Governor nominates former Wilmington Public Safety Director to build on tremendous progress

Wilmington, DE – After leading the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security for more than six years, Secretary Lew Schiliro, an original member of Governor Markell’s cabinet, announced his plans to retire. He intends to take time off before returning to teaching and the private sector.

“Lew has been a trusted advisor and a strong leader, and I am grateful to him for his many contributions over the last seven years,” said Governor Markell. “I will miss his leadership and counsel and I wish him well as he enters the next phase of his life.”

The Governor will nominate Jim Mosley, a former Wilmington Public Safety Director with a distinguished career of public service in the military and law enforcement, to succeed Schiliro and continue the Department’s efforts. Markell will submit his nomination to the State Senate for consideration during a special session on October 28.

“Jim has dedicated his life to ensuring the safety and security of others,” said Governor Markell. “If confirmed by the Senate, his experience, skills, and passion for service, combined with the strong relationships he’s built, will support our ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety across our state.”

With a career spanning more than 40 years, Mosley has worked with local, state, federal and international agencies in a variety of code and law enforcement environments including overt and covert operations. During his career as an officer in the Military Police Corps, he served throughout the United States, Cuba, Honduras and Europe as a law enforcement officer and liaison between U.S. and Allied Country Law Enforcement and Security personnel. While assigned to NATO Headquarters in Belgium, he coordinated the security for the Supreme Allied Commander and commanded his personal security team.

“I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to support the tremendous efforts underway in Delaware,” said Mosley. “If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to working with the dedicated men and women who pledge to keep our communities safe, as we continue implementing successful public safety strategies for the State of Delaware.”

During his time as Secretary, Schiliro brought a wealth of experience to Delaware as a 25-year veteran with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation. After retiring from the F.B.I. Secretary Schiliro held several leadership positions at M.B.N.A. Bank, the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York City, and A. I. G. Insurance.

“First, I express my heartfelt thanks to the Governor for giving me an incredible opportunity to work with the men and women of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security,” Schiliro said. “Their dedication, enthusiasm, and compassion for all Delawareans has truly been an inspiration that I have witnessed every day. Secondly, I express my appreciation to each and every member of the Department for what they do, for who they are and most importantly for their commitment to the people of the State of Delaware. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve with each and every one of them.”

In recent years, the Delaware State Police has seen favorable trends in its violent crime statistics.  DSP saw a 10 % decline in number of violent crimes investigated in 2013. For this year, DSP is experiencing an 8% decrease in the number of violent crimes. These violent crimes include homicides, kidnapping, forcible sex offenses, robbery and assaults.

Key accomplishments advancing Governor Markell’s public safety agenda under Schiliro include:

Creation of State Gun Investigation Unit: The new team at State Police will focus on firearm transactions as well as developing statewide strategies to better enforce our gun purchasing laws to prevent and uncover straw purchases, weapons trafficking and all illegal sales.

Strengthening Gun Laws: Secretary Schiliro’s advocacy helped the state pass a new background checks law to close the private sale loophole. Another law mandating the reporting of lost or stolen firearms, is designed to deter gun trafficking and discourage straw purchases. It requires owners to report a firearm loss or theft within 48 hours of discovery.

Comprehensive School Safety Program: Delaware has become the first state to have a fully operational statewide safety and planning program. All Delaware public schools now have comprehensive safety plans that reside in a web-based electronic central repository making the plans accessible through the Internet and on smartphones, laptops and similar devices.

Creation of Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE):   In its first year (2009), DGE worked with Harrington Raceway, Dover Downs, and Delaware Park to get table games up and running. The division instituted a regional intelligence sharing network with regulatory authorities from surrounding states to ensure coordination on issues of mutual concern.

Creation of New Division of Forensic Science/Commission of Forensic Science: New legislation reorganized forensic science functions within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and provides for a Director to run the agency. A newly established Forensic Science Commission provides important oversight and assistance to the Division.

Enhanced Court Security (Capitol PD): Violence Intervention Program (VIP) created to identify and mitigate potential acts of violence that may be perpetrated against victims/petitioners while attending judicial proceedings in the State’s courts.

DSP Maritime Unit: The DSP Maritime Unit is currently the only agency working within our State and local government with a full-time maritime and homeland security mission.

Crime Reduction Assistance to City of Wilmington

Operation Pressure Point: In collaboration with Wilmington police, DSHS lead an initiative to combat violent crime in the City of Wilmington. The Delaware State Police assigned troopers three nights a week to a high crime area of the City to provide high visibility patrols in most violent prone sectors.

High Visibility Operation: In August 2014, the Delaware State Police took part in a high visibility joint operation within the city limits of Wilmington to target the quality of life crime/issues occurring along the N. Market St. (Route 13 N) corridor.

Gun Buy Back: DSP troopers partnered with Wilmington police and New Castle County police to collect more than 2,000 firearms during the State’s Buy Back. This one-day collection far exceeded expectations and resulted in the distribution of gift cards totaling more than $200,000.

Public Safety Strategies Commission: The Commission was established by House Joint Resolution No. 2, which was sponsored by the entire Wilmington delegation of the General Assembly and co-sponsored by all other members of the legislature. The Commission, chaired by Secretary Schiliro and Joseph Bryant, Jr., Director of Public Safety for New Castle County, was tasked with carrying out a rapid, fact-based, intensive examination of public safety strategies in the City and offering recommendations to address Wilmington’s significant problem with violent crime. The Department retained the Police Foundation of Washington, D.C. and Vigilant Resources International of New York to serve as consultants and assist the Commission in its work. The consultants provided a comprehensive report outlining specific strategies to help the Wilmington Police Department address crime in the City.

Additional Measures to Protect the Public

Regulations Governing Travel Restrictions During State Of Emergency: A three-tier system, unique to Delaware, has proven to be a highly efficient way to control traffic during critical weather events.

Special Needs Registry: DSHS launched an online emergency registry to help citizens with special needs prepare for an emergency before it happens. The emergency preparedness registry is linked to a secure database which ties into the State’s 911 system making this valuable information immediately accessible to 911 dispatchers.

700 MHz Communications System for Department of Corrections: The Division of Communications implemented a highly efficient cost savings program to provide a new 700 MHz communications system within the Department of Correction (DOC) improving communication capabilities within all prison facilities and for the first time, providing a direct connection to emergency responders statewide.

800MHz Communications System Technology Refresh Program: The Division of Communications is moving forward with the signing of a contract for the 800MHZ Communications System Technology Refresh Program. Since the initial deployment of the 800 MHz system in 1993, the State has made strategic investments to augment its capabilities, increase its performance and sustain its operability. This Technology Refresh Program positions the system for continued operations through 2024.

Statewide Body Worn Camera Pilot: Following an extensive evaluation by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) of the benefits and challenges of effectively implementing body cameras on law enforcement officers, Governor Markell and Secretary Schiliro recently announced plans for State and Municipal police officers to participate in a 30-45 day trial, using about a dozen body cameras throughout the state. The pilot will allow for the study of a number of complex privacy, procedural, and technical issues to ensure successful deployment of the cameras.

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