Captain Charles Condon

For the Delaware State Police, 2021 marks the 51st year of the Aviation Section and the 36th 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 2021 the Section flew 4,494 missions, transported 318 trauma patients and flew 1,407 hours. The aircraft fleet consists of three Bell 429 helicopters and one 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. In addition, the Section conducts search and rescue operations, airborne security for visiting dignitaries, homeland security operations, photographic missions, narcotics interdiction, pursuit support and maritime security missions.

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

In 2021, all medics attended training at the University of Maryland Baltimore County 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 2021, the DSP Tactical Medics had a total of 132 activations.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and Narcan Deployments
The Delaware State Police Aviation Section oversees the Division’s AED and Narcan program. In 2021 Troopers deployed their Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) a total of 29 times. They also deployed Narcan a total of 52 times during the calendar year.

Infectious Disease Exposures
The Section also manages the Division’s infectious disease exposure responses. During calendar year 2021, the Delaware State Police managed a total of 46 confirmed infectious disease exposures.

– Information obtained from 2021 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

The Delaware State Police K-9 Section was established in 1925. The primary function of the unit is to assist Federal, State, County and Local law enforcement agencies whenever the service of a police canine is required. The versatility, teachability and unrelenting drive of these animals has proven to enhance the level of service provided by the men and women of the Delaware State Police.

Today, the Section is housed on the grounds of the Delaware State Police Headquarters complex in Dover. The Section is under the direction of senior trainer Cpl/3 Jeffrey Miller and Cpl/3 Robert Kunicki. These Troopers are responsible for conducting monthly update training and annual recertification for 31 DSP canine teams and 18 Municipal canine teams.

Members of the K-9 section are instrumental in providing a host of services to include drug detection, search and rescue, fugitive apprehension, explosive detection and community engagement. Presently, the DSP K-9 Sections (31) handlers are comprised of the following training disciplines:
• Dual Purpose Patrol / Explosive K9 Teams: 4
• Dual Purpose Patrol / Narcotics K9 Teams: 14
• Single Purpose Explosive K9 Teams: 6
• Single Purpose Narcotics K9 Teams: 3
• Patrol apprehensions: 76

In 2021, the section was responsible for the following noteworthy accomplishments:
2021 DSP K-9 Unit Seizure Summary
Marijuana (Grams) 83,370
Crack (Grams) 720.16
Cocaine (Grams) 14,768
Heroin (Grams) 293.23
Meth (Grams) 622.33
MDMA (Grams) 19.53
Currency $1,154,148

In addition to meeting the Divisions operational needs, the section continued to facilitate both in-service and initial certification courses. During 2021, the section provided the following training:
• (49) teams attended reoccurring monthly in-service training
• Two handlers received certification for narcotics detection
• Five handlers received certification for explosive detection
• All Section members attended update training provided by the National Police Canine Association (Patrol, Explosive and Narcotics)

The men and women of the DSP K-9 unit anxiously await the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2022. Through training and on-going self-assessment, the Section will continue to provide the highest level of partnership and law enforcement service.

Information obtained from 2021 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 2021:

RECOM (Staffing 24 Full time and 1 Casual Seasonal Position)
• Total Incidents Dispatched 74,168
• Total Incidents Handled Without Dispatch 45,015
• Total Incidents Handled 119,183
• Total 9-1-1 Calls Received 390,233
• Total Admin Calls 121,170

KENTCOM (Staffing 24 Full time and 1 Casual Seasonal Position)
• Total Incidents Dispatched 93,758
• Total Incidents Handled Without Dispatch 22,239
• Total Incidents Handled 115,997
• Total 9-1-1 Calls Received 99,438
• Total DSP Admin Calls 85,320

SUSCOM (Staffing 24 Full time and 1 Casual Seasonal Position)
• Total Incidents Dispatched 103,032
• Total Incidents Handled Without Dispatch 31,540
• Total Incidents Handled 134,572
• Total 9-1-1 Calls Received 124,878
• Total Admin Calls 118,211

HQ Communication is located at the DEMA building in Smyrna. There are 14 Full time Center personnel. Some of the Center’s responsibilities are for State-wide data entry into Deljis and monitoring the 24x7x365 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.

Here is a breakdown of the activities for HQ Communications for 2021:
• RISSafe Conflicts – 9
• RISSafe Operations by Delaware Agencies – 330
• RISSafe Operations entered by HQ Comm – 194
• Medical Examiners Office Calls Managed – 4,057
• Victim Services Calls Managed – 425

The Communication Management team consists of the Chief of Communication, Asst. Chief of Communication and a Manager for each Center, which amounts to six full time positions.

The Communications Section is currently involved in the process of conducting a technical upgrade for the entire 800MHz radio system. As a result of this new technology, all current XTS portables and Spectra Mobile radios will need to be replaced by the end of 2024. The Communication Section is working with DivCom in preparation to meet the requirements. This is an ongoing project. As part of the project, the State of Delaware is replacing the legacy portables for Patrol Troopers.

– Information obtained from 2021 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

Sergeant Kristin Smith

The Delaware State Police Conflict Management Team is a part time unit composed of 14 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, other special operations units and our partners from allied agencies. In recent years, the Delaware State Police Conflict Management Team hasenriched relationships with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI – Baltimore), the Department of Corrections, the New Castle County Police Department 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. The Conflict Management Team is working to ensure all members have also received training in Crisis Intervention (CIT) and for those eligible Veterans Response Training (VRT). This training assists in diversifying our personnel in communication and negotiation skills. The team, with the assistance of New Castle County Police Department Negotiators & Department of Corrections Negotiators hosted the five-day basic hostage negotiations course open to all state agencies. A 16-hour course was also instructed for communications specialists (911 dispatchers) focusing on basic negotiations and communications skills during critical incidents.

Beyond monthly training efforts, the Delaware State Police Conflict Management Team usually is afforded the opportunity to the FBI’s two-day hostage negotiations conference in Baltimore County MD. However, due to the on-going pandemic, Baltimore County & the FBI made the tough decision to cancel the conference again. At this time, it appears no training will be offered in February 2022 either.

In 2021, members of the Conflict Management Team maintained availability on a 24-hour basis and were utilized on seven (7) incidents involving subjects experiencing mental health disorders. In addition to team callouts, various team members provided specific direction during patrol responses to persons in crisis, eliminating the need for full scale responses. Entering 2022, the Conflict Management Team would like to recruit a few more skilled Troopers to join the team, should the opportunity arise.

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.

– Information obtained from 2021 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 Ms. Julie Willey, the Crime Lab is staffed by three additional 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 2021, they received 1,829 blood evidence kits for review and analyzed all those samples for blood alcohol content. 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. The Crime Lab currently has a project underway that will upgrade and replace all of the Intoxilyzers in the state. As a result of the statewide services provided by members of the Crime Lab, the staff received 420 subpoenas to appear in Delaware courts during 2021.

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 a 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 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Sergeant Francis L. Fuscellaro II

The 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 (retired December 2021) lead the Delaware State Police Critical Incident Stress Management Team, which presently consists of 24 sworn and 4 civilian members who have received training endorsed by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. The team lost Capt. Alice Brumbley and Sgt Kelly Wells due to retirement this year, both of whom were very active with assisting first responders throughout the State with CISM services.

In 2021 the Team was contacted by Beebe Health Care reference assisting them with hosting a 2-day Group Crisis Intervention Course. Sgt Fuscellaro II worked with Melissa Blades reference organizing the course which was held at the Lewes Library and was attended by both members from Beebe Health Care as well as Team members.

During the course of 2021, the Team responded to approximately 56 incidents, which included 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 most significant responses for the Team in 2021 were officer involved shootings. Some of these incidents made national news which brought a lot of attention to them.

The Covid pandemic has also increased the need for mental health support for first responders. The Team assisted multiple Troopers and Officers with personal issues, some incidents were referred to EAP or the Team’s Mental Health Provider, Dr. Ellen Marshall.

Dr. Ellen Marshall, who served as the Head of the Psychology Department for Delaware Technical and Community College, continues to work closely with the Delaware State Police CISM Team as well as other Teams in the State. She serves as the Team’s Mental Health Coordinator in a volunteer capacity. 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 126 for calendar year 2021.

– Information obtained from 2021 DSP Annual Report

Lieutenant Thomas Paskevicius

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 2021, Division of Gaming Enforcement detectives investigated a total of 223 complaints. Five of the highest crime drivers for complaints in 2021 were larceny, gambling, trespass, fraud and vandalism offenses. In addition to these types of offenses, the investigations conducted by the detectives also involved numerous other types of offenses including assault, disorderly conduct, 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 must forfeit any winnings.

With the Covid-19 crisis still existing throughout 2021, all three Delaware casinos were able to remain open with numerous safety protocols in place.

– Information obtained from 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Sergeant Frank L. Fuscellaro II

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 neighborhood areas of New Castle County. The Units eleven 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 2021 the DSP-EOD team was called into service 147 times. This does not include the FBI mandatory training (36 days a year) plus 40 hours of Advanced Training. This is a significant increase in calls from the previous year. This increase of calls is likely due to numerous large events starting back up after being canceled because of the Covid-19 Pandemic and assisting the United State Secret Service with Presidential details.

In 2021, the team took on three new members Cpl/2 Daniel Blomquist, Cp1 Tyler Akins, and TFC Wade Dryden, in preparation ofreplacing the teams’ retiring technicians, OIC Sgt Christopher Ennis, Cpl/3 Jon Penrod, and Cpl/3 Alex Argo. Sgt Ennis served as the OIC for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team for the past 19 years until his retirement in June of 2021. During his time as OIC he improved the equipment and training that the team members received, which helped make the team as proficient as they are
today. Sgt Francis L Fuscellaro II was named his replacement in July of 2021.

All members of the team, except for the officer in charge are part time. Team members keep their skills honed by attending three days of intense technical training each month and at least 80 hours of advanced training per year. Maintaining this level of proficiency and operational tempo in addition to their full-time assignment is a testament to their dedication and commitment to the team, the Division and the citizens of Delaware.

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/barricade incidents.

As a special section within the Delaware State Police, Unit members proactively evaluate evolving technology to determine if and how new tools can be used to perform this mission set safer and more efficiently. Such is the case with lightweight drones. All DSP bomb technicians hold a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification which is required for all commercial and government drone operators. Most of the team members have become certified drone operators. These drones will be a game changer not only for traditional law enforcement but for special operations units as well. Whether it is surveying damage following a natural disaster, looking for survivors in residential areas inaccessible by conventional vehicles or helping to locate a missing child or lost senior citizen, drones can be deployed quickly and efficiently by certified operators leaving the Delaware State Police helicopters available to respond to life threatening emergency situations.

The Delaware State Police EOD Team has shown adaptability and ingenuity by growing with this continuously evolving field and using the technology in our arsenal to assist law enforcement with protecting the citizens and visitors of this state. In 2021, our team provided assistance to uniformed patrol, the Tactical Control Unit and the SORT Team during the many protests that occurred throughout the year. Today’s threats are more alarming than ever before due to the ingenuity of our adversaries and easy access to explosive materials worldwide.

In fact, DSP has been recognized as a leader in our profession by using techniques outside of the traditional EOD paradigm. By continuing to update our specialized equipment and attending advanced training, our EOD Team will remain prepared to face threats against our communities and critical infrastructure facilities at a moment’s notice. Our motto of “Initial Success or Total Failure” is a constant reminder to our technicians of the perilous challenges they must successfully conquer with every mission. Failure is not an option.

– Information obtained from 2021 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 –

Mrs. Irene McDonald

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 2021, members of the Section continued to support the Delaware State Police Executive Staff by supplying cost estimates associated with current 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.

Sandra L. Frazier retired from Delaware State Police as of December 31, 2021, after 52 years of service. She served in many capacities for Delaware State Police. Most notably, ending her career as Senior Fiscal Administrative Officer

– Information obtained from 2021 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 Geoffrey Biddle and retired Detective Nick Lano as the IBIS technicians 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 2020, 10,970 firearms related investigations have been submitted to the FFSU for examination. During 2021, an additional 1,189 firearms related cases were submitted for evaluation. This included 71 murder investigations, 876 firearms, 4,414 fired cartridge cases and 836 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, 96 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 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Related Information:

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

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Captain Darren Short

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.

The Homicide Unit Commander is Captain Darren Short with Sergeant Steve Yeich assigned as the first line supervisor. Sgt. Yeich is complimented with Detective Roy Lowe, the Evidence Technician, and Detectives Mark Ryde, Brian McDerby, Dan Grassi and Mark Csapo. Retired Homicide Unit Investigator Michael Maher works 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.

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 2021, the Homicide Unit investigated 56 new cases and 6 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 Baltimore Police Department, Mountain View, CA Police Department, Milwaukee Police Department, Bensalem Police Department, Maryland State Police, Philadelphia Police Department, Brooking (SD) Police and Waterbury (CT) Police. Agencies from within Delaware included Blades PD, Smyrna PD, Clayton PD, Georgetown PD and Bridgeville PD.

Of the 56 new cases investigated, 33 were homicide investigations, involving 34 victims. The Homicide Unit was able to clear 24 of these cases and additional clearances are forthcoming as investigators continue to piece together evidence. The Unit also investigated 3 police officer involved use of force cases, 6 death investigations and 2 attempted murder cases. In addition, three cases from previous years were adjudicated in the court system with findings of guilt or guilty pleas during 2021.

This year the Homicide Unit hosted the 25th Annual Homicide Conference in Rehoboth Beach. This annual event is recognized as one of the premiere conferences in the nation dealing with the investigation of suspicious deaths. Several nationally recognized speakers presented on topics including crime scene management, domestic related homicides, cellular phone evidence analysis as well as overviews of several nationally known cases.

Within the DSP Homicide Section is the Forensic Firearms Services Unit (FFSU). 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 Geoffrey Biddle and retired Detective Nick Lano as the IBIS technicians 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 2020, 10,970 firearms related investigations have been submitted to the FFSU for examination. During 2021, an additional 1,189 firearms related cases were submitted for evaluation. This included 71 murder investigations, 876 firearms, 4,414 fired cartridge cases and 836 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, 96 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.

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 Ms. Julie Willey, the Crime Lab is staffed by three additional 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 2021, they received 1,829 blood evidence kits for review and analyzed all those samples for blood alcohol content. 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. The Crime Lab currently has a project underway that will upgrade and replace all of the Intoxilyzers in the state. As a result of the statewide services provided by members of the Crime Lab, the staff received 420 subpoenas to appear in Delaware courts during 2021.

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 a 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.

As we move into 2022, the members of the Delaware State Police Homicide Section remain committed to serving the residents and visitors of our state with the highest quality of service possible. Unit members worked tirelessly amid the many challenges of 2021 and 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 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Captain Jason H. Sapp

During the course of 2021, the Delaware State Police Honor Guard Unit was comprised of 53 active members statewide.

To be selected to join the Unit, members must demonstrate exceptional maintenance of their uniforms and equipment, strong Trooper 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 urn/casket watch, to conduct flag folds and to conduct rifle volleys.

During the course of 2021, and in the face of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, Unit members were still able to successfully conduct four in-service training sessions and participated in 48 total events. The unit participated in DSP annual memorial service events in May at the DSP Academy and in December during the St. Polycarp’s Memorial Mass. In addition, the Unit participated in numerous other events including conferences, promotional ceremonies and recruit class graduations.

In September the Unit hosted the 2021 Sgt. Rodney H. Bond #448 National Honor Guard Conference at the Delaware State Troopers Association Hall. Delaware Troopers and municipal Officers were joined this year by Troopers from Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Virginia. The instruction provided to this year’s 53 conference attendees was supplemented by adjunct instructors from the Indiana, Maine and New Hampshire State Police.

Unfortunately, in 2021 Ms. Karen Neiman, a long-time, civilian employee assigned to Headquarters Communications passed away. Unit members provided a ceremonial presence at her services. The Unit was also called into service to handle all ceremonial aspects for the funeral of Governor Ruth Ann Minner who also passed away. The Unit also helped Honor two additional family members who left us in 2021 – Mr. Joseph Allione Sr., father of Corporal Frances Collender and little Ryder Yencer, the newborn son of Corporal Brandon Yencer and his wife Autumn.

Unit members were called upon to lay the following retired Divisional members to rest during 2021 as well: Staff Captain Gerald Winnington, Captain Lynn Bullock, Captain Paul Kane, Captain Wilson Murray Jr., Lieutenant Robert Yonkers, Sergeant George Brewington Jr., Sergeant Jack Hampton, Sergeant James Phalan, Sergeant William Sherkey, Sergeant Barry Smith and Corporal Tim Staniszewski. These eleven Troopers served the citizens of Delaware admirably and Unit members did their best to honor that service one final time!

Lastly, members of the Honor Guard Unit represented the Division at the funeral services for the following brother and sisters that were killed in the line of duty during 2021: Corporal Keith Heacook (Delmar PD), Officer Ella French (Chicago PD), Trooper James Monda (New York State Police), Sergeant Brian Mohl (Connecticut State Police) and Trooper Dung Martinez (Pennsylvania State Police).

– Information obtained from 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Trooper Recruiting Civilian Employment

 

Captain Benjamin Parsons

The Delaware State Police (DSP) Human Resources Section (HR) provides a full array of critical services to 738 Troopers, 243 civilian employees and 40 casual seasonal (part-time) employees.

These services include:
Onboarding activities:
• Recruiting, application processing, testing, pre-employment background investigations including polygraph examinations and new employee orientation
Benefits and payroll:
• Extra duty monitoring and workers’ compensation
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Separation and retirement processing
Labor relations:
• Early Warning System compliance
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission compliance
• Internal transfers
• Promotional competitions
• Career development
• Wellness programs and fitness monitoring

DSP – HR is committed to excellence and anchored by a small team of dedicated sworn & civilian employees providing administrative support for 1,021 employees. This section is also comprised of a Recruiting-Application and Polygraph-Background Investigative (BGI) Unit. BGI is routinely comprised of nine part-time retired Delaware State Trooper investigators. These investigators are tasked with conducting comprehensive investigations on all potential employees of the Division. However, during peak times of applicant processing, Troopers from around the state are temporarily transferred to HR to conduct background investigations on prospective Recruit Troopers. In 2021, 102 (68 sworn, 34 civilian) pre-employment background investigations were completed that underwent multiple levels of review to ensure impartial employment decisions.

The Polygraph Unit Detectives are all nationally certified examiners assigned to DSP-HR. They are embedded within Criminal Investigative (CI) Troops across the state. This placement facilitates utilization of their skillset by CI Detective Units who apply polygraph analysis to support criminal investigations. The Polygraph Unit is comprised of one Sergeant, two full time examiners and two part time examiners. Collectively, this work group conducted 168 applicant polygraph examinations and 29 requests for criminal investigatory polygraphs in 2021.

Additionally, DSP–HR is responsible for managing internal transfer screening processes. When special unit positions for Troopers become vacant, eligible Troopers submit required paperwork to HR for screening. Deputy Director of HR Lt. Kristin Willard assisted by HR Administrative Specialist II Ms. Sara Nash, select a diverse and demographically applicable review panel to provide advisement to the Executive Staff regarding each candidate. This panel reviews the submitted paperwork, endorsements, and evaluations to ensure the candidate meets all prerequisite qualifications. In some circumstances, oral boards are also utilized to evaluate the candidate. In 2021, 36 review panels were conducted to fill operational needs.

DSP Recruiters, with the aid and support of part-time Trooper Recruiters and despite a global pandemic, participated in 72 recruiting events in 2021. 531 applications for position of Trooper were processed in 2021 leading to the selection of 15 Recruit Troopers for the 96th DSP Recruit Class and 20 for the 97th Class. Combined, these 35 new troopers brought DSP closer to its full complement of authorized positions.

DSP-HR processed over 442 applications to hire 32 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 experiences the highest turnover of employees, which keeps the section busy with testing, backgrounds and interviews. DSP-HR continues to progress with JobAps, which is an online application process. This software increases management efficiency with the labor-intensive application process while providing a user friendly environment for DSP applicants.

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 future generations of Troopers.

– Information obtained from 2021 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. David Hake. The Criminal Intelligence section, which includes various investigative and support units is supervised by Lt. Dan Sponaugle. Lt. Dale Toomey is responsible for oversight of the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), which encompasses special projects and the Delaware State Police Enhanced Analytical Response (SPEAR) Program. 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 as 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 Investigation. The Unit also continues a state partnership dedicated to the investigation of firearm violence in Delaware.

In 2021, the Section continued a program to deploy three sworn members 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 partnerships with criminal investigators. These Troopers have also been instrumental in providing reports to DSP leadership to aid in the deployment of resources in response to criminal events and trends.

The Homeland Security Unit consists of the state designated fusion center, Delaware Information 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.

The Delaware State Police Intelligence Terrorism Liaison Program is managed by Cpl/1 Dan Blomquist. Dan was instrumental in providing training and education to a wide array of private and public sector 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.

During 2021, 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 coordinated these efforts and was a dedicated professional, conducting vulnerability assessments and managing special projects before his retirement in March.

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 primary duty 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 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 of a large area of responsibility.

The Criminal Intelligence Section was proud of their ability to provide proactive criminal investigations, valuable case support and the facilitation of an information sharing environment in 2021. 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. This model is rooted in defined accountability established through policy and the utilization of evidence based policing models to address crime and traffic safety issues.

In 2021, 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 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Mr. James Cashnelli

The Information Technology Section is comprised of 4 Teams – End User Services, Network Operations, Applications Support/Programming and Mobile Technologies. There are 13 full-time employees, 9 casual-seasonal employees and 1 contracted hire, all civilians, working for DSP IT.

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

End User Services is comprised of 2 groups. The first group is the Helpdesk, which consists of 2 full time employees, Jonathan Gafford and Andreah Smith and 5 casual-seasonal employees, Linda Dove, Susan Outten, Michael Kosior, Mollie Reed and a currently open C/S position. The second group is Digital Evidence, which consist of 2 full time employees, Jon Wyatt and Kerri Lussier.

The Network Operations team is comprised of 3 full time employees, John Caskey, Ian Smith and Trevor Glacken.

The Applications Support/Programming team is comprised of 2 full time employees, Mary Stewart and Paul Cookson, and one full time contracted hire, Sean Beamer. There is also an open casual seasonal CAD specialist position available with this team.

Finally, the Mobile Technologies team is comprised of 1 full time employee, Ronald Scarpitti, who oversees 3 casual seasonal employees, Joseph Huber, Jim Rossi and 1 currently vacant open position.

Ken Allen, Marissa Warren, and Jim Cashnelli comprise the Management team for IT.

New legislation regarding body worn cameras has also allocated an additional 12 Digital Evidence Technicians and 2 Digital Evidence Supervisors positions for IT. At the time of this report, these positions were not yet posted however we anticipate them being posted in early 2022 as the body worn camera program ramps up. These new positions will be part of the Client Services team. The 2 Digital Evidence Supervisors will report to Marissa Warren with the 12 Digital Evidence Technicians reporting to the Digital Evidence Supervisors. 8 Digital Evidence Technicians and 1 Supervisor will be allocated to supporting DSP specifically while the remaining 3 technicians and Supervisor will support DSHS under guidance from DSP IT.

In 2021, IT completed 19 projects, closed out 3,341 support tickets and processed 5,934 digital evidence requests. Completed projects include migrating all users to Office 365, transition from Skype to Teams, Troop 9 and Troop 6 network upgrades, implementation of a new Supply/Inventory Management system, migration of DSP servers to the DTI data center, migration of File shares from servers to Isilon, installation of a new backup system, continued assistance with the deployment of Fleet vehicles for Patrol and the first deployments of VDI at Troop 3.

IT has several key initiatives in que for 2022. We will be continuing our rollout of VDI to other troops and users at DSP, this will be an on-going effort moving forward as we look to replace the traditional PC with VDI. Body worn cameras will be the major initiative for 2022 as we ramp up procurement and rollout of these devices.

Also, for 2022, DSP will be shifting gears away from COBAN will be implementing Axon systems for all digital evidence, which includes in-car cameras, body worn cameras and interview rooms. IT also sees potential migration opportunities to the cloud for various DSP applications like AFIS and SmartForce (these are still in the initial discovery and information gathering stages). And finally, we continue to work with DTI on the Governor’s IT consolidation (ITC) initiative. DTI anticipates working towards DSP ITC in FY ‘24.

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 to the efforts of the men and women of DSP IT who regularly go above and beyond to make sure all the Division’s IT needs are met as quickly and seamlessly as possible, thus, allowing the Division to focus on its primary responsibility of Law Enforcement.

– Information obtained from 2021 DSP Annual Report –

The Deputy Attorney General assigned to the Division serves as counsel in a multitude of ways to include the following:
• The Deputy provides advice to the Division on all civil matters to include matters involving active litigation.
• The Deputy assists Internal Affairs in prosecuting disciplinary matters before Trial Boards and assisting, where needed, with its investigations and case reviews. The Deputy also represents Internal Affairs in any disciplinary appeals to the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security.
• The Deputy advises the Executive Staff on legislative and contract issues and assists the Division with the promulgation of new policies and the review and updating of existing policies as needed.
• The Deputy advises Human Resources on a variety of federal and state matters, including issues arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family Medical Leave Act, Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and federal and state anti-discrimination laws.
• The Deputy also assists Human Resources in responding to charges of discrimination filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Delaware Department of Labor.
• The Deputy advises the State Bureau of Identification on Sex Offender Registry, Firearms Transaction Approval Program and expungement matters. The Deputy also provides advise to the Professional Licensing Unit on professional regulation issues.
• The Deputy provides training, including Crisis Intervention Training, use-of-force training and other in-service training to Divisional members through the Training Academy.
• The Deputy serves as counsel to the Council on Police Training, the Special Law Enforcement Assistance Fund, the Board of Examiners of Constables, the Board of Examiners of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies and Bail Enforcement Agents.
• With respect to Freedom of Information Act requests and civil subpoenas, the Deputy Attorney General is assisted by the Division’s Paralegal and FOIA Coordinator. The assigned Paralegal/Coordinator serves an essential function in facilitating FOIA requests and subpoena responses.

– Information obtained from 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Sergeant Kevin A. Perna

The purpose of the Delaware State Police Legislative Liaison Planning Section 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 15th 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 #124– This Act prohibits a person who is the subject of a Protection from Abuse Order of the Family Court and who knows or has reason to know, that the Order has been issued from purchasing, owning, possessing, or controlling a deadly weapon or ammunition for a firearm in this State. This Act also prohibits the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant, active indictment or information related to a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from purchasing a firearm. The subject of the pending criminal process must know or have reason to know that the process is pending in order for the prohibition to apply.

HB #125 –Section 1 of this bill establishes the crimes of possession of an unfinished firearm frame or receiver with no serial number, possession of and manufacturing a covert or undetectable firearm, possession of and manufacturing an untraceable firearm, and manufacturing or distributing a firearm using a three-dimensional printer. This bill also makes it a crime to possess a firearm frame or receiver with a removed, obliterated, or altered serial number. This bill makes very limited exceptions to the requirement that certain guns have serial numbers which are: (1) Firearms manufactured before 1968; (2) Muzzle loaders that only use black powder, and antique replicas. Finally, this bill makes clear that § 1463 of Title 11 concerning untraceable firearms does not apply to members of the military forces or members of a police force in this State duly authorized to carry an untraceable firearm and does not apply to the manufacture or importation for sale to a law-enforcement or military entity in this State. Section 2 is a severability clause. Section 3 provides that Section 1459A of Title 11, which is possession of an unfinished firearm frame or receiver with no serial number, takes effect 90 days after the Act’s enactment into law.

SB 147 – This Act codifies a reasonableness requirement for the use of force, both non-lethal and lethal. This is important when the state of mind is an issue in a criminal trial, such as when the judge or jury must decide as to what someone believed, knew, or intended at a given time. The justification law as currently written uses the term “defendant believes” throughout its several sections. This Act makes it clear that the determination of one’s state of mind is an objective standard — that is, what a reasonable person would have believed, rather than what the defendant believed. Additionally, this Act makes clear that deadly force includes the use of a chokehold.

SB #195 – This Act requires certain police officers and some certain employees of the Department of Correction and Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families to wear a body worn camera and to use the body worn camera to record interactions with a member of the public in accordance with the regulations to be established by the Council on Police Training. This Act requires state agencies to implement the statewide body worn camera program through the procurement of cameras, development of a central data storage program, and provision of necessary personnel as funding is available. This Act tasks the Council on Police Training with creating and promulgating regulations setting forth standards for body worn camera use by Delaware’s police officers and some certain employees of the Department of Correction and Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families with the goal of ensuring widespread and consistent use of body worn cameras in 2022. This Act also makes changes to the membership of the Council on Police Training by adding the following members to the Council: the Chairs of the House and Senate Public Safety Committees, 2 public members unaffiliated with law enforcement appointed by the Governor each for a 3-year term. This bill also changes the membership of the Council by changing two positions to be permanently held by mayors from Kent or Sussex County. The bill also changes the quorum from 7 to 9 members.

– Information obtained from 2021 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 the 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 2021, Captain Sean Duffy, Lieutenant Philip Dzielak, Lieutenant John McColgan, Lieutenant Matthew Fuski and Ms. Debra Hughes 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 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. In 2021, the Office of Professional Responsibility investigated 11 citizen’s complaints and 17 administrative complaints.

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Captain J. Sapp

The present-day Planning Section consists of three distinct work groups, namely Community Outreach, Inspections and Accreditation and Planning. The Planning Section reports directly to the Deputy Superintendent and provides support to the entire Delaware State Police Executive Staff. Mid-year Captain J. Sapp replaced Captain Michael Reader as the Planning Section Chief following Captain Reader’s return to Patrol as the Troop 9 Commander.

Community Outreach Unit
During the course of 2021, the Community Outreach Unit consisted of Master Corporal Rickey Hargis, Master Corporal Robert Colmery, Master Corporal Alfonso Jones and Master Corporal Lewis Briggs III. Oversight of these Troops fell to Sergeant Gregory Earle.

The Delaware State Police believes that building partnerships and relationships with stakeholders throughout the State is vital to our organization’s success. Whether the stakeholders represent communities, industry or faith-based organizations it is critical that the Division and its members build strong alliances with those who support us as well as those who will offer honest feedback and if necessary criticism of the organization in the hopes of making it better!

Since the Unit’s inception in 2015, Unit members have consistently strived to not only build relationships but to also maintain them. While outreach is the means engagement, particularly long-term, meaningful engagement is the desired outcome.

While the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the Unit’s ability to ‘engage’ during 2021 the Troops assigned to the Unit pivoted to remain committed to engaging community groups, houses of worship and other entities through virtual means. And while overall in-person activity was impacted, programs such as the Honorary Commander Program still took place. In 2021, ten individuals were selected to serve as the Divisions Honorary Commanders, serving alongside of Troop Commanders from each Troop. The overarching goal of the program is to expose these leaders from throughout the State to the Division and, in turn, generate an exchange of ideas.

The 2021 Honorary Commanders, whose terms will continue through December 2022 are:
• Mr. Barton Reese – Troop 1
• Mr. Bobby Pancake – Troop 2
• Mr. Chad Robinson – Troop 3
• Ms. Debbie Botchie – Troop 4
• Pastor Isaac Ross – Troop 5
• Senator Spiros Mantzavinos – Troop 6
• ‘Coach’ Bill Collick – Troop 7
• Councilman Joshua Mertz – Troop 9
• Ms. Sade Truitt – Headquarters

The Unit also continued its work with the Kent County Advisory Board, a group of invested stakeholders that meet with Unit members quarterly to discuss wide-ranging topics of interest and concern to both the Division and their respective constituencies. The hope is to expand this approach to New Castle and possibly Sussex County in 2022.

Inspections and Accreditation Unit
The Inspections and Accreditation Unit is comprised of Sergeant William Nottingham and Master Corporal Patricia Sennet-Wysock.

The Unit’s primary responsibility is to assure that the Division’s policies and procedures comply with the roughly 1,500, very specific, standards established by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). 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 police agency in Delaware to attain CALEA accreditation. Maintenance of that accreditation is an on-going commitment consisting of a self assessment, annual reviews by CALEA and a comprehensive on-site assessment by CALEA assessors every four years. During this “Advanced Accreditation” process 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 four years to ‘on the ground’ assessors.

Sergeant Nottingham and Master Corporal Sennet-Wysock manage the CALEA process by maintaining files and proof for each standard. That involves, in part, the continuous updating of written directives, review of all new policies for compliance and the initiation of Troop, vehicle and evidence storage locker inspections as required.

In addition to the external collaboration with CALEA, Sergeant Nottingham and Master Corporal Sennet-Wysock are also responsible for maintaining, reviewing, revising/updating and distributing all Divisional policies and standard operating procedures as needed.

Planning Unit
During the course of 2021, Sergeant Mark Justice served as the sole, full-time member of the Planning Unit – “One Statie one Project!”

In simple terms, the Planning Unit exists to support the Delaware State Police Executive Staff whether that be through internal/external research, Divisional policy review/development or event coordination. In 2021, and in spite of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Planning was able to support a multitude of Divisional events, to include our two annual memorial services, promotional ceremonies and the 2021 Honorary Commander induction ceremony.

Sergeant Justice also managed the Division’s long-standing ‘Trooper and Civilian Forums.’ These forums offer members of the Division with opportunities, on behalf of the larger rank and file, to bring issues of concern directly to the members of the Executive Staff. The overall goals of these forums are to improve the overall effectiveness of the Division while at the same time increasing employee satisfaction.

Sergeant Justice also remained active in the State & Provincial Police Planning Officers Section of the International Association of Chief’s of Police during the course of 2021. His involvement in that organization, and others like it, allow the Division to share its successes nationally and allows us to learn from other agencies across the continent.

Lastly, Sergeant Justice was also responsible for generating a year end Citizen Satisfaction Survey which affords the Executive Staff an opportunity to assess the overall effectiveness of Divisional personnel. This survey, which is made available to any member of the public, is one of the mechanisms that allow the Division to engage in agency-wide self-reflection where necessary.

– Information obtained from 2021 DSP Annual Report – 

Master Corporal Gary Fournier

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.

Master Corporal Gary Fournier is the Interim 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.

Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell serves as the primary New Castle County Public Information Officer and Master Corporal Heather Pepper 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 is also tasked with the following responsibilities:
• Prepares press releases and public service announcements
• Responds to media and public inquiries
• Assists field personnel with local media relations
• Coordinates press conferences
• Serves as liaison with other government agency public relation offices
• Hosts and coordinates Divisional and public events and ceremonies
• Coordinates the Delaware Amber Alert Program
• Coordinates community outreach efforts
• Facilitates the Citizen’s Police Academy
• Creates and maintains a social media strategy
• Creates and publishes Face Book posts relevant to current issues
• Creates and publishes Nextdoor.com posts relevant to communities
• Creates and publishes relevant and current traffic advisories on Twitter.com
• Attends relevant training as well as remaining current with in-service training

In 2021, the Public Information Office created and disseminated over (1,100) news releases on DSPnewsroom.com and over 1,600 Facebook posts. The Delaware State Police Twitter.com and Nextdoor.com sites 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 uphold the pride and tradition that has been embodied in the Delaware State Police since its inception in 1923.

– Information obtained from 2021 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 Divisional members with what is necessary to conduct day to day business. The Section is staffed with five civilians: Kimberly Cuffee- Purchasing Administrator, Deborah Dennis- Purchasing Services Coordinator, George Blanchfield- Supply Technician, Suzanne Webster- Graphics Artist and William Wright- Supply & Transportation Clerk. With only having five employees, this Section can streamline operations and cross train to meet the growing needs and demands of the Division’s 960 + employees.

The Section’s FY’21 combined budget purchased supplies, equipment and services 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 reviewing and approving purchases to ensure they meet the state purchasing laws, tracking purchases made using grant funding, reviewing specifications for new contracts, 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, reconciles and maintains 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 Training Academy Recruit Classes.

The duties of the Graphics Section are consistently evolving and increasing to meet the demands of the Division. Some of the main responsibilities of the Graphic Section consist of providing and designing printed material, maintaining the State Police website, identification photos, and many other related tasks. With the addition of advanced printing equipment, the Division is now able to print vehicle graphics in-house, therefore saving time and money. 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 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Master Corporal Brian Greene

The Delaware State Police Scuba Unit currently consists of 13 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 18 official callouts during the 2021 calendar year. Some of the highlights of 2021 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 with 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 and New Jersey) taking part in deepwater 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 coldwater survival.

The Scuba Unit continues to advance in the use of surfaced supplied diving. The Scuba Team currently has a total of three Kirby Morgan KM37SS Dive Helmets in rotation and have become efficient in both their use and maintenance. The Delaware State Police Scuba Unit currently has three members that are certified through Divelab located in Panama City Beach Florida. These three technicians are certified in the proper technique and skills needed to break down and rebuild the Kirby Morgan Dive Helmet. The use of this equipment in various evolutions provides both efficiency as well as safety to the divers.

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 through 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 2021, the Delaware State Police Scuba Unit grouped with the State Police K9 Section to introduce the division’s K-9’S to the maritime and aquatic environments. State Police K-9’s and their partners were deployed from vessels into varying aquatic situations to familiarize themselves with the challenges of water apprehensions. The Scuba Unit also continues to provide rescue swimmers for the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, which raises funds for the Delaware Special Olympics.

The Delaware State Police Scuba Unit took custody of the Tritech DMD (Diver Mounted Display) Sonar System. The Delaware State Police is one of two teams in the country utilizing the DMD technology. This system attaches to the side of the diver’s mask/helmet and emits an image that the diver is able to view through an optic. This system has proved successful in multiple details including vehicle and body recoveries.

The Scuba Unit looks forward to the challenges ahead in 2022 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 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Sergeant Kevin Perna

The 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 2021, the team responded to 209 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 routinely pursue training opportunities to sharpen their skills.

Presently, the unit is comprised of 24 members. This compliment consists of (10) full-time and (14) part-time members. The full-time members are responsible for mission planning, threat assessment, outreach and overall preparation and delivery of curriculum. The full-time members are specifically involved with the facilitation of Divisional in-service training as well as Academy based recruit training. The Unit has hosted tactical training for each county’s special investigative units as well as patrol shield operations and less-lethal impact munitions. The 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. The team continues to work closely with the various investigative sections to provide 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 Investigation sections statewide. Using state of the art optics and night vision equipment, sniper-observers continue to be a valuable intelligence gathering and surveillance tool.

At the end of 2020 and throughout 2021 the team was also heavily relied upon to support the United States Secret Service with tactical support for President Biden’s movements throughout the state as well as at his personal residences.

The team’s training focused on firearm proficiency with an emphasis on advanced tactics, live fire threat analysis/engagement, dynamic/stealth clearing techniques and close quarter combat techniques. 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. SORT also cross trains with members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team in explosive breaching, IED identification and navigation, as well as robotic deployments and use. The sniper-observers train three consecutive days monthly for a total of 288 hours annually.

The operational tempo of the team continues to rival that of full-time teams across the country with the anticipation of 2022 being no different. The Special Operations Response Team will continue to react to the mission with enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism. First and foremost, the team will train and conduct operations to fulfill our motto, “Everybody In…Everybody Out”.

– Information obtained from 2021 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 46 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. During 2021, TCU conducted two large scale joint training events with the Delaware Army National Guard, New Castle County Police, Dover Police and University of Delaware Police. Throughout, 2021 TCU, SORT and MPU continued to integrate all units into one functioning unit during times of need. This integration has enhanced the capabilities and mission effectiveness of all 3 teams.

For the 2021 year TCU was deployed a total of 13 times across all 3 counties. These deployments included providing security at several large events and protests.

By forging partnerships and embracing available training opportunities, TCU members remain focused on excelling in a continually challenging environment.

– Information obtained from 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Captain Glenn Dixon

With 14 troopers and eleven civilian employees, the Delaware State Police Traffic Operation Section (TOS) performs an array of diverse functions with the overall mission of reducing motor vehicle collisions. Led by Captain Mark Windsor and Lt. Lance Skinner, section personnel coordinate divisional traffic enforcement while conducting statewide crash recordkeeping. The section also provides proactive and reactive enforcement by way of our Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Unit (CMVEU). This unit staffs two commercial vehicle weigh facilities, one at Blackbird Station Road on U.S. 13 in Townsend, and on Rt. 301 Warwick Road in Middletown.

Fatal crashes in Delaware resulted in the deaths of 135 people in 139 crashes (30 involved pedestrians) in 2021. Excessive speed, failure to yield the right of way and pedestrian error were the top three causes of death, while inattentive driving caused the majority of personal injury and property damage collisions. Committed to improving the safety of Delaware’s motoring public, the Delaware State Police participated in numerous traffic enforcement campaigns, many of which were funded through Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS). Additionally, the TOS specifically targeted crash producing behaviors, via weekly and monthly traffic action plans identified by the evidence-based SPEAR model.

All eight patrol troops implemented their monthly action plan based on collision trends, dangerous driving behavior and citizen complaints, specific to each troop’s area of responsibility. The OHS also assisted with DUI, Aggressive Driving, Child Restraint, Pedestrian, Motorcycle and Seatbelt violation enforcement funding. These initiatives focused on holidays, summer months, special events and identified problem locations such as the ‘Slow Rt 1 Down’ initiative, which occurred up and down the state during the months of August and September.

In 2021, in an effort to reduce crashes and combat aggressive driving behaviors, Delaware Troopers engaged in the following enforcement action:
• Total Traffic Citations: 95,874
• Aggressive Driving-Related Citations: 36,493
• Primary Seatbelt Citations: 1,050
• Seatbelt Assessments: 2,392
• Child Restraint Citations: 292
• Handheld Cell Phone Citations: 1,434
• DUI Arrests: 2,851
• Inattentive Driving Citations: 3,694

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. An effective analytical tool specifically utilized for fatal crashes is the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Housed within the Traffic Section as the only one of its kind in the state, this nationwide mechanism allows the FARS Coordinator to collect statewide fatal crash data in an expeditious manner. The data is then analyzed and placed into statistical databases within the state, and at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the added assistance of the Divisional Statistician. FARS data yields some of the most accurate, real-time statistics available, which provides a formidable tool to plan initiatives to combat traffic fatalities.

In addition, the collection, archiving, and dissemination of motor vehicle collision reports is another responsibility of the TOS. In 2021, section personnel processed 18,022 collision reports and fulfilled 16,121 requests for collision report copies from the public, attorneys, insurance companies and others.

Furthermore, since the Electronic Red Light Safety Program (ERLSP) began operations in February of 2004 it has been another integral part of enforcement for intersection safety across the state. The ERLSP technicians mitigate the results of red-light violators captured on camera at various intersections throughout the state and represent the Delaware State Police in the court to prosecute violations. In 2021 ERLSP Technicians assigned to the Traffic Section reviewed the below number of violations, along with representing the Delaware State Police in the below court dispositions:

TECH REVIEWS
• Total Red Light Camera Events Reviewed 72,928
• Total Red Light Camera Events Approved 47,971

COURT DISPOSITION
• Pled Responsible prior to Trial 78
• Found Responsible at Trial 11
• Dismissed at Trial 0
• Nollie Prosecute 2
• Failed To Appear for Trial 81
• Total Appeal Trials Scheduled 172
**Due to the Covid -19 pandemic JP Courts were closed from January through May.

Commercial vehicle safety is another mission of the Traffic Operations Section. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Unit (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 U.S. 13 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, have been 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. An additional virtual weigh station with the capability to be monitored remotely is located on Warwick Rd in Middletown.

CMVEU personnel conduct inspections of commercial vehicles and their operators at various locations throughout the state and at the Division’s two weigh facilities. The following is a summary of CMVEU’s 2021 activities:
• Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspections: 8,795
• Screening of Commercial Motor Vehicles: 474,039
• Weighing Of Commercial Motor Vehicles: 26,856
• Traffic Citations- Size and Weight: 1,608
• Drivers Placed Out of Service: 663
• Vehicles Placed Out of Service: 1,492
• Traffic Citations – Dangerous Moving Violations: 1,912
• Traffic Citations – Other Violations: 1,531
• Traffic Citations – Non-Commercial Motor Vehicles: 611
• Seatbelt Citations: 167

Additionally, Divisional collisions that involve vehicles owned by the Delaware State Police are investigated by patrol supervisors and forwarded to the TOS. They are then analyzed and reviewed by the Divisional Crash Review Board, which makes recommendations in an effort to reduce the overall number of these collisions.

To further exemplify the Division’s commitment to traffic and overall safety of the public, the Traffic Operations Section (TOS) also manages the annual Administrative Patrol Program. Troopers not normally assigned to any of our eight patrol Troops are tasked with conducting enforcement activities over the state’s major holiday travel weekends, as well as providing security and safety at large scale events, such as the State Fair. To enhance safety and demonstrate an increased police presence, these “extra” Troopers are assigned to notable crash areas, and major events in the hopes that through these comprehensive assignments and programs, needless injuries and fatalities are drastically reduced in 2022, and well into the future

– Information obtained from 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Captain Daniel Hall

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 53 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 2021 Training Academy Staff, for the majority of the year, consisted of the following personnel: Mrs. Susan McNatt (Administrative Specialist), Mr. James Howard (Culinary Specialist), Master Corporal Larry Walther (TAC Trooper), Master Corporal Donald Kukan (TAC Trooper), Master Corporal Amber Rhodes (TAC Trooper), Sergeant Brett Cordrey (Senior TAC Trooper), Lieutenant James Paul Doherty (Assistant Director of Training) and Captain Daniel Hall (Director of Training and Delaware Council on Police Training Administrator), who replaced Captain J. Sapp in July. In the Fall of 2021 Sergeant Brett Cordrey replaced Sergeant Dannaile Rementer and Master Corporal Kukan replaced Master Corporal Amber Rhodes in their respective positions.

During the course of 2021, and in the face of the many challenges continued by the COVID-19 pandemic and its various strains, the Training Academy was tasked with the training, development and ultimate law enforcement certification of fifty-nine (59) women and men by way of the 96th DSP/92nd Municipal and the 97th DSP/93rd 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 twelve (12) 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 (80) elective courses for consumption in 2021. The offered courses covered a wide range of topics deemed relevant to the realities and many challenges of the law enforcement profession in 2021.

The 2021 Firearms Training Unit Staff consisted of Master Corporal Jeffrey Ballinger (Firearms Instructor), Master Corporal Ronald Malkin (Firearms Instructor), Master Corporal David Myers (Firearms Instructor), Sergeant Edwin Justiniano (Senior Firearms Instructor) and Lieutenant Michael Wysock (F.T.U. OIC). In the fall of 2021 Cpl/1 Ray Tartal replaced Master Corporal Ronald Malkin. During the course of 2021 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, the instruction and training on the Taser to new recruits as well as the recertification for all required troopers, conducted force on force and de-escalation training, conducted a certified firearms instructor training class, and the responsibility of recertifying multiple firearms instructors from across the State.

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 2021. 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 2022 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 2021 DSP Annual Report –

Mr. Lonnie Judy

The Transportation Section provides direct and indirect vehicle maintenance support for all eight patrol Troops and Headquarters for a fleet of over 900 vehicles. This consists of a wide variety of vehicles used for patrol, special operations, and day-to-day operations. Such vehicles include pursuit rated patrol vehicles, 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles, trucks, trailers and a freightliner mobile command post. 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 the 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 Section purchases an average of 100 vehicles per year. This usually consists of 75 patrol vehicles and 25 criminal investigation vehicles or specialty vehicles. The Transportation Section continues to conduct “tests and evaluations” on various types of police equipment to include emergency lighting, weapon racks, safety partitions, computer consoles, radar equipment and both pursuit and non-pursuit vehicle platforms to ensure that the Delaware State Police has the best equipment available to safely serve the citizens we protect.

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

– Information obtained from 2021 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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