Wilmington, DE – The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) of the Delaware State Legislature today approved a plan for the expenditure of settlement funds to address policing efforts in Delaware’s two largest cities. The Governor issued this statement following the vote:

“The JFC’s decision allows us to move quickly to stem gun violence in Wilmington and Dover,” said Governor Markell. “I’m pleased that Delaware State Police will combine their efforts with Wilmington and New Castle County Police to create a high visibility uniformed presence in the city.”

The plan, which details how to spend $2,094,515 in funds from the $31.6M Bank of America settlement, is broken down as follows:

City of Dover: $578,915 for expanded police patrols and installation of video equipment. 

City of Wilmington: $1,515,600 for increased patrols by Wilmington Police Department, New Castle County Police Department and Delaware State Police, including $75,000 to pay for a Delaware State Police analyst to work with Wilmington PD to analyze crime data and target specific areas and individuals for policing efforts.

In addition, the City of Wilmington will work with the Police Foundation, a consultant to the Wilmington Public Safety Strategies Commission, to undertake an immediate assessment of the Wilmington Police Department’s current implementation of recommendations made by the Wilmington Public Safety Strategies Commission.

###

Governor announces Armed Forces Reserve Center will honor former Attorney General and Guard Member

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell announced today that the state will honor the late Beau Biden, a former Attorney General and a Major in the Army National Guard, by naming Delaware’s Armed Forces Reserved Center after him. A ceremony unveiling new signage for the “Major Joseph R. (Beau) Biden III Armed Forces Reserved Center” will take place in the spring.

“Beau lived every day with a remarkable determination to making Delaware’s communities and our world a better place, from defending the country abroad to protecting children and our most vulnerable citizens as Attorney General to his dedication to family as a model husband and father,” said Markell. “It is only fitting that his name will forever be associated with an organization of men and women who go to extraordinary lengths to serve their state and country.”

Biden, who died of brain cancer in May, enlisted in the Army Guard in 2003, rising to the rank of Major. In 2008, he deployed to Iraq for a year as a member of the 261st Theater Tactical Signal Brigade. He earned the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star for his service.

Following successful stints in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and private practice, Biden won election as Attorney General in 2006 and served two, four-year terms. His tenure was marked by strengthening state protections for children, including increased prosecution of child sex abuse, more stringent state laws, and the creation of the Child Predator Task Force and Child Victims Unit.

“Nothing made Beau more proud than putting on his uniform and reporting for duty,” said Hallie Biden, Beau’s widow. “He adored his brothers and sisters in the Delaware National Guard and what they represented in our state. The men and women who walk through the doors of this building are the finest we have – we’re honored that he will forever be associated with them.”

The state-of-the-art Armed Forces Reserve Center was dedicated in August 2014, following two years of construction on the 106,000 square foot facility that now houses the Army and Air National Guard as well as the local U.S. Navy Reserve.

The building, which was conceived to foster operational efficiency by locating similar functions together and providing servicemen and women with the most advanced technology, received gold level status in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, which recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. Features include LED lights, room occupation light sensors, dual ballast florescent lights in the hall ways that dim and illuminate based on human presence, geothermal heating and air conditioning, roof mounted solar panels, and underground water storage tanks that help eliminate storm run-off from the property.

During the week, approximately 175 Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors occupy the building, with that number rising to more than 320 personnel on training assembly weekends.

“Like his father, Beau dedicated his life to serving the citizens of his state and country,” said Major General Frank Vavala, Adjutant General for the Delaware National Guard. “Major Biden’s exemplary commitment embodied the Citizen-Soldier concept and we could not think of anyone more deserving or worthy of having his name on this state of the art building occupied by the men and women of our military.”

###

Dover, DE – The Delaware Senate today confirmed the nomination of Jim Mosely to serve as Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, succeeding Lew Schiliro, who announced his plans to retire earlier this month.

“With over 40 years of experience, Jim has established a distinguished career of public service in both the military and law enforcement sectors,” said Governor Markell. “He has the knowledge, passion and fortitude to lead the department as we continue to strengthen public safety throughout Delaware. I appreciate the Senate’s consideration and support.”

Though he most recently served as Wilmington’s Public Safety director, Mosley has also worked with local, state, federal and international agencies in a variety of code and law enforcement environments including overt and covert operations. During his career as an officer in the Military Police Corps, he served throughout the United States, Cuba, Honduras and Europe as a law enforcement officer and liaison between U.S. and Allied Country Law Enforcement and Security personnel. While assigned to NATO Headquarters in Belgium, he coordinated the security for the Supreme Allied Commander and commanded his personal security team.

“I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the team of dedicated men and women who protect our state,” Mosley said. “I thank Governor Markell and members of the Senate for their vote of confidence and assure them I will work hard every day to maintain the level of professionalism and commitment our citizens deserve.”

###

Governor nominates former Wilmington Public Safety Director to build on tremendous progress

Wilmington, DE – After leading the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security for more than six years, Secretary Lew Schiliro, an original member of Governor Markell’s cabinet, announced his plans to retire. He intends to take time off before returning to teaching and the private sector.

“Lew has been a trusted advisor and a strong leader, and I am grateful to him for his many contributions over the last seven years,” said Governor Markell. “I will miss his leadership and counsel and I wish him well as he enters the next phase of his life.”

The Governor will nominate Jim Mosley, a former Wilmington Public Safety Director with a distinguished career of public service in the military and law enforcement, to succeed Schiliro and continue the Department’s efforts. Markell will submit his nomination to the State Senate for consideration during a special session on October 28.

“Jim has dedicated his life to ensuring the safety and security of others,” said Governor Markell. “If confirmed by the Senate, his experience, skills, and passion for service, combined with the strong relationships he’s built, will support our ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety across our state.”

With a career spanning more than 40 years, Mosley has worked with local, state, federal and international agencies in a variety of code and law enforcement environments including overt and covert operations. During his career as an officer in the Military Police Corps, he served throughout the United States, Cuba, Honduras and Europe as a law enforcement officer and liaison between U.S. and Allied Country Law Enforcement and Security personnel. While assigned to NATO Headquarters in Belgium, he coordinated the security for the Supreme Allied Commander and commanded his personal security team.

“I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to support the tremendous efforts underway in Delaware,” said Mosley. “If confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to working with the dedicated men and women who pledge to keep our communities safe, as we continue implementing successful public safety strategies for the State of Delaware.”

During his time as Secretary, Schiliro brought a wealth of experience to Delaware as a 25-year veteran with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation. After retiring from the F.B.I. Secretary Schiliro held several leadership positions at M.B.N.A. Bank, the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York City, and A. I. G. Insurance.

“First, I express my heartfelt thanks to the Governor for giving me an incredible opportunity to work with the men and women of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security,” Schiliro said. “Their dedication, enthusiasm, and compassion for all Delawareans has truly been an inspiration that I have witnessed every day. Secondly, I express my appreciation to each and every member of the Department for what they do, for who they are and most importantly for their commitment to the people of the State of Delaware. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve with each and every one of them.”

In recent years, the Delaware State Police has seen favorable trends in its violent crime statistics.  DSP saw a 10 % decline in number of violent crimes investigated in 2013. For this year, DSP is experiencing an 8% decrease in the number of violent crimes. These violent crimes include homicides, kidnapping, forcible sex offenses, robbery and assaults.

Key accomplishments advancing Governor Markell’s public safety agenda under Schiliro include:

Creation of State Gun Investigation Unit: The new team at State Police will focus on firearm transactions as well as developing statewide strategies to better enforce our gun purchasing laws to prevent and uncover straw purchases, weapons trafficking and all illegal sales.

Strengthening Gun Laws: Secretary Schiliro’s advocacy helped the state pass a new background checks law to close the private sale loophole. Another law mandating the reporting of lost or stolen firearms, is designed to deter gun trafficking and discourage straw purchases. It requires owners to report a firearm loss or theft within 48 hours of discovery.

Comprehensive School Safety Program: Delaware has become the first state to have a fully operational statewide safety and planning program. All Delaware public schools now have comprehensive safety plans that reside in a web-based electronic central repository making the plans accessible through the Internet and on smartphones, laptops and similar devices.

Creation of Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE):   In its first year (2009), DGE worked with Harrington Raceway, Dover Downs, and Delaware Park to get table games up and running. The division instituted a regional intelligence sharing network with regulatory authorities from surrounding states to ensure coordination on issues of mutual concern.

Creation of New Division of Forensic Science/Commission of Forensic Science: New legislation reorganized forensic science functions within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and provides for a Director to run the agency. A newly established Forensic Science Commission provides important oversight and assistance to the Division.

Enhanced Court Security (Capitol PD): Violence Intervention Program (VIP) created to identify and mitigate potential acts of violence that may be perpetrated against victims/petitioners while attending judicial proceedings in the State’s courts.

DSP Maritime Unit: The DSP Maritime Unit is currently the only agency working within our State and local government with a full-time maritime and homeland security mission.

Crime Reduction Assistance to City of Wilmington

Operation Pressure Point: In collaboration with Wilmington police, DSHS lead an initiative to combat violent crime in the City of Wilmington. The Delaware State Police assigned troopers three nights a week to a high crime area of the City to provide high visibility patrols in most violent prone sectors.

High Visibility Operation: In August 2014, the Delaware State Police took part in a high visibility joint operation within the city limits of Wilmington to target the quality of life crime/issues occurring along the N. Market St. (Route 13 N) corridor.

Gun Buy Back: DSP troopers partnered with Wilmington police and New Castle County police to collect more than 2,000 firearms during the State’s Buy Back. This one-day collection far exceeded expectations and resulted in the distribution of gift cards totaling more than $200,000.

Public Safety Strategies Commission: The Commission was established by House Joint Resolution No. 2, which was sponsored by the entire Wilmington delegation of the General Assembly and co-sponsored by all other members of the legislature. The Commission, chaired by Secretary Schiliro and Joseph Bryant, Jr., Director of Public Safety for New Castle County, was tasked with carrying out a rapid, fact-based, intensive examination of public safety strategies in the City and offering recommendations to address Wilmington’s significant problem with violent crime. The Department retained the Police Foundation of Washington, D.C. and Vigilant Resources International of New York to serve as consultants and assist the Commission in its work. The consultants provided a comprehensive report outlining specific strategies to help the Wilmington Police Department address crime in the City.

Additional Measures to Protect the Public

Regulations Governing Travel Restrictions During State Of Emergency: A three-tier system, unique to Delaware, has proven to be a highly efficient way to control traffic during critical weather events.

Special Needs Registry: DSHS launched an online emergency registry to help citizens with special needs prepare for an emergency before it happens. The emergency preparedness registry is linked to a secure database which ties into the State’s 911 system making this valuable information immediately accessible to 911 dispatchers.

700 MHz Communications System for Department of Corrections: The Division of Communications implemented a highly efficient cost savings program to provide a new 700 MHz communications system within the Department of Correction (DOC) improving communication capabilities within all prison facilities and for the first time, providing a direct connection to emergency responders statewide.

800MHz Communications System Technology Refresh Program: The Division of Communications is moving forward with the signing of a contract for the 800MHZ Communications System Technology Refresh Program. Since the initial deployment of the 800 MHz system in 1993, the State has made strategic investments to augment its capabilities, increase its performance and sustain its operability. This Technology Refresh Program positions the system for continued operations through 2024.

Statewide Body Worn Camera Pilot: Following an extensive evaluation by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) of the benefits and challenges of effectively implementing body cameras on law enforcement officers, Governor Markell and Secretary Schiliro recently announced plans for State and Municipal police officers to participate in a 30-45 day trial, using about a dozen body cameras throughout the state. The pilot will allow for the study of a number of complex privacy, procedural, and technical issues to ensure successful deployment of the cameras.

###

Council will help set pedestrian infrastructure priorities to make paths safer and better connected

Wilmington, DE – Building on his initiative to make Delaware a more walkable and bikeable state, Governor Markell today announced an Executive Order to increase safety, accessibility, and connectedness of pedestrian paths throughout the state. E.O. 54 establishes the Advisory Council on Walkability and Pedestrian Awareness, which will bring together key members of state agencies, local government representatives, as well as non-profit and citizen advocates to support and make recommendations on issues such as:

• Identifying and fixing gaps in pedestrian paths and sidewalks;
• Designing crosswalks, sidewalks, and pathways in the most effective way possible and ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Reviewing traffic rules to support a safe pedestrian environment; and
• Developing strategies for pedestrian safety education and awareness.

Full text of Executive Order 54 is available here.

The Council’s work will add to the success of the First State Trails and Pathways Initiative, which is creating more than 50 miles of new trails and has raised Delaware’s bike-friendly ranking from 31^st to 3^rd in the nation. The initiative has helped link communities and existing paths through interconnected pathway networks, as well as create and maintain “complete streets” that promote safe access for all types of transportation.

In issuing E.O. 54, Markell also noted the responsibility of the state to address the number of pedestrian fatalities, of which there have been 26 so far in 2015.

“We have made tremendous progress in making our transportation system more effective for everyone, and I’m proud that we have paid more attention than ever before to walking and biking,” said Markell. “Improving walkability raises the quality of life in our communities, which in turn makes them more attractive places to live and work, while also increasing property values. I am asking the Pedestrian Council to revisit Delaware’s Statewide Pedestrian Action Plan last updated in 2007, and to report to me their findings and recommendations and to help catalyze further improvements.”

DelDOT, which has recently undertaken many major projects aimed at pedestrian use, will provide expert staff and support to the Council.

“This Council has a vital role to play in helping the state to focus on these issues and ensure our work is prioritized most effectively,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan. “We have made a lot of improvements in the last few years, but we know there is a lot of ground to cover and our mission to ensure Delaware is the most walkable state in the country never ends. I look forward to the opportunity to work with other safety and mobility advocates statewide to better identify how we can meet the needs and priorities for serving pedestrians and prevent future tragedies.”

Projects recently completed or now underway include:

• The installation of a pedestrian‐hybrid beacon at the intersection of DE Route 8 and Heatherfield Way
• Upgrades to pedestrian facilities including crosswalks and pedestrian signals at 28 intersections.
• Installation of sidewalks, crosswalks, new signals and lighting in the SR 1 corridor between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.

Included in areas that Cohan has identified for improvements are many suburban areas where families are dependent on motor vehicles for almost every activity, or in some cases take unacceptable risks in walking along or crossing our roads. In addition, too many exiting sidewalks include barriers to those with disabilities, while others begin and end without making important connections that would provide safe pedestrian routes for students, transit users, shoppers, seniors and others likely to include walking as a mobility choice. Motorists and pedestrians also must have a better understanding of Delaware laws.

###