Capitol Police Major Elmer C. Harris Assumes Command of Delaware Capitol Police

Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, announced Major Elmer C. Harris as the Chief of the Delaware Capitol Police.

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and the Delaware Capitol Police (DCP) held a ceremony to mark the start of Chief Elmer C. Harris’s role as Chief of Police. Harris, with 39 years of police experience, was selected to lead the Capitol Police following the retirement of Chief Michael Hertzfeld. Chief Hertzfeld retires with 14 years of service with (DCP) and 26 years of total police experience.

“Chief Harris is a qualified, experienced, and proven leader. I am confident in his ability to lead the women and men of the Capitol Police Department.  His leadership skills and years of experience will enable him to build on the progress of the Capitol Police,” said Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen, Jr. “His 39 years of dedicated service to our State throughout his law enforcement career and his passion for the mission of public service are admirable.”

The ceremony, which featured the Honorable Arlene Coppage, Family Court Judge, administering the oath of office, was attended by many members of the Delaware Capitol Police, Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and the Delaware law enforcement community.

“I firmly believe a leader is only as good as the people surrounding him, and we have an outstanding group of individuals in the Division,” Chief Harris said. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve in this new leadership role. I am confident that working together with the men and women of the Delaware Capitol Police, we can continue to move the Division forward by diversifying, embracing inclusion, and providing opportunities for our workforce as we serve the citizens of the State of Delaware.”

Chief Harris began his career in law enforcement in 1984 with the Wilmington Police Department, retiring at the rank of Inspector of Uniformed Operations. During his law enforcement career, he served as an officer in Patrol Division and Criminal Investigations. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1991 and was a supervisor in the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations, and Internal Affairs as an Investigator. He was then promoted to Lieutenant and served as a Platoon Commander in the Patrol Division. He was promoted to the rank of Captain and served as the Commanding Officer of the following divisions: Patrol Division, Internal Affairs, Special Operations and Criminal Investigations. He was then promoted to Inspector in charge of the Uniformed Operations.

After retiring, he joined the Delaware Capitol Police (DCP) in 2017 as a Corporal. He worked out of the New Castle County Courthouse. He was then promoted to the rank of Major in September 2022, where he was in charge of the Kent Sussex Counties operations.

He is a graduate of the 251the session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and a member of the International Association of Police Chiefs. Chief Harris is a military veteran, serving 13 years in the United States Army and Army Reserves.

Chief Harris is a Delaware native and resides in Bear with his significant other, Tracy Henderson. He is the proud father of Ashley, Byron, Chryshele Henderson, and Myiesha Harris. He has three grandchildren Mehki, Maliyha and Amani.


Delaware Judiciary and Capitol Police Partner to Bring Facility Dog to the Leonard Williams Justice Center

Capitol Police K-9 Provides Comfort to Children and Parents Attending Court Proceedings

 

The Delaware Judiciary welcomed its first “facility” or comfort dog to the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in partnership with the Delaware Capitol Police.

“We want to thank the Capitol Police for launching this innovative pilot program, and we welcome K-9 Officer Vinn to the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center,” said Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz, Jr. “The courthouse does not have to be a scary place and we believe the services of Officer Vinn will help make the Justice Center more welcoming, or at least not as stressful, particularly for children involved in court proceedings.”

Delaware Capitol Police became interested in participating in a facility dog program more than a year ago after learning about the New Castle County Police Department’s success with its comfort dog, Nikko, and later meeting with the K-9 officer and its handlers.

Delaware Capitol Police Chief Michael F. Hertzfeld, who created and drafted a pilot program, worked with the Judicial Branch to implement it, culminating in Officer Vinn’s placement at the Justice Center in late 2022.

“Vinn is a highly trained K-9 that loves interaction with people. He has a natural personality and demeanor that is different from our other working dogs at the courthouse. He is the perfect new addition to our police division for us to achieve our commitment to the citizens of Delaware,” said Chief Hertzfeld.

Vinn has been trained to help those dealing with anxiety in a courtroom or courthouse setting and will be available on an appointment and as-needed basis, depending on the dog’s availability. Since arriving at the courthouse late last year, Officer Vinn has helped in a number of Family Court proceedings, like Protection from Abuse hearings, but has not yet participated in a trial in a courtroom.

The final determination will be at the discretion of the Delaware Capitol Police and the dog’s handler. A web page to request Officer Vin’s assistance can be found on the Delaware Judiciary’s homepage at https://courts.delaware.gov/aoc/facilitydog.aspx. Requests made on the page are forwarded to the Delaware Capitol Police, and Officer Vinn’s handler Sr. Cpl. Donna DiClemente.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Arshon Howard
Cell: (302) 922-0186
Arshon.Howard@delaware.gov


DSP Lt. Col. Melissa A. Zebley Named Superintendent Of Delaware State Police

STATE OF DELAWARE

DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY

P.O. BOX 818

DOVER, DELAWARE 19903-0818

NEWS RELEASE

Date: July 9, 2020

Contact: DSHS Wendy Hudson – (302) 382-7978

DSP MCpl. Melissa Jaffe – (302) 382-2136

DSP LT. COL. MELISSA A. ZEBLEY NAMED

SUPERINTENDENT OF DELAWARE STATE POLICE

Today Governor John Carney joined Kimberly Chandler, Acting Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, to announce the appointment of Lt. Col. Melissa A. Zebley as Superintendent of the Delaware State Police.

Lt. Col. Zebley, 50, assumes command of the State Police following the retirement of Col. Nathaniel McQueen Jr. Lt. Col. Zebley, a 28-year veteran of the State Police, is currently responsible for Internal Affairs, Information Support Services and Planning. She joined the Executive Staff in 2010 at the rank of Major with oversight of the Budget, Training Academy and Human Resource sections. In 2013, she transitioned to the role of Operations Officer overseeing New Castle County Patrol Troops and Criminal Investigations, as well as the statewide Traffic Section. Her former assignments include patrol Trooper, Training Academy Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Public Information Officer, Fiscal Executive Officer, and Troop Commander.

Lt. Colonel Zebley has also served as the Officer in Charge of the Honor Guard and as a member of the Division’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team.

“Lt. Col. Zebley has a tremendous track record of leadership at the Delaware State Police, and is the right person to lead our largest police agency” said Governor Carney. “A 28-year veteran of the State Police, Lt. Col. Zebley has the trust of community leaders not only in New Castle County, but up and down our state. I know she will build on the good work of Colonel McQueen to keep Delaware safe and continue to establish trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Thank you to Lt. Col. Zebley for taking on this important challenge.”

“Having served in almost every leadership position within the Delaware State Police, Lt. Col. Zebley not only possesses the qualifications, skills and experience to lead the State’s largest police agency but has also earned the respect of her fellow troopers and the Delaware law enforcement community. She has demonstrated the temperament, demeanor, and wisdom necessary to navigate the challenges in policing today and is committed to serving the citizens of our State, said Acting Secretary Chandler.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as the 26th Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. I thank Governor Carney and Acting Secretary Chandler for their faith in me to lead this division of professional and dedicated members. I pledge to serve with the dignity and honor befitting the high standards of the agency,” Lt. Col. Zebley said. “The Delaware State Police remain steadfast in our mission of service to all citizens and will continue on our course of community collaboration and progressive policing.”

Lt. Col. Zebley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Delaware and a Master of Science degree in the Administration of Justice from Wilmington University. She is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and a graduate of the 235th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy. In addition, she is a graduate of the Anti-Defamation League’s Advanced Training School course on Extremist and Terrorist Threats and is currently attending the 43rd Session of the FBI’s National Executive Institute.

Lt. Col. Zebley is an instructor for the Delaware Leadership Development Program, a three-week school targeted for first line supervisors. Since 2003, she has served as an adjunct faculty member at Wilmington University, teaching in the undergraduate and graduate Criminal Justice Programs.

Lt. Col. Zebley is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, Mid-Atlantic Association of Women in Law Enforcement, and the FBI National Academy Associates. She was the 2015 Chapter President of the FBINAA Maryland/Delaware Chapter. She is currently the Chair of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Law Enforcement Standing Committee.

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Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Hertzfeld Assumes Command of Delaware Capitol Police

State of Delaware
Department of Safety and Homeland Security
P.O. Box 818
Dover, Delaware 19903-0818
NEWS RELEASE
 
Date: December 31, 2018                                                                                                                                             Contact :  Kimberly Chandler – (302) 632-7060
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     kimberly.chandler@delaware.gov
 
 
Capitol Police Lieutenant Michael Hertzfeld Assumes
Command of Delaware Capitol Police
 
Today Robert M. Coupe, Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, announced Lieutenant Michael F. Hertzfeld, 47, as Chief of the Delaware Capitol Police. 
 
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and the Delaware Capitol Police (DCP) held a ceremony to mark the start of Chief Hertzfeld’s role as Chief of Police.  Hertzfeld, with 22 years of police experience, was selected to lead the Capitol Police following the retirement of Chief John Horsman.  Chief Horsman retires with 14 years of service with the DCP and 37 years of total police experience including serving as President of FBI-LEEDA.
 
“Chief Hertzfeld is a qualified, experienced and proven leader with expansive knowledge of the Delaware Capitol Police and its operations” Secretary Coupe said. “I am confident in his ability to lead the women and men of the Capitol Police and to serve the citizens of our State.” 
 
The ceremony which featured the Honorable Mark D. Buckworth, Family Court Judge, administering the oath of office was attended by many members of the Delaware Capitol Police, Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Delaware law enforcement community.
 
“I thank Chief Horsman for his leadership and dedication to the Delaware Capitol Police.” Chief Hertzfeld said.  “I firmly believe a leader is only as good as the people surrounding him, and we have an outstanding group of individuals in the Division.  I look forward to the opportunity to serve in this new leadership role and I am confident that working together with the men and women of the Capitol Police we can continue to move the Division forward as we serve the State of Delaware.”
 
Chief Hertzfeld began his police career in 1996 and joined the DCP ranks in 2009 as a Sergeant and first line supervisor.  During his law enforcement careerhe has served as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Quick Response Team (Q.R.T.) Operator, Public Information Officer, Training Coordinator, Internal Affairs Supervisor, Special Investigations Supervisor and Legislative Affairsliaison.  He has served in several leadership roles during his career including most recently as the DCP Northern Operations Commander where he implemented and oversaw a multitude of management innovations improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Northern Operation. This included adopting an intelligence and accountability-driven predictive policing model.
 
Chief Hertzfeld received the State of Delaware House of Representatives Exceptional Duty Award and was previously selected as the New Castle City Police Officer of the Year.  He is a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and a graduate of the 264th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.  He received command level training from FBI-LEEDA, the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute, the Northeast Counter Drug Leadership and Mastering Performance Management Program, and the U.S. Marshal Court Security Program. 
 
Chief Hertzfeld earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Management and a Master of Science Degree in Homeland Security with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Wilmington University.
 
Chief Hertzfeld is a Delaware native and resides in Middletown with his wife, Stacy. He is the proud father of two children, Nicolas and Peyton.
  
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Capitol Police receive inaugural Beau Biden Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award

Wilmington, Del.- The Criminal Justice Council is pleased to announce that the Delaware Capitol Police’s Violence Intervention Program has received the inaugural “Beau” Biden Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award.

The intervention program, developed in 2013 by Capitol Police Chief John Horsman, provides protection for people involved in domestic violence-related court appearances. Cases involving incidents of domestic violence can often be volatile. The program evaluates the risk of potential violence and provides any necessary protection to anyone involved in the case via security details and escorts, said Capitol Police Lt. Britt Davis, who oversees the program.

“It takes a team to put together a program like this,” Davis said. “It’s an honor to be the first recipient of this award. Beau had a huge impact as attorney general and through his focused efforts toward helping victims.”

The program is the first of its kind in the nation, according to Davis. Since it began, the program has provided 248 security details.

“I am very proud of the members of the Delaware Capitol Police and the fine work they do. This program is yet another example of the initiative they take in ensuring the public’s safety and exemplifies the care they have for our domestic violence victims,” said James Mosley, Secretary, Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

The award is named after Delaware’s former Attorney General and is administered by the state’s Criminal Justice Council. It recognizes programs that provide effective services that address criminal justice issues in Delaware’s communities.

“We thought that the program being utilized by Capitol Police was the most appropriate nominee this year and we’re really pleased to give it to them,” said Criminal Justice Council chair and Dover attorney James Liguori. “They are worthy of the award in honor of Beau.”

Capitol Police received the award during the Criminal Justice Council’s December 14 meeting at the Buena Vista State Conference Center in New Castle County.

“This award is a fitting way to honor our former attorney general and the winning program perfectly captures Beau’s mission in life: standing up for and protecting victims,” said Christian Kervick, executive director of the Criminal Justice Council. “While this is the first award given, it is our hope that each year we will be able to select a program that honors Beau’s legacy of service.”

A few of the other programs nominated for this year’s award include:

  • Culinary Arts Training with Job Placement/The Hospitality School
  • Equine Assisted Learning/Courageous Hearts
  • Dover After School Program/YMCA of Delaware
  • Targeted Analytic Policing System/ New Castle County Police Department
  • Juvenile Sex Offender Registry/ Office of the Public Defender

About the award:

The Criminal Justice Council selects nominations from the community, current and recent-past sub-grantees. Agencies are invited to nominate a program(s) that exemplifies excellence in improving the criminal justice system or provides effective services to those in need in our communities.

The Nomination Form and selection criteria are available on the CJC’s website. http://cjc.delaware.gov/AnnualBeauBidenAward.shtml

The CJC will be accepting nominations for the 2017 Beau Biden Award during the late spring or early summer months. Applicants should provide a brief description of their program, how it may work in collaboration with other programs to achieve their goals, the most significant achievement of the program and other facts that will help the award committee in making their determination.

An Award Selection Committee will give particular consideration to those programs that are innovative and demonstrate positive results.

Please contact Scott McLaren, Deputy Director of the Criminal Justice Council, at (302) 577-8693, or Scott.McLaren@delaware.gov, with questions about the award.

Please contact Wendy Hudson, Chief of Community Relations with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, at (302) 744-2680, or wendy.hudson@delaware.gov, with questions about Capitol Police’s program.