National Concussion Awareness Day is on September 19
The State Council for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) will join communities nationwide in observing National Concussion Awareness Day on Friday, September 19, 2025. This annual observance highlights the serious, life-changing impacts of concussions while promoting prevention efforts and emphasizing our shared responsibility to protect young athletes in the First State.
“Protecting our young athletes requires everyone’s participation—coaches, officials, parents, and the athletes themselves,” said John McNeal, SCPD Director. “National Concussion Awareness Day reminds us that sports safety is not just about rules and regulations, but about ensuring every child can participate in athletics safely and return home healthy.”
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.
Delaware Reports Strong Start to Recreational Marijuana Sales
Delaware officials report encouraging results from the first weekend of recreational marijuana sales, which began August 1, marking a major milestone in the implementation of adult-use cannabis legislation. The inaugural three-day weekend (Friday to Sunday) had combined sales (adult and medical) of over $903,000, a measurable increase in sales pace that demonstrates robust demand and a successful market launch. The $625,000 in adult sales corresponds to an estimated $93,700 in tax revenue. Sales by county indicate that New Castle County (five locations) generated $432,319.78 in combined sales, followed by Sussex County (five locations) at $242,832.64, and Kent County (four locations) at $227,946.54.
DATE Reaccredited by Delaware Police Accreditation Commission
The Delaware Division of Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) is proud to announce its successful reaccreditation by the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (DPAC) during the Commission’s quarterly meeting held on July 23, 2025. This reaccreditation follows a comprehensive assessment conducted on May 19, 2025, by a team of three assessors from police agencies across Delaware. The evaluation was overseen by Sean Moriarty, Executive Director of the Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission. The assessment examined not only DATE’s policies and procedures but also the operational effectiveness of the Division—ensuring full compliance with the high standards set by DPAC.
Fourteen Individuals Complete POST Approved Instructor Course
The Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) is proud to announce that 14 individuals successfully completed the POST Approved Instructor Course, held June 9 to 13, 2025, at the University of Delaware Police Department. Participants represented a diverse group of agencies from across the state, including the Delaware State Police, Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, Dover Police Department, New Castle County Emergency Communications Division, Police Officer Standards and Training Commission, and the University of Delaware Police Department. The new instructors will be presented for approval at the next scheduled meeting of the POST Commission in August.
