DOVER, Del. – William Thompson became the new Chief of the Delaware Capitol Police during a swearing-in ceremony at Legislative Hall in Dover.

Chief Thompson brings over two decades of distinguished law enforcement experience to his role as Chief of the Delaware Capitol Police. A graduate of Temple University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Thompson began his career with the Philadelphia Housing Police in 1999 before joining the Newark Police Department and ultimately the Delaware State Police (DSP) in 2004. Thompson assumed his duties as a Major in the Delaware Capitol Police in July 2025.

During his 20-year tenure with the Delaware State Police, he rose through the ranks from recruit to Captain, serving in specialized units including the Drug Diversion Unit, Special Investigations Unit, and, most recently, as Captain of the Office of Professional Responsibility. Thompson has extensive experience in undercover operations, multi-agency investigations, and supervision, having led significant drug trafficking investigations and managed personnel across multiple divisions. He has completed advanced training through the DEA, FBI LEEDA, and Penn State University, and served for six years as a board member for Jobs for Delaware Graduates.

“Chief Thompson brings an exceptional depth of experience and leadership to the Delaware Capitol Police. His 20-year career with the Delaware State Police demonstrates that he has the investigative expertise and operational knowledge essential for protecting our state’s seat of government. His most recent role as Captain of the Office of Professional Responsibility reflects his commitment to accountability and excellence in law enforcement,” said Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Josh Bushweller.

“It is a privilege to lead the outstanding group of men and women who serve with the Capitol Police,” Chief Thompson said. “I look forward to the challenge of serving in this important leadership role.”

The swearing-in ceremony featured the Honorable Jeffrey J. Clark of Delaware Superior Court and was attended by members of the Delaware Capitol Police, Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and the Delaware law enforcement community.

The Delaware Capitol Police is a statewide law enforcement agency responsible for the security of all three branches of state government throughout the state. Specifically, the Capitol Police provides services to Woodburn (Governor’s Mansion), Legislative Hall, Capitol Complex (Legislative Mall), Supreme Court, Superior Court, Chancery Court, Court of Common Pleas, Family Courts in all three counties, the Carvel State Building, and over 80 state-controlled facilities and/or properties in the greater Dover area.

All Delaware Capitol Police officers are certified by the Delaware Police Officers Standards and Training Commission and have statewide authority. Capitol Police officers take great pride in ensuring the safety and security of the governor, state legislators, legislative staff, judiciary, state employees, citizens, and visitors to the State of Delaware. The agency also works with other municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure that the best possible service is provided.

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CONTACT:
John Petersen
O: (302) 744-2686
E: john.petersen@delaware.gov

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security was created by the Delaware General Assembly in June 2003, replacing the former Department of Public Safety. The mission of DSHS is to promote and protect the safety of people and property in Delaware. The Department is comprised of: the Office of the Secretary, the Delaware State Police, the Office of Highway Safety, the Division of Communications, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the Capitol Police, the Division of Forensic Science, the Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, the Developmental Disabilities Council, the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, the Police Officers Standards and Training Commission, the State Council for Persons with Disabilities, and the new Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety. Each of these agencies has a significant role in supporting the DSHS mission.

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