DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) is proud to announce that the Clayton Police Department, Dewey Beach Police Department, Harrington Police Department, and Rehoboth Beach Police Department have earned state accreditation from the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (DPAC). As part of the rigorous process, a team of DPAC assessors ensured all accreditation standards were met by completing comprehensive on-site inspections of each agency, reviewing their policies and procedures for compliance, and conducting interviews with department members.
“This milestone represents a significant step forward for public safety in Delaware. The initial state accreditation of these four police agencies reflects a strong commitment to professionalism, accountability, and excellence in law enforcement. I commend each department for their dedication to serving their communities with integrity and for upholding the highest standards,” said Joshua Bushweller, Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary and DPAC Chair.
DPAC, formed in 2008, is committed to advancing law enforcement professionalism through the establishment of professional standards and the administration of formal mechanisms that enable Delaware Police agencies to be systematically measured, evaluated, and updated. Accreditation improves officer and public safety, addresses high-risk management issues, promotes operational efficiency through policy development, enhances agency reputation, attracts the best-qualified candidates for employment, and increases public trust and confidence.
House Bill 206 mandates that all police agencies be accredited by 2028, and each is currently proactively working towards state accreditation through the POST/DPAC section of the DSHS. Delaware police agencies range from 1 to 730 sworn officers. Several larger agencies receive national accreditation through The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®). While most of the small agencies do not have the funding or the personnel to participate in CALEA®, they can still achieve state accreditation. Currently, 72 percent of all Delaware police agencies are now accredited.
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From left, POST Executive Director Sean E. Moriarty, Ed.D., Dewey Beach Police Chief Constance Speake, DSHS Secretary Joshua Bushweller, and Dewey Beach Lieutenant Clifford Dempsey.
ABOUT POLICE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING COMMISSION
The Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST), a division of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), oversees standards and training for all police officers in Delaware. POST aims to improve the professionalism and behavior of officers by setting qualifications for recruits, education and training requirements, and training standards. POST advises the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (DPAC), provides guidelines for local oversight boards, and investigates potential officer misconduct relative to certification.