware hold the Delaware State Police in high regard. Members of the Delaware State Police must set the tone for all law enforcement agencies in our state. The public expects members of our agency to act with honor, integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness. To accomplish and maintain the esteem placed upon its members, Delaware State Troopers must acknowledge, uphold, and revere the core values of the Delaware State Police: Honor, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty, Attitude, Discipline and Service.

The citizens we serve have an expectation that those who are vested with the responsibility of enforcing the laws of this state, as well as civilian employees, will hold fast to the standards of professional and individual conduct to preserve the respect, confidence, and cooperation of society.

The public image of the Delaware State Police is, to a large degree, determined by the way the Office of Professional Responsibility responds to allegations of misconduct of its employees. The Office of Professional Responsibility is an essential function designed to maintain professional conduct, integrity, and discipline of each employee. The office is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct and conducting investigations to ensure compliance with Divisional rules and regulations and the Code of Ethics. The Office of Professional Responsibility is readily accessible to citizens via telephone, letter, Internet or in person. In 2024, Captain William Thompson, Lieutenant Dermot Alexander, Lieutenant Joshua Scaramazza, Sergeant William Harris and Mrs. Stephanie Sanchez were assigned to the office.

In addition to its primary duties, the Office of Professional Responsibility maintains an active role in training supervisors and recruits. Supervisors are instructed on the proper handling of citizen complaints and investigative protocol in accordance with the Police Officers’ Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Law. Recruits are also acquainted with the function of the unit, including an overview of rules, regulations, and job performance standards.
In 2024, the Office of Professional Responsibility investigated 37 citizen’s complaints and 25 administrative complaints.

– Information obtained from 2024 DSP Annual Report –