Delaware Law Enforcement Partnership
January 27, 2023
The leaders of Delaware’s Law Enforcement Partnership and its members, together with the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security are outraged by the actions of the Memphis Police officers who participated in the heinous crimes that led to the death of Tyre Nichols. The egregious conduct of these officers is inconsistent with the values that lie at the core of the Law Enforcement profession. We are saddened and troubled by the death of Mr. Nichols and we extend our deepest condolences to his family as they grapple with his untimely, unnecessary, and violent death.
Delaware’s sworn law enforcement are entrusted to keep our citizens safe and serve as unbiased protectors. We believe that all people should be treated humanely and with dignity. We are sickened by the criminal conduct displayed by these Memphis officers. The behavior displayed in this video, as well as all other forms of police misconduct, undermines the public trust that we are working so hard to maintain and build upon.
It is only natural for some to question the state of policing after witnessing such a reprehensible act. The Delaware Law Enforcement Partnership wants to assure our communities that we are committed to continuing to work with our community leaders, elected and appointed officials, and each other, to create a culture of service and community engagement that will prevent a tragedy like the one in Memphis.
The Delaware Law Enforcement Partnership has a strong history of supporting professional law enforcement in Delaware and our members are committed to providing public safety services to the citizens of Delaware in a manner that is ethical and compassionate. Our organizations are committed to professionalism, accountability, community engagement and continuous progress.
Respectfully,
Chief Patrick Ogden
President – Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police
Troy Pezzuto
President – DSTA
James Leonard
President – Delaware State Lodge FOP
Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr.
Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security
Membership of the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police consists of the fifty-one Chiefs, Colonels and Directors of Delaware’s law enforcement organizations. The association strives to constantly improve police services to the citizens of Delaware by all of our agencies. Our pledge is to be an effective, trusted, and professional voice for all Delaware Law Enforcement.
The Delaware State Troopers Association serves to improve the terms and conditions of employment of our members and to provide for their protection and general welfare through all democratic means. The Association also seeks to promote the spirit of cooperation and fraternity between the state of Delaware, the Division of State Police and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and all law enforcement agencies within the state of Delaware.
The Delaware Fraternal Order of Police represents more than 2,200 active and retired officers statewide. The FOP is committed to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those who serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement, and employee representation.
The Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) is committed to protecting the lives and property of our citizens and the visitors to our state. In doing so, DSHS is taking the necessary steps to prepare for all hazards and to protect all citizens.