Captain Charles Condon

or the Delaware State Police, 2019 marks the 49th year of the Aviation Section and the 34th year of our Trooper-Medic Program.

The Section consists of 32 pilots and medics providing 24-hour coverage from two locations (Georgetown and Middletown). During 2019 the Section flew 4,293 missions, transported 286 trauma patients and flew 1,389 hours. The aircraft currently utilized include 4 helicopters and 1 fixed wing aircraft, a Cessna 182 (1980).

The Aviation Section’s primary missions are to provide rapid transport of critically sick or injured persons to medical facilities and to support law enforcement ground personnel in the apprehension of criminal suspects. The Section also conducts search and rescue operations, airborne security for visiting dignitaries, homeland security operations, photographic missions, narcotics interdiction, pursuit support and maritime security to name a few of the many missions.

Pilot and Medic Training
The pilots attended training at Bell Helicopter in the Bell 429 aircraft. The training is essential in practicing emergency procedures of each aircraft and to keep each pilot proficient in the operation of each aircraft.

In 2019, the medics attended training to satisfy their continuing education credits needed to maintain their paramedic certifications.

DSP Tactical EMS Missions
The DSP Tactical Medic Mission provides medical support for the DSP Training Academy, Special Operation Response Team, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit and the SCUBA Team during high risk operations. In 2019, the DSP Tactical Medics had a total of 110 activations.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Narcan Deployments:
Delaware State Police Aviation Section oversees the divisions AED and Narcan program. In 2019 Troopers deployed their Automated External Defibrillator (AED) 28 times/Narcan 39.

Infectious Disease Exposures:
For the 2019 calendar year the Delaware State Police had a total of 13 confirmed infectious disease exposures.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Please visit the Official Camp Barnes website here.

In 1947, the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police, an organization which was composed of active law enforcement and correctional officers, accepted the challenge to undertake a project to combat juvenile delinquency in the first state. A committee was appointed to investigate the problems confronting youth. Its resulting recommendation led to the establishment of Camp Barnes for the recreation of deserving youth from throughout the state.

Camp Barnes is located on Millers Creek, a tributary of Little Assawoman Bay. Since 1948 thousands of children from all over Delaware have had the opportunity to attend summer camp at Camp Barnes. Today, Camp Barnes is open to all children who are residents of the state of Delaware and are between the ages of 10 and 13. Children attend the camp at NO COST to the camper or their family. The camp is in session from early June until August and accommodates approximately 90-100 campers per week for six weeks.

During our summer camp, Camp Barnes is staffed by 16 counselors, 2 cooks, and 1 nurse. All Counselors are required to have a criminal background check prior to working at the camp. There is a State Trooper and a nurse on the grounds at all times while the camp is in session. There are many activities that campers get to experience while at the camp. The following is just a few of the activities that campers participate in throughout their week at the camp:
• Swimming in an Olympic size pool
• Kayaking in Millers Creek
• Archery
• Crabbing and Fishing
• Arts and Crafts
• Nature Walks
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Lacrosse
• Low Level Ropes Course
• Cooking classes

The campers also get to attend several demonstrations/classes throughout their week. The Delaware State Police K-9, Mounted Patrol, and Aviation Units provide demonstrations every week during the summer. Also, DNREC – Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Beau Biden Foundation provide demonstrations and classes during the Camp Barnes season.

Camp Barnes is also used by many fine organizations including Delaware 4H, Delaware Special Olympics, Wilmington Parks and Recreation, the Delaware Burn Camp, Boy Scouts of America, and the Stockley Center.

Camp Barnes Inc. is a non-profit organization that is run and operated by the Delaware State Police. Camp Barnes Inc. receives funds in three different ways. The first is through donations from the public and civic organizations. The second is through three different fundraisers put on by the Delaware State Police. They are the following: The Camp Barnes Stock Car Race, the Camp Barnes Wrestling Classic, and the Camp Barnes Golf Tournament. The third way is through a grant in aid given to the Delaware State Police and Camp Barnes Inc. from the State of Delaware.

With so much to see and do at Camp Barnes, it is easy to see why so many children enjoy their experience at the camp. That is why Camp Barnes is DELAWARE’S CAMP!!!

Cpl/3 Jeffrey Miller

In 2019, the Delaware State Police K9 Unit oversaw the monthly update training and annual re certification of 33 DSP K9 teams and 24 Municipal K9 teams.  This monthly update training and annual re certification included patrol, narcotics and explosives disciplines.  During the year, one K9 team passed away and one K9 team retired from the unit.  Both of these K9 teams honorably served the citizens and visitors of Delaware for many years.

Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report

Manager Joseph E. Mulford

The Communications Section consists of three 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), the Headquarters Communications Center and a Management Team. The section is staffed by ninety six employees and is responsible for:
• Answering 9-1-1 emergency lines and dispatching law enforcement personnel and equipment
• NCIC & NLETS control, alarm monitoring and alerting on-call teams
• Telecommunications administration including statewide radio, telephone, cellular and pager systems
• Mobile command center operations

The DSP 911 Center operations are co-located in each of the County Centers. Here is a breakdown of the activities for 2019: RECOM (Staffing 24 Full time and 1 Casual Seasonal Position)
• Total Incidents Dispatched 79,969
• Total Incidents Handled Without Dispatch 54,985
• Total Incidents Handled 134,954
• Total 9-1-1 Calls Received 378,270
• Total Admin Calls 111,065

KENTCOM (Staffing 24 Full time and 1 Casual Seasonal Position)
• Total Incidents Dispatched 86,583
• Total Incidents Handled Without Dispatch 22,765
• Total Incidents Handled 109,348
• Total 9-1-1 Calls Received 93,369
• Total DSP Admin Calls 82,997

SUSCOM (Staffing 24 Full time and 1 Casual Seasonal Position)
• Total Incidents Dispatched 93,405
• Total Incidents Handled Without Dispatch 31,659
• Total Incidents Handled 125,064
• Total 9-1-1 Calls Received 109,786
• Total Admin Calls 119,935

HQ Communication is located at the DEMA building in Smyrna. There are 14 Full time Center personnel. Some of the Centers responsibilities are for State-wide data entry into DelJis and monitoring the 24 x 7 x 365 NCIC Inlets position. The center personnel monitor the Salem Nuclear plant, State Building Alarm systems and are the State center for the RisSafe program. They also take after hour calls for the Medical Examiner’s office and Victim Services.

The Communication Management team consists of the Chief of Communication, Asst. Chief of Communication and a Manager for each Center. (6 Full time)

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Welcome to the DSP community page. Here you will find links to programs that are aimed at encouraging community involvement. Please keep checking back, as this page may change frequently.

Programs:

• Citizens Police Academy

Lieutenant Mary McGuire

The Delaware State Police Conflict Management Team is a part time unit composed of 16 dedicated troopers specially trained in hostage negotiations, kidnap mediation and suicide prevention. Through the application of crisis intervention skills, team members assist subjects in crisis to defuse their emotions, lowering the potential for violence. It is the primary goal of the Conflict Management Team to resolve these situations without injury or loss of life. The foundation of negotiations relies on the proficiency of active listening skills used to establish a rapport with the subject in crisis and ultimately affect change in a positive manner.

Monthly training used to sharpen negotiation skills is enhanced through the cooperative efforts of its own members as well as our partners from allied agencies. In recent years, the Delaware State Police Conflict Management Team has enriched relationships with the Department of Corrections, New Castle County and other agencies, to ensure a contingency of competent, well trained negotiators throughout the state. Constant review and analysis of incidents involving persons in crisis is conducted to identify potential areas of training. Currently the Conflict Management Team has several members who have also received training in Crisis Intervention and Veterans Response Training. This training assists in diversifying our personnel in their negotiations. The team, with the assistance of New Castle County Police Department Negotiators hosted a five day basic hostage negotiations course open to all state agencies. A 16 hour course is also instructed bi-annually for 911 dispatchers focusing on emergency operators communications during critical incidents.

In 2019, members of the Conflict Management Team maintained availability on a 24 hour basis and were utilized on 3 incidents involving subjects experiencing mental health disorders. In conjunction with members of the special operations unit, a successful outcome was rendered in each incident. In addition to team call-outs, various team members provided specific direction during patrol responses to persons in crisis, eliminating the need for full scale responses. With the mental health concerns facing the nation, the Delaware State Police Conflict Management Team is dedicated to developing knowledge and resources to mitigate situations of persons in crisis.

As the unit forges ahead, efforts will continue to research opportunities for both technology and training to expand the abilities of all members.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Mrs. Julie F. Willey

Since its inception, the Delaware State Police Crime Lab has provided services for numerous local and municipal police departments, federal agencies and the Delaware State Police. Under the direction of Mrs. Julie Willey, the Crime Lab is staffed by three civilian employees. The lab is comprised of units specializing in blood alcohol analysis, breath alcohol analysis and hairs and fibers analysis.

Crime Lab chemists conduct the alcohol analyses of all DUI/alcohol and DUI/drug cases (except fatal accidents) statewide. In 2019, they received 1,677 blood evidence kits for review and analyzed all of those samples for BAC. The DSP Crime Lab is the sole state lab responsible for the calibration checks of the Intoxilyzer instruments utilized for breath alcohol analysis as well as the training of Intoxilyzer operators. As a result of the statewide services provided by members of the Crime Lab, the staff received 1,703 subpoenas to appear in Delaware courts during 2019.

The Crime Lab also manages the DSP photo storage program, which includes responding to requests from attorneys and insurance companies for stored photographs. A large project to digitize every DSP evidence photo dating back to the department’s inception is underway and will make locating old photos easier and more efficient.

In addition to the above services provided by the Crime Lab, Director Willey also performs calibration checks of the Ionscan instrument maintained by the Delaware National Guard. The Ionscan is used to detect trace amounts of illegal drugs and explosives. As cost center manager, Director Willey also manages funds allocated for the purchase of supplies used by the Forensic Firearms Services Unit, the Homicide Unit, the Crime Lab and the three statewide DSP evidence detection units and crash reconstruction units. Director Willey also serves as the DSP forensic microscopist and conducts hair and fiber analysis upon request.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Sergeant Francis L. Fuscellaro II

he Delaware State Police Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team continues to provide services to law enforcement and emergency service personnel for both state and municipal agencies throughout the state Delaware. The team assists officers and other emergency service personnel with minimizing the harmful effects of job related stress, traumatic stress and personal stressors. The team is dedicated to maintaining strict confidentiality and respects the thoughts and feelings of the individuals involved.

Sgt. Francis L Fuscellaro II and team assistant Sgt. Kelly Wells lead the Delaware State Police Critical Incident Stress Management Team. The team presently consists of 16 sworn and 3 civilian members who have received training endorsed by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

The year 2019 was an extremely hard one for the Delaware State Police CISM Team, with the passing of their team assistant, John Shoemaker. John passed away on April 18,2019 at the age of 59 at Bayhealth Kent Campus surrounded family and friends. John was a huge part of the CISM Team and assisted numerous Troopers, Officers and Fire Personnel throughout his time as a CISM member. John will be deeply missed.

The Team responded to approximately 75 incidents, which included the unexpected death of their team assistant, John Shoemaker, police involved shootings, military re-integration, fatal accidents, CPR on children, as well as other traumatic events for law enforcement and emergency service personnel. The Team has assisted multiple Troopers and Officers with personal issues in which some incidents were referred to EAP or the Team’s Mental Health Provider, Dr. Ellen Marshall.

The most significant responses for the Team in 2019 were ones involving death of children. In October Team members assisted Troopers and other first responders who were involved with the tragic accident where a vehicle crashed into the C and D Canal. Inside of the vehicle were an 18 year old, two 16-year-olds, a 12-year-old, and a 6 year old. All of who died accept a 16 year old female.

Dr. Ellen Marshall served as the Head of the Psychology Department for Delaware Technical and Community College, Owens Campus, Georgetown DE. She continues to work closely with the Delaware State Police CISM team as well as other Teams in the State. She is the Team’s Mental Health Coordinator, where she volunteers her time. She has conducted approximately 70 one-on-one CISM sessions not including the responses she does with the Team, making the team’s total number of incidents/responses approximately 145 for the year 2019.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report

Director Gregory Nolt

The Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) falls under the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and is comprised of civilian and sworn investigators under the direction of Director Gregory D. Nolt.

DGE is responsible for ensuring the operational security and integrity of the Delaware State Video Lottery, Sports Lottery, Interactive Fantasy Sports Contests, and Table Game Operations as required by Delaware Title 29, Chapter 48. DGE utilizes a three pronged organizational structure which include; Casino Background Investigations, Criminal Investigations and Intelligence. These three components, working together, provide a comprehensive approach to ensuring the integrity of the gaming industry.

The Casino Background Investigators consist of one supervisor, six background investigators and two administrative assistants. The purpose of the background investigations is to ensure that casino employees, companies and vendors meet the requirements of Delaware licensing and possess the financial responsibility, honesty and integrity required by a licensee.

The Criminal Investigations and Intelligence model consists of eight Delaware State Troopers and one agent from the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement. The primary function of criminal investigations is to investigate and prevent gaming crimes, promote public safety, gather intelligence information about criminal activity and develop actionable plans to facilitate effective and efficient policing activities. There is also one full time Deputy Attorney General assigned to the unit for the administration and enforcement of DGE objectives.

In 2019, Delaware Gaming Enforcement detectives investigated a total of 361 complaints with 61 of the complaints being gaming related. The investigations conducted by the detectives involved numerous types of offenses including underage gambling, trespassing, theft, forgery, fraud, assault, robbery and money laundering. Many of the investigations involve working in collaboration with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in order to solve the cases and arrest the appropriate individuals.

Individuals that are arrested and convicted of crimes committed in the casinos may be placed on an exclusion list. Individuals placed on an exclusion list are not permitted to gamble in any of the three Delaware casinos. If an individual on the exclusion list is caught gambling in the casinos, the individual will be arrested and have to forfeit any winnings.

In 2019, DGE continued to conduct Violent Intruder Preparedness and Response (VIPR) training for employees at all casinos. The lead topic of the training was VIPR, which consists of a Run, Hide, Fight strategy and discussion of situational awareness. The second part of the training was the introduction and hands-on application of tourniquets. The training was conducted in partnership with State of Delaware Emergency Medical and Preparedness Section. The purpose of the training was to aid the casinos in the establishment of plans and responses to potential violent incidents.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Cpl/3 Adrienne Owen

The Domestic Violence Unit is head up by Detective Adrienne Owen. In addition to sitting on many boards and committees as the proxy for the Superintendent, the Domestic Violence Policy and Training Coordinator provided domestic violence related training to recruits attending the DSP Academy. Detective Owen facilitated the Annual Domestic Violence Conference which provided training in the detection, investigation and prosecution of domestic violence related crimes. The conference drew over 100 officers and advocates from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Sergeant Chris Ennis

The Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team is the longest serving bomb squad in the State of Delaware and the only unit responsible for all hazardous devices calls outside the City of Wilmington and incorporated areas of New Castle County. Its thirteen bomb technicians are strategically based throughout the state to cover the 1,954 square miles within our borders 24 hours a day, every day. With Delaware being the 6th most densely populated state in the nation and the base of over 50 percent of all U.S. publicly traded corporations, maintaining a strategic response plan is crucial. In calendar year 2019 the DSP-EOD team was called to service a staggering 151 times. This tempo continues to rival most full time bomb squads in major metropolitan areas.

In 2019, the team took on two new members in preparation of replacing the teams’ two retiring technicians and keeping them at the FBI approved staffing limit of eleven certified technicians. Since 9/11, the mission for the public safety bomb technician has evolved immensely. The sophisticated equipment and special skills that the team possesses has applications well beyond the traditional bomb disposal role. Whether it’s using our sophisticated equipment to assist with drug and weapons investigations, providing an explosive entry in a tactical operation, or providing two way communication and video surveillance during suicidal subject or hostage /barricaded incidents.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Colonel Melissa Zebley

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Mr. William C. Braswell

The Building Maintenance section of the Delaware State Police is under the direction of Mr. William C. Braswell. His duties and functions include oversight and/or completing of minor repairs, project manager and quality control for the DSP for minor capital improvements and construction projects at Troops and facilities throughout the state. He also manages two personnel assigned to Headquarters and helps them with various parts of their work, scheduling vacation and daily duties.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Ms. Sandra L. Frazier

The Fiscal Control Section’s goal is to provide efficient and professional financial services to the division. To that end, members of the section strive to:
1) Pay all bills in a timely manner and in accordance with all laws, rules, regulations and policies
2) Make recommendations to the Administrative Officer – Budget concerning the appropriate internal allocation of funds to the division’s cost centers
3) Provide expertise to the Executive Staff for the development of the division’s annual budget
4) Provide the Executive Staff with expertise in the determination of the fiscal impact of various proposals
5) Coordinate the fiscal implementation of those proposals

In conjunction with the Administrative Officer – Budget (Major), the section assists in the overall development, management and administration of the division’s budget within the framework of all prevailing state and federal law, as well as divisional rules, regulations and policies. Fiscal Control ensures compliance with all Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as promulgated by the Delaware Department of Finance and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), pre-audits all financial obligations for the division, ensures authenticity before processing, and ensures compliance with all purchasing procedures.

During 2019, members of the section continued to support the Delaware State Police Executive Staff by supplying cost estimates associated with the two recruit classes, advising senior management on the budgetary impact of increased overtime usage and the monitoring of the division’s finances as they relate to the State’s economic situation. Fiscal Control continues to remain cognizant of all federal funding and spending guidelines.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Nicholas Lano

The FFSU was created in November 2006 to assist all law enforcement agencies in Delaware with the investigation of gun related and other violent crimes by examining firearms and ballistic related evidence collected during criminal investigations. The FFSU is staffed by Detective Nick Lano as the Brasstrax technician and Mr. James Cadigan who is the certified forensic firearms examiner. Contractor Robert Freese, Stephen Deady and James Storey also assist in the lab as Forensic Firearms Examiners.

From November 2006 through December 2018, 8,888 firearms related investigations have been submitted to the FFSU for examination. During 2019, an additional 866 firearms related cases were submitted for evaluation. This included 35 murder investigations, 555 firearms, 2,768 fired cartridge cases and 555 bullet specimens. The FFSU provided forensic firearms services to 28 Delaware, federal and out of state law enforcement agencies. In addition to the submissions received by the FFSU, 313 IBIS/Brasstrax ballistic case matches were confirmed by the forensic firearms examiners. The examiners provided expert witness testimony regarding the results of the forensic ballistics examination and offered services such as firearm serial number restoration, gunshot residue testing, bullet trajectory work and tool mark examinations to Delaware investigative agencies.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Related Information:

• Visit the DEMA Terrorism Preparedness Page
• The Seven Signs of Terrorism
• Visit DIAC’s Website

View More Information

Captain Peter Sawyer

The Delaware State Police Homicide Section is comprised of three distinct and unique units; the Homicide Unit, the Forensic Firearms Services Unit and the Crime Lab. These units are staffed by talented civilian and sworn divisional employees with specialized training and advanced education allowing them to detect crimes, identify suspects and prosecute the offenders in court.

Established in 1989, the DSP Homicide Unit is comprised of seven sworn members and one civilian administrative assistant. The primary responsibilities of the Homicide Unit include the investigation of homicides, suspicious deaths and missing persons in which the victim is suspected to be deceased. The Homicide Unit also investigates officer involved uses of deadly force, attempted murders and selected assaults. In addition to new investigations, the Homicide Unit is responsible for investigating “cold case” homicides. During 2019, the Homicide Unit investigated 23 new cases and 7 cold cases. The unit provided investigative assistance to all DSP criminal troops and allied law enforcement agencies in numerous death and missing person investigations to include the Philadelphia (PA) Police, Providence (RI) Police Department, Miami/Dade County (FL) Police, and Richmond (VA) Police. Agencies from within Delaware included Harrington PD (two Homicide cases) PD, and Selbyville PD (Officer Involved Shooting).

Of the 23 new cases investigated, twelve were homicide investigations and two were attempted homicides. Eight of these cases were cleared and additional clearances are forthcoming as investigators continue to piece together evidence. The unit also investigated two police officer involved use of force cases, and two death investigations. In addition, twelve cases from previous years were adjudicated in the court system with findings of guilt or guilty pleas during 2019.

This year the Homicide Unit hosted the 24th Annual Homicide Conference in Dover. This annual event is recognized as one of the premiere conferences in the nation dealing with the investigation of suspicious deaths. 150 criminal investigators representing 48 law enforcement agencies from the northeast region attended the conference, which included several nationally recognized speakers. Topics included crime scene management, domestic related homicides, cellular phone evidence analysis as well as overviews of several nationally known cases.

The Homicide Unit Commander is Captain Peter Sawyer with Sergeant Steve Yeich assigned as the daily supervisor. Sgt. Yeich is complimented with Detective Roger Cresto, the Evidence Technician and Detectives Mark Ryde, Jon King, Dan Grassi and Mark Csapo. Retired Homicide Unit Sergeant David Weaver rejoined the unit in 2019 as a civilian cold case investigator. Administrative Assistant Ashley Torbert rounds out the team and provides invaluable assistance to a cohesive unit that is committed to providing justice for our victims and closure for their families.

As we move into 2020, the members of the Delaware State Police Homicide Section remains committed to serving the residents and visitors of our state with the highest quality of service possible. Unit members look forward to meeting the new challenges in crime fighting through continued and specialized training as well as the utilization of the latest advanced technology in forensics

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Captain Jason H. Sapp

During the course of 2019 the Delaware State Police Honor Guard Unit was comprised of 48 active members statewide.

In order to be selected to join the Unit, members must demonstrate exceptional maintenance of their uniforms and equipment, strong military bearing and, most importantly, exemplary character. Membership in the Honor Guard also requires a commitment to training and a willingness to serve at a moment’s notice to represent the Division in honorable fashion. All Unit members are cross-trained to perform as members of color guards, to serve as pallbearers and as casket watch, to conduct flag folds and to conduct rifle volleys.

During the course of 2019 the Unit conducted six in-service training sessions and continued its training partnership with allied agencies by opening our training sessions to Honor Guard members from a host of Delaware and Pennsylvania police departments. In addition, the Unit hosted the 2019 Sgt. Rodney H. Bond #448 Memorial Honor Guard Conference in September which afforded 61 ceremonial operators from 24 agencies and 17 States an intense week-long training related to ceremonial functions.

Throughout 2019, Honor Guard members participated in 66 total events. Unit members were humbled to play a role in the funeral services for Zachery Fanning, the son of Master Corporal Price Fanning as well as John Shoemaker who served for years as a valued member of the DSP Family in his role at KENTCOM.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Trooper Recruiting Civilian Employment

 

Captain Jon Wood

The Delaware State Police Human Resources Unit provides a full array of critical services to 729 Troopers, 238 civilian employees and 45 casual seasonal (part-time) employees. These services include all on-boarding activities with recruiting, application processing, testing, pre-employment background investigations including polygraph examinations, and new employee orientation. In addition, the Human Resources Unit is responsible for benefits and payroll, extra duty monitoring and compensation, worker’s compensation, Early Warning System compliance and review, employee assistance, EEOC compliance, labor relations, internal transfer and competitive promotion processes, career development, wellness programs, fitness and weight monitoring and separation and retirement.

The Human Resources Unit commitment to excellence is anchored by a small team of dedicated civilian employees providing daily administrative functions and support for 1,012 employees. In addition, the Human Resources unit is comprised of a Recruiting & Application Unit, Polygraph Unit and Background Investigative Unit (BGI). The team is currently led by Captain Jon Wood (Director), Lieutenant Andrea Boone (Assistant Director), Administrative/Legal Services Manager Ms. Monica Holmes, Payroll/Benefits/EEO Manager Ms. Rhonda Davis and Polygraph Unit Sergeant Kristin Smith, who is also responsible for the Application/Recruiting/BGI supervision. In early 2019, Ms. Holmes and Ms. Davis were integrated into the Department of Human Resources in compliance with legislation that centralized all state agency human resources.

The Background Investigative Unit (BGI) is comprised of up to nine casual/season investigators that are retired Delaware State Troopers. The BGI Unit is responsible for conducting comprehensive in-depth investigations on all potential employees of the Division. At peak times in the application process, Troopers from around the state are temporarily transferred to HR to conduct
background investigations on recruit troopers. In 2019, 154 (79 sworn, 55 civilian) pre-employment background investigations were completed that underwent multiple levels of review for an impartial decision on employment.

The Polygraph Unit Detectives are all nationally certified examiners and, while assigned to Human Resources, are housed within the criminal investigative facilities across the State. This allows the polygraph examiners to assist the CI units as needed with polygraph exams or assist other detectives. The Polygraph Unit is comprised of one sergeant, two full time examiners and two part time examiners. In addition, one former member of the unit, who was promoted and transferred, continues to maintain her certification by assisting with examinations on a part time basis. During 2019, 273 applicant polygraph examinations were conducted and 11 criminal polygraphs were conducted.

The Human Resources Unit is responsible for managing the internal transfer screening process. When a special unit position for a Trooper becomes vacant, and when authorized by the Colonel, notice is sent announcing the opening. Qualified Troopers submit the required paperwork to Human Resources for screening. Lt. Boone, assisted by Ms. Sara Nash, facilitate a diverse and demographically applicable review panel to provide advisement to the Executive Staff regarding each candidate. This panel, monitored by a Human Resources Member, reviews the submitted paperwork, endorsements, and evaluations to make a determination if the candidate meets the prerequisites. In some circumstances, oral boards are also utilized to evaluate the candidate. In 2019, 39 review panels were conducted to fill operational needs.

DSP Recruiters, with the aid and support of part-time Trooper Recruiters, attended 97 career fairs or recruiting events and facilitated numerous “How to Succeed” seminars, facilitated “mock” PT tests for recruit trooper applicants, mentored recruits in training, conducted oral board interviews and screened applicants at the PT Tests. As part of our outreach and recruiting efforts, multiple students were selected for internships, working at several Patrol troops, Headquarters and SBI.

In March 2019, the 92ndB DSP Recruit Class began with the selection of 5 Recruit Troopers. In September 2019, the 93rd DSP Recruit Class began with the selection of 30 Recruit Troopers, restoring the Division to near its full complement of authorized positions. During 2019, administrators processed 1,182 applications for the position of Trooper.

In 2019, Human Resources processed over 634 applications to hire 37 full-time or casual seasonal civilian employees into various roles replacing those who separated or retired from the Division. The 9-1-1 Communication Centers and State Bureau of Identification continues to see the highest turnover of employees keeping the Unit busy with testing, backgrounds and interviews.

In 2019, the Delaware State Police continued to progress with JobAps, an on-line application process. The JobAps program allows the Human Resources Unit to more effectively manage the labor intensive application process while providing the applicants with a user friendly environment to apply for positions within the State Police. Several crucial upgrades were purchased to enhance the program’s usefulness specific to the needs of DSP.

The Human Resources Unit extends a sincere thank you to the dozens of Delaware State Police employees and retirees, who continue to actively recruit, test, investigate and hire the future generation of troopers.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report – 

Captain Joshua A. Bushweller

The Delaware State Police Criminal Intelligence section, Homeland Security section and Real Time Crime Center are statewide support units under the overall command of Captain Joshua A. Bushweller. The Homeland Security Unit, which includes the Delaware Information and Analysis Center (DIAC), is supervised by Lt. Tim Hulings, the Criminal Intelligence section, which includes various investigative and support units is supervised by Lt. Dan Sponaugle and Lt. Jeremiah Lloyd is responsible for oversight of the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), which encompasses special projects. Each of these units have statewide operational responsibility and provide investigative and technical assistance to the patrol and criminal investigative troops as well as other law enforcement agencies across the state.

The Criminal Intelligence section is comprised of the Electronic Surveillance Unit (ESU), the High Technology Crimes Unit (HTCU), the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICACTF) as well several task force officers. These officers work in partnership with several federal agencies such as the United States Marshalls Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. We also continue a state partnership dedicated to the investigation of firearms violence in Delaware.

In 2019, the section continued a program to deploy three sworn member of the Division as “Criminal Intelligence Officers.” These Troopers are designed to fully take advantage of information available through a variety of methods and leverage that information in the furtherance of solving crime. These Troopers also provide ongoing training to assets in the field regarding responsible intelligence collection and the value of that information. This program has been a great success contributing to increased clearance of crime through partnership with criminal investigators. These Troopers have also been instrumental in providing reporting to DSP leadership to aid in the deployment of resources in response to crime events and trends.

The Homeland Security Unit consists of the state designated fusion center, Delaware Information and Analysis Center (DIAC), the DSP/FBI JTTF component and the DSP Maritime Unit. DIAC provides analytic and intelligence services to law enforcement partners, public safety and government partners as well as private sector partners throughout the state and region. DIAC also works with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency in our state’s prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation to natural, biological and technological hazards. Services provided by DIAC to our partners include:

The Delaware State Police Intelligence Terrorism Liaison Program is managed by Cpl/3 Tim Kerstetter. Tim was instrumental in providing training and education to a wide array of private and public disciplines on matters of homeland security on numerous occasions throughout the State of Delaware. This information includes specific information about the various threats that face our homeland. He has also been vigilant in training law enforcement, first responders and private sector partners in the pre-operational indicators prior to a terrorist event. In today’s climate, considering the significant increase of adverse events in the United States and abroad, this role is vital to the safety and security of our state and nation.

The Criminal Intelligence Unit and Critical Infrastructure Unit made valuable contributions to ensuring the safety of the critical infrastructure sites in Delaware. Mr. Ron Bounds coordinates these efforts and is a dedicated professional conducting vulnerability assessments and managing special projects.

The DSP Maritime Unit was created to protect the critical infrastructure and key resources along Delaware’s waterways. The unit is currently staffed with three troopers on a full-time basis. Additionally, three additional troopers have been outfitted and trained in the unit’s operations and assist the full-time members in addition to their current road patrol assignments.

The unit focuses on critical infrastructure protection, high visibility patrol and prevention, emergency response with allied agencies and units, recovery operation support and outreach to the maritime community. The unit is co-located with the Delaware Information and Analysis Center (DIAC) and works regularly with a specially trained intelligence analyst. This allows unit members to tailor proactive patrols based on the current threat picture and vulnerability assessments. This “intelligence-led” model allows for more effective patrol a very large area of responsibility.

The Criminal Intelligence Section was proud of the ability to provide proactive criminal investigations, valuable case support and the facilitation of an information sharing environment in 2019. The DIAC will continue to evaluate the standing information needs and priority intelligence needs of our stakeholders in Delaware. We will continue to evaluate the threat environment and how it applies to Delaware. The DIAC will continue to work toward its core mission of detecting, preventing, investigating and responding to criminal and terrorist activity. We will continue to disseminate intelligence and facilitate communications between state, local, federal agencies and private sector partners, to help them take action on threats and public safety issues.

The Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) is responsible for developing and maintaining software solutions to support the State Police Enhanced Analytical Response (SPEAR) program. This program is an evidence based policing model exhibited after the Stratified Policing Model.

In 2019, the RTCC continued the SmartForce software program in support of the SPEAR program. The SmartForce technology is an organizational management system tailored for the Stratified Policing Model. SmartForce technology leverages the Microsoft SharePoint system to collect and analyze key data sets that are essential to the evaluation of Troop Commanders evidenced base operational deployment plans.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Mr. Jim Cashnelli & Ms. Rene Rigby

The Information Technology Section is comprised of 4 Teams – End User Services, Network Operations, Applications Support/Programming and Mobile Technologies.

IT is comprised of 13 full-time employees, 8 casual-seasonal employees and 1 contracted hire. IT is organized into 2 areas of expertise – End User Services and Infrastructure Services. End User Services consists of the Client Services Team (which includes Help Desk and Digital Evidence Support) and the Mobile Tech team and is managed by Marissa Warren. Infrastructure Services consists of the Network Operations Team and Applications Support Team and is managed by Ken Allen. Jim Cashnelli oversees the entire IT section, serving as the IT Director for DSP.

In 2019, IT completed 13 projects, closed out 3,757 support tickets and processed 6,002 digital evidence requests.

IT has a number of key initiatives for 2020. These include Desktop Virtualization, migration to more vendor supported applications rather than developing applications in house, implementation of Quickbooks for cost center management, assisting with the 2020 fleet roll-out, desktop hardware refreshes and working with DTI on deploying Office 365. In addition, IT is currently working with DTI on the Governor’s IT Consolidation initiative.

VDI (which stands for Virtual Desktop Interface) will be an important initiative for IT in 2020. VDI allows us to turn a physical desktop into software that looks, acts and feels like a regular Windows PC but can be run from any device – iPad, Android Tablet, Mobile Phone, low cost PC, etc. This will allow us to centralize desktop deployments, simplify and streamline support, and improve the over all end user desktop experience.

Additionally, the decision to move from in house created applications to vendor supported applications was driven by the need to provide a faster turn around for application requests while recognizing that these applications still need to be supported long after the programmer who created them has moved on to other opportunities. By moving to vendor supported applications, it serves as a force multiplier for IT. IT can rely on these vendors to provide work effort to support the applications while freeing up other DSP IT resources to work on other project tasks and initiatives.

Technology continues to be more and more complex and new technologies allow for new ways to assist law enforcement in performing their jobs safely and professionally. As these technologies mature and become available for everyday use IT will be tasked with integrating them into effective solutions that will enhance the Division’s ability to keep Delaware’s population and our Troopers safe. This will occur thanks in no small part to the men and women of DSP IT who regularly go above and beyond to make sure all of the Division’s IT needs are met as quickly and seamlessly as possible allowing the Division to focus on its primary responsibility of Law Enforcement.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

The Attorney General’s Office has designated one Deputy Attorney General to provide legal advice to the Division in all civil matters. The DAG will advise Internal Affairs in all investigations and case reviews and prosecute cases before Divisional Trial Boards and appeals to the Secretary; advise the Human Resources Office on personnel matters, including Fair Labor Standards Act, Family Medical Leave Act, Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, the federal and state anti-discrimination laws and to respond to all charges of discrimination filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Delaware Department of Labor; advise the State Bureau of Identification on Sex Offender Registry, Firearms Transaction Approval Program, expungement and civil subpoena issues; advise the Training Academy on training, certification and de-certification issues; and advise the Professional Licensing Unit on professional regulation issues.

The DAG will also be legal counsel to the Council on Police Training, the Criminal Justice Council, the Board of Examiners of Constables and the Board of Examiners of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies. The DAG will provide regular training on Fourth Amendment and other law enforcement issues at Commander’s Meetings, Annual In-Service Training and for Recruit Classes at the Training Academy. The DAG will advise the Division on all contract, sole source/critical need waivers, regulations, civil subpoenas for crime reports, FOIA/ public information requests and draft and review legislation.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Sergeant Darren Lester

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 legislature and executives branches. There are twelve (12) divisions within the DSHS which include the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council, the State Council for Persons with Disabilities, the Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the Office of Highway Safety, the Delaware Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner, the Division of Communications, the Capitol Police Department, Division of Forensic Science, the Office of the Secretary and the Delaware 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. The Legislative Liaison Office also handles constituent relation questions brought to it by legislators.

During the most recent legislative session, the 150th General Assembly, 1st Session, 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 #30 – Bill seeks to prohibit the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to introduce contraband into detention facilities. This bill makes it a class F felony to deliver or attempt to deliver contraband by use of drone.

HB #113 – Bill clarifies that Delaware Law Enforcement may enter into agreements to provide mutual assistance to other jurisdictions.

SB #54 – Bill codifies Delaware’s compatibility with certain sections of the Federal Code related to weight of vehicles and loads and commercial vehicle safety. Delaware enforces violations contained in the Code of Federal Regulations Parts 374, 385 and 386 and wishes to formally adopt those parts and any subsequent amendments thereto.

SB #97 – This Act ratifies the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact, 34 U.S.C. §40316 (formerly cited as 42 U.S.C. § 14616), a requirement that allows Delaware to join the Compact as a Party State. The Compact serves as the infrastructure by which states can exchange criminal records for noncriminal justice purposes according to the laws of the requesting state and provide reciprocity among the states to share records without charging each other for the information.

SB #147 – Act allows the Department of Safety and Homeland Security to share accident reports and the data in the reports with the Department of Transportation. This Act also allows the Department of Transportation to provide certain de-identified data from accident reports to limited requestors.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Captain Sean Duffy

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 2019, Captain Matthew Cox, Lieutenant Thomas Paskevicius, Lieutenant David Hake, Sergeant Dannielle Rementer and Ms. Debra Hughes were assigned to the office. In October, Captain Sean Duffy and Lieutenant Phil Dzielak were transferred into the unit when Captain Cox was promoted to Major and Lieutenant Paskevicius transferred to the Division of Gaming Enforcement.

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 Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights. Recruits are also acquainted with the function of the unit, including an overview of rules, regulations and job performance standards.

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Captain Mike Reader

The Planning and Special Events Section reports directly to the Deputy Superintendent and provides support to the executive staff. The section is staffed by Captain Mike Reader and Sergeant Patrick Wenk.

The Planning and Special Events Section continued to play an important role in the overall operation of the division. Members of the section facilitated events and meetings such as the Chaplain’s Memorial, the Memorial Service and the “Employees of the Year” ceremony. These events honor those who serve the citizens of the State of Delaware in an exemplary fashion and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the State of Delaware. The section also facilitated the Troopers’ and Civilian Forums. These forums allowed the executive staff to meet with troopers and civilians to gain valuable input into the operation and future direction of the division.

Members of the section continued to serve on a variety of councils and committees. The Planning and Special Events Section responded to surveys from other law enforcement agencies, conducted research in the areas of proposed laws, updated or assisted in creating new policy, studied staff allocation and conducted new building analysis.

The members of the Planning and Special Events Section played an important role in the success of the Delaware State Police in 2019 and look forward to the challenges that will be presented in 2020.

Community Engagement Unit
The Delaware State Police believes building partnerships and relationships with the commercial, residential and faith based communities across Delaware will enhance our ability to be a highly effective law enforcement agency. In an effort to achieve this, DSP established the Community Outreach Unit (COU) in 2015. The COU’s principal responsibilities are maintaining and building partnerships and relationships across Delaware and maintaining a presence in our communities’ schools, places of worship and neighborhood associations.

In January, the COU organized the fourth DSP Honorary Commanders Program which partners Troop Commanders with some of Delaware’s distinguished community, civic and political leaders. The program encourages an exchange of ideas, experiences and friendships between key leaders of the surrounding communities and the troop’s territory. Another COU accomplishment was the development of the DSP Community Outreach Focus Groups. This program is comprised of COU members, citizens and community leaders. The groups meet quarterly in each county to measure the effectiveness of existing community-based programs and explore new opportunities as it relates to community outreach.

In 2019 the COU continued its partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office by being an active member of the Violence Reduction Network (VRN) initiative in the City of Wilmington. The VRN is a comprehensive program created by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs, and the Bureau of Justice Assistance to leverage existing DOJ resources to deliver strategic, intensive training and technical assistance in an “all-hands” approach to reduce violence in some of the country’s most violent cities. The COU’s role in the VRN has been focused on outreach, education and prevention programs targeting juveniles within the City of Wilmington. Presentations have taken place in elementary, middle and high schools within the city and New Castle County schools with inner-city feeder patterns. In addition to the school venues, presentations have also taken place at Hicks-Anderson Community Center, the Sihk Center of Delaware and the Tarbiyah Muslim School. Topics of discussion include strengthening community-police relations, mock crime reporting, drug and alcohol awareness, good decision making and conflict resolution. In all, thirty-seven visits were made at these venues with multiple presentations given on each visit.

Sergeant Kristin Willard supervises the unit and is supported by COU officers Cpl/2 Robert Colmery, Cpl/3 Rickey Hargis, Cpl/3 Lewis Briggs and Cpl/2 Heather Imhof. In 2020 the COU will remain committed to reaching out to communities in our jurisdiction in an open and honest fashion to build relationships and help to create safer communities.

Staff Inspections and Accreditation
The Staff Inspections and Accreditation Office’s primary responsibility is to assure that the division’s policies and procedures comply with the 484 standards established by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Additionally, this unit is responsible for maintaining, reviewing, revising/updating and distributing all divisional policies and standard operating procedures.

CALEA was formed to establish a body of standards designed to promote “best practices” in policing. In addition, the commission was formed to develop an accreditation process that provides agencies an opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate that they meet an established set of professional standards.

In 1988, the Delaware State Police became the first department in Delaware to attain accreditation by CALEA. This is an on-going commitment consisting of a self-assessment, mock assessment and a comprehensive on-site inspection by CALEA assessors every four years. During the on-site inspection by the assessors, the division must demonstrate compliance with all of the standards, at every facility, and be able to prove we have complied with all standards during the previous three years. Staffed by Sergeant William Nottingham and Cpl/3 Patty Sennet-Wysock, the office accomplishes this task by maintaining files and proof for each standard, continuously updating written directives, reviewing all new policies for compliance and conducting troop, vehicle and evidence storage locker inspections.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report – 

Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

The Delaware State Police Public Information Office (PIO) continues the proud tradition of supplying the media and the public with timely, accurate and useful information on the day to day operations of the Division. The Delaware State Police Public Information Office operates on a 24 hour basis and on-call numbers are provided to Divisional personnel and members of the media for immediate contact or response to critical incidents if requested.

Sergeant Richard D. Bratz is the Director of the Public Information Office and is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and administrative duties that are associated with the office. Along with these administrative duties, he serves as a coordinator for the Delaware Amber Alert Program and coordinates efforts to send the Community Outreach message to all traditional and social media outlets. He also coordinates the Citizen’s Police Academy in all three counties which is offered semiannually.

Master Corporal Michael Austin serves as the primary New Castle County Public Information Officer and Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe serves as the primary Kent and Sussex County Public Information Officer. In addition to their daily responsibilities as a PIO, they are also involved in numerous community service presentations throughout the State, which include but are not limited to: (Honorary Commander Induction Ceremony, Memorial Services, Sign and Building Dedication Ceremonies, Promotion Ceremonies, Community Outreach Ceremonies, Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Trooper Youth Week Graduation and Employee of the Year Ceremony to name a few).

The Public Information Office created and disseminated over (1,300) News Releases on DSPnewsroom.com and over 1,500 Facebook posts. The Delaware State Police Twitter.com and Nextdoor.com are additional websites that were effectively used to enhance our public safety message.

As public representatives of the Delaware State Police, the Public Information Office strives to represent Troopers of the Division with excellence and upholds the pride and tradition that has been with the Delaware State Police since its inception in 1923.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Ms. Kimberly Cuffee

The primary goal of the Purchasing and Supply/ Graphic Section is to provide service, supplies and equipment to all DSP employees and sections with professionalism, efficiency and accuracy. This section utilizes all available State & Federal resources to supply division members with what is necessary to conduct day to day business. The section is staffed with four civilians: Kimberly Cuffee- Purchasing Administrator, Deborah Dennis- Purchasing Services Coordinator, George Blanchfield- Supply Technician and Suzanne Webster- Graphics Artist. With only having four employees, this section is able to streamline operations and cross train to meet the growing needs and demands of the Division’s 950 + employees.

The section’s FY’19 combined budget purchased supplies and equipment for patrol and administrative personnel as well as covered contractual needs during the fiscal year. On the Purchasing and Supply side of the section, some of the responsibilities include approving purchases to ensure they meet the state purchasing laws, contracting, inventory control, ordering necessary supply items; to include patrol related gear, and asset management for the division. In addition, this section oversees the division issued purchasing cards, reconciling /maintaining budget information and the distribution of supplies to the various troops and sections. The Purchasing and Supply/ Graphics Section are also instrumental in supplying the needs of the Academy Recruit classes. The responsibilities of the Graphic Section consist of providing and designing printed material, maintaining the Delaware State Police website, identification photos/IDs, official portraits and other related tasks. Merging the Purchasing and Supply and the Graphics Sections together allows continued access to printing supplies and equipment for a faster turnaround of printed materials.

Municipal departments and state agencies throughout the state utilize the division’s buying power by obtaining various forms and publications from this section. Having the Purchasing and Supply/ Graphic Section as the central ordering location allows the entire state to save money and ensure all law enforcement agencies are using the same reporting forms. The section continues to be fiscally mindful by periodically performing cost analysis on stock items, conducting cost estimates, inventory audits and updating the on-line inventory tracking system. By doing so, this ensures the allocated funds are utilized in the best possible manner and equipment is inventoried.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Master Corporal Brian Greene

The Delaware State Police Scuba Unit currently consists of 12 Troopers throughout the state. The unit’s primary responsibility is to support the Delaware State Police with search and recovery missions involving aquatic environments. Each member of the unit is a graduate of the United States Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City Beach, Florida. The Scuba Unit had a total of 31 official call-outs during 2019. Some of the highlights of 2019 included safe recoveries for multiple Troops in both the Southern and Northern parts of the state as well as multiple vehicle recoveries ranging from automobile accidents to stolen vehicle recoveries. Dive team members were also involved in multiple body recoveries throughout the state.

The Scuba Unit continues to train and utilize the newest equipment and techniques in performing their duties. Each fall, the unit conducts deep water diving in Alexandria Bay, New York with the New York State Police. Members work alongside New York Troopers as well as Troopers from surrounding states (Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, Maryland, New Jersey) taking part in deep-water body and vehicle recovery. Unit members also attended the New York State Police Ice Diving Certification course in Albany New York. Unit members conducted 5 days of under ice diving to become familiar with the dangers and challenges of ice diving. Members also performed above ice rescue operations and cold-water survival.

The unit continues to provide services to both the citizens of the State Of Delaware as well as fellow law enforcement agencies. The Scuba Unit continues to provide water survival classes to both State Police Recruits as well as local municipal agencies in the State Police Academy. The unit also supports the State Police S.O.R.T Team in both their initial testing as well as their preparation course. In the summer of 2019, the Delaware State Police Scuba Unit concluded its nearly 3 year program with the University of Delaware Marine Studies Program. Scuba Unit members placed inert ordinances on the bay floor for research into their movement in tidal waters. The Scuba unit then recovered these projects from the bay floor and turned them over to researchers for information gathering. The Scuba Unit also continues to provide rescue swimmers for the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, which raises funds for the Delaware Special Olympics.

The Scuba Unit looks forward to the challenges ahead in 2020 and will continue to train and evolve in the field of diving and recovery. Scuba team members are committed to their practice and remain confident in their abilities to respond and successfully complete any and all missions.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Sergeant Kevin Perna

he Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T.) provides the division with a team of highly skilled tactical operators, whose role is to respond to, but not limited to: hostage incidents, armed barricade incidents, high risk warrant service, high risk tactical vehicle stops, dignitary protection, surveillance assistance and any crisis situation deemed appropriate by the executive staff. During 2019, the team responded to 131 calls for service. Through professionalism, dedication, intense training and state of the art equipment, the Special Operation Response Team was able to conduct these operations successfully and safely. Training continues to be the main contributing factor for success as team members attended several training events to sharpen their skills. As a part time team, members continue to perform in an exemplary manner both in the performance of their primary duties within the division and team assignments within S.O.R.T.

The majority of the team deployments involved high-risk warrant executions and tactical vehicle stops for the Special Investigations Unit/Drug Units. The team continues to work closely with Special Investigation Units and troop commanders providing tactical support, executing search warrants, apprehending violent suspects and conducting high-risk tactical vehicle stops. Additionally, sniper-observers provided surveillance support to both the Special Investigations Units and Criminal Units statewide. Using state of the art optics and night vision equipment, sniper-observers continue to be a valuable intelligence gathering and surveillance tool.

The team conducts monthly training in the areas of hostage rescue, controlled entry techniques, covert/stealth clearing, weapons training and scenario based events. During 2019, the team focused on firearm proficiency with an emphasis on advanced tactics, live fire threat analysis/engagement, dynamic/stealth clearing techniques and close quarter combat techniques to combat the terrorist threat. The entry teams currently train two consecutive days a month with a three-day consecutive training event every quarter for a total of 224 training hours annually. The third day of quarterly training consists of explosive breaching training which is provided by the DSP Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team. EOD currently has four team members certified. Both units are mission capable in this arena. The sniper-observers train three consecutive days monthly for a total of 288 hours annually. The entry teams and sniper teams train as a full team two days during monthly training.

In June 2019, the Delaware State Police created a full-time Special Operations Response Team. This full-time team began with a total of 5 operators and one supervisor, with the intent to grow to 10 operators. This team of 6 is a subset of the overall SORT team. However, the full-time team element is able to make immediate responses to critical incidents and establish containment and control while the part-time team members make their response. The full-time team members meet with investigators throughout the state to provide guidance and assistance on the front-end of investigations that might involve the SORT team. They are also tasked with building training curriculums, not only for the entire SORT team, but the division as well. They are heavily involved with the divisional in-service training, as well as academy recruit training.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

A Criminal History Background Check is obtained through fingerprints. You must provide photo Identification, such as a valid driver’s license or State ID (from any state). You do not need a social security card or a birth certificate.

Juveniles (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent, or guardian to authorize the criminal history. Juveniles must present either one of the above types of ID’s, or a school ID is acceptable.

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Lieutenant Michael J. Wysock

The Tactical Control Unit (TCU) is currently made up of 48 sworn troopers who staff the unit on a part-time basis in addition to their regular duties. The mission of TCU is to provide the division with a trained response to mass protest events, civil disturbances, labor strikes, mass arrest events and to provide an added police presence at large scale events throughout the state. TCU is also responsible for providing security for any CDC Strategic National Stockpile deployments.

The Tactical Control Unit trains on a monthly basis in tactical formations, cordon operations, delivery of chemical and less-lethal munitions and specified security details for large events. Training also consists of qualifying with all divisionally issued firearms after donning gas masks and other issued protective equipment.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Captain Glenn Dixon

With an overall mission to reduce motor vehicle collisions, the Traffic Operations Section performs an array of diverse functions. Led by Captain Glenn Dixon and Lt. Tracy Condon, section personnel coordinate divisional traffic enforcement while conducting statewide crash record-keeping. The section also includes our Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Unit (CMVEU). Additional enhancements to roadway safety are carried out via the Electronic Red Light Safety Program (ERLSP).

2019 fatal crashes in Delaware resulted in the deaths of 133 people in 123 crashes. Driver inattention/distraction/fatigue, following too closely, and failing to yield right of way were the primary contributing circumstances for crashes in Delaware. The Delaware State Police investigated a total of 21,510 collisions in 2019. This is a reduction from the previous year. In an effort to reduce this needless suffering, the Delaware State Police participated in numerous traffic enforcement campaigns, most of which were funded through Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS). Additionally, the Division specifically targeted crash producing behaviors via monthly traffic action plans. All eight patrol troops implemented their monthly action plan based on collision trends, dangerous driving behavior, and citizen complaints that were specific to each troop’s area of responsibility. Police presence was notably increased on targeted highways through the Drive to Zero Enforcement, Pedestrian Safety Enforcement, and the Drive to Save Lives initiative. OHS also assisted with DUI, Aggressive Driving, Child Restraint, Pedestrian, and Seatbelt violation enforcement funding. These initiatives focused on holidays, summer months, special events, and identified problem areas.

Administrative personnel, working out of the DSP HQ complex in Dover, fulfill several duties and responsibilities. Among them is the development of traffic initiatives, programs and campaigns to promote increased police presence and enforcement on Delaware roadways. This is accomplished using analytical tools, including the Fatal Analysis Report System (FARS) and the Divisional Statistician. The ERLSP reviewed 78,428 red light violations with 54,869 assessments being issued via the ERLSP to assist in the efforts of overall crash reduction.

Collection, archiving, and dissemination of motor vehicle collision reports is another responsibility of the Traffic Section via three valued civilian personnel. In 2019, section personnel processed 18,489 requests for collision reports from the public, attorneys, insurance companies and government agencies. Of those requests, 17,108 reports were copied and distributed.

Commercial vehicle safety is the mission of the Traffic Section’s CMVEU. Personnel work jointly toward efforts in height, weight, length enforcement as well as Motor Carrier Safety regarding both moving violations and infractions found during commercial vehicle inspections. Personnel are responsible for the operation of the Blackbird and RT 301 weigh facilities. They also utilize portable scales to conduct commercial vehicle weight checks and ensure size regulation adherence throughout the state. In conjunction with DelDOT, Virtual Weigh Stations which include Weigh in Motion Sensors, LPR systems, DOT readers and over-height sensors, were installed at each of the weigh stations. These technologies dramatically increase the number of commercial motor vehicles that can be screened at the weigh stations, and increases the efficiency of truck enforcement operations. In addition, a Virtual Weigh Station has been installed on Rt. 1 n/b prior to the Blackbird Weigh Station, to detect commercial motor vehicles that may be in violation and to direct them to the scale house for further screening. MCSAP personnel conduct inspections of commercial vehicles and their operators at various locations throughout the state and at the Division’s two weigh facilities.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Captain Captain J. Sapp

The Delaware State Police Training Academy, located on the Headquarters complex in Dover, serves as the State’s only residential police training facility. The ‘brick and mortar’ Academy building has stood at this location since 1969 and is every bit as relevant today as it was 51 years ago. The Training Academy Table of Organization includes both the Academy and the Firearms Training Unit/Facility which is located North of Smyrna.

The 2019 Training Academy Staff consisted of the following personnel: Mrs. Susan McNatt (Administrative Specialist), Mr. James Howard (Culinary Specialist), Master Corporal Larry Walther (TAC Trooper), Master Corporal Amber Smith (TAC Trooper), Sergeant Jonathon Packard (Senior TAC Trooper), Lieutenant David Diana (Assistant Director of Training) and Captain J. Sapp (Director of Training and Delaware Council on Police Training Administrator).

During the course of 2019 the Training Academy was tasked with the training, development and ultimate law enforcement certification of seventy-one (71) women and men by way of the 92B DSP/88th Municipal and the 93rd DSP/89th Municipal Classes. Both Classes navigated the necessarily rigorous Academy experience while being exposed to roughly 1,400 hours of training. These women and men represented fourteen allied agencies from throughout the State of Delaware in addition to the Delaware State Police.

The Training Academy Staff, in addition to working diligently to ensure that all Recruits were provided with the most well-conceived and relevant training, also worked diligently to ensure that incumbent Divisional members both sworn and civilian, as well as law enforcement Officers from throughout the State and region, were afforded meaningful training opportunities throughout the year. In addition to the mandatory In-Service trainings provided, the Training Academy Staff offered eighty-one (81) elective courses for consumption in 2019. The offered courses covered a wide range of topics deemed relevant to the realities and many challenges of the law enforcement profession in 2019.

The Training Academy Staff also worked to support a host of significant endeavors during the course of 2019 such as the 15th Leadership Development Course and the 48th Trooper Youth Week program in conjunction with the American Legion.

The 2019 Firearms Training Unit Staff consisted of Senior Corporal Phillip Kebles (Firearms Instructor), Master Corporal Ronald Malkin (Firearms Instructor), Master Corporal David Myers (Firearms Instructor), Master Corporal Carey Brower (Firearms Instructor), Sergeant Edwin Justiniano (Senior Firearms Instructor) and Lieutenant Michael Wysock (F.T.U. OIC).

During the course of 2019 the Firearms Training Unit was tasked with both basic and advanced firearms training for both Recruit and incumbent personnel, progression of the Division’s employment of the ALERRT principles related to active shooter incidents, the maintenance of training/certifications related to multiple weapons systems, the responsibility for continued LEOSA (HR 218) qualifications for retired Divisional personnel, and the responsibility of re-certifying multiple firearms instructors from across the State. Moreover, the Firearms Training Unit worked to help facilitate a significant renovation of the firing range that impacted operations for a significant portion of the year.

In closing, all members of the Training Academy and Firearms Training Unit maintained their commitment to provide the most professional and relevant training to all Divisional members as well as Officers from allied agencies during 2019. While committed to the Divisions’ Core Values of Honor, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty, Attitude, Discipline and Service both teams will strive to carry their passion for training into 2020 with the goal of providing the residents of the State of Delaware with the most professionally trained law enforcement officers in the world!

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

Mr. Lonnie Judy

The section provides direct and indirect vehicle maintenance support for all eight patrol troops and Headquarters for a fleet of over 900 vehicles, consisting of a wide variety of vehicles used for patrol, special operations and day-to-day operations. Such vehicles range from pursuit rated patrol vehicles, 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles, trucks, trailers and a freight-liner mobile command posts. The day-to-day maintenance operation ensures that a safe and serviceable fleet is readily available to support the various aspects of the law enforcement services provided by Delaware State Police.

The staff also handles the purchasing, and deployment of all divisional vehicles, as well as, the deactivation and sale of vehicles that are no longer needed or are not economically feasible to maintain. The transportation section continues to conduct “tests and evaluations” on a variety of police equipment to include emergency lighting, weapon racks, safety partitions, computer consoles, radar placement and both pursuit and non-pursuit vehicle platforms to ensure that the Delaware State Police has the best equipment needed to safely serve the citizens they protect.

The Transportation Section maintains the largest cost center, it is budgeted to fund fuel, parts, repairs for all assigned vehicles and vehicle replacements. Commercial maintenance services are incorporated in to the maintenance system and used for overflow work, specialized work and the more time consuming repair tasks.

– Information obtained from 2019 DSP Annual Report –

There are eight Troops covering the entire state.

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1-800-VICTIM-1

Delaware became the “FIRST STATE” in the United States to implement a statewide Victim Center to specifically address the needs of crime victims and survivors of sudden deaths. The Delaware State Police implemented this program in 1988 with partial funding through grants from the United States Department of Justice, administered by the Delaware Criminal Justice Council .

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