Capitol Police Investigating Death in Woods Behind Dover DMV
The Delaware Capitol Police are conducting a death investigation in a wooded area behind the Dover DMV, located at 303 Transportation Circle in Dover. At approximately 9:57 a.m., Capitol Police officers responded to the area after being notified by Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) employees that a deceased individual had been discovered by members of a state service agency. Delaware Capitol Police detectives, with assistance from the Delaware State Police, are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. The identity of the deceased is not being released pending notification of next of kin. No additional information about the victim is currently available. Currently, foul play is not suspected.
Suspicious Package Prompts Investigation at Dover DMV
The Delaware Capitol Police are investigating an incident involving a suspicious package that prompted the evacuation of the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles Dover Office late Tuesday morning.
Earlier in the day, a DMV employee reported a suspicious package outside the Dover location. Responding officers confirmed the presence of a package and evacuated the building as a precaution.
The Delaware State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit responded to inspect the package. Once it was determined to be safe, employees and customers were allowed to return to the building.
Through investigative measures, officers identified the individual who left the package, a backpack, outside the building the previous day after conducting business at the DMV.
At this time, investigators have reason to believe the backpack was unintentionally left behind. There is no evidence to suggest any intent to cause harm or disrupt operations.
Officers were first dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:45 a.m., and the facility was reopened at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Capitol Police Seeks Public Comment on Assessment
The Delaware Capitol Police will host a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®) on March 30, 2026. The site team will evaluate all aspects of its policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief William R. Thompson announced today.
The review is part of a voluntary process to achieve CALEA® accreditation, a nationally recognized benchmark of professional excellence in public safety that requires agencies to comply with 193 rigorous and comprehensive standards.
Capitol Police Expanding Facility Dog Program Statewide
The Delaware Capitol Police is expanding its Facility Dog Program to all Delaware courthouses by now offering services in Kent and Sussex counties. The program pairs specially trained dogs with dedicated handlers to comfort vulnerable populations and reduce anxiety. Vinn, Delaware’s first facility dog, arrived in October 2022 through Canine Companions, a non-profit organization. Vinn knows over 40 commands, including calming pressure therapy, and has passed the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) test.
Thompson is New Chief of Delaware Capitol Police
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.
