city of dover police department · records unit clerk jamie howlett jamie learned the task of...

City of Dover Police DepartmentAnnual Report

2019

Table of Contents

Letter by Chief Thomas Johnson 3 - 4 Complaints Five Year Comparison 5 Total Group A Crime Five Year Comparison Graph 6 Violent Crime Graph/Seized Firearms 7 Robberies Five Year Comparison Graph 8 Robberies Clearance Rate Graph 9 Burglaries Five Year Comparison 10 Burglary Clearance Rate 11 Drug Offenses Five Year Comparison 12 Actual Drug Arrests Graph 13 Property Crime Five Year Comparison Graph 14 Crime Clearance Comparison Chart 15 Criminal Summary Chart 16-17 Crashes Five Year Comparison Graph 18 Crashes Breakdown Five Year Comparison Chart 19 Traffic Arrests Five Year Comparison Graph 20 Traffic Arrests Summary Chart 21City Ordinance Summons Issued/Paid Graph 22 City Ordinance Summons Issued/Paid Chart 23 Police Time/Distribution Hours Chart 24 Miscellaneous Calls for Service Chart 25 Grant Funding Summary 26 Extra Duty Billings 27Dover Police Organizational Chart 28Dover Police Administrative Staff 29-31 Promotions 32 Officers of the Quarter– 1st & 2nd Qtr. 33 Officers of the Quarter—3rd & 4th Qtr. 34 Civilians of the Quarter—1st & 2nd Qtr. 35 Civilians of the Quarter—3rd & 4th Qtr. 36 Officer & Civilian of the Year 37 Awards Ceremonies 38 New Officers 39 Crisis Negotiation Team 40 Public Information Officer 41Internal Affairs 42

Criminal Investigation Unit, 43-47Detective Section Drugs, Vice & Organized Crime Section,

Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Juvenile & Sex Offender 911 Center 48Patrol Unit 49 Crash Investigation 50

Reconstruction Team Community Policing Section 51 K-9 Section 52Motorcycle Section 53Parking Enforcement Attendants & Animal Control 54Police Resources Manager & 55-56 Central Services Coordinator Evidence Technician/Photographer &

Building Maintenance LAN Analyst & Records Unit 57 Victim Services Unit 58Planning & Training Section 59Police Chaplains, Volunteer Honor Guard 60

& Bag Pipers CALEA Accreditation 61Medication Return Box 62Cadet Program 63Retirements 64

City of Dover Police Department

Annual Report

Complaints

Five Year Comparison

39,131

43,692

42,822 43,026

41,580

30,000

31,000

32,000

33,000

34,000

35,000

36,000

37,000

38,000

39,000

40,000

41,000

42,000

43,000

44,000

45,000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019


Annual Report

Total Group A Crime


4,993 5,0414,698

4,902

6,299

3,0373,280

2,856 2,859

3,818

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

TOTAL CLEARED


Annual Report

Violent Crime

(Murder, Forcible Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault)


278

319

265

346

409

193

216

193

260 261

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019RECEIVED CLEARED

9084

63 62

2316 17

74

0

20

40

60

80

100

2016 2017 2018 2019

Seized Firearms

INSIDE CITY LIMITS OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS


Annual Report

Robberies


50

65

46

5052

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019


Annual Report

Robbery Clearance Rate

Dover Police Department vs. Nation

52.0%

72.0%

80.0%82.0%

75.0%

33.0% 34.0% 34.0% 35.0%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Dover PD Nation

NATIONAL FIGURES NOT AVAILABLE FOR 2019


Annual Report

Burglaries


81

110

57

66

90

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019


Annual Report

Burglary Clearance Rate

Dover Police Department vs. Nation

64% 63%60%

74% 74%

14% 14% 15% 15%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

DOVER PD NATIONAL

NATIONAL FIGURES NOT AVAILABLE FOR 2019


Annual Report

Drug Charges


710

791738 719

865

675

771718 699

847

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

TOTAL CLEARED


Annual Report

Total Cases

By the

Drugs, Vice and Organized Crime Section

1,688

2,399

2,053 2,086

2,400

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019


Annual Report

Property Crime

(Burglary, Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft, Arson)


1914 19201708

1937

3409

744 692 609 598

1307

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

TOTAL CLEARED


Annual Report

Crime Clearance Comparison Chart


Annual Report

Criminal Summary

1,879

1,946

1,817

1,856

2,014

1,700

1,750

1,800

1,850

1,900

1,950

2,000

2,050

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019


Annual Report

Crashes



Annual Report

Crash Breakdown


1,186

583621

759

1,016

245

945

819

722641

448 418377 375 357

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Property Damage

Private Property/Non Reportable

Personal Injury & Fatal


Annual Report

Traffic Arrests


13,878

16,890

11,761

9,281 9,384

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

16,000

18,000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

22


Annual Report

City Ordinance Summons


Annual Report

City Ordinance Summons

Issued/Paid


6,328

7,5857,333

4,968

6,047

3,222 3,262

2,594

2,0171,717

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

ISSUED PAID


Annual Report

Police Time/Distribution Hours


Annual Report

Miscellaneous Calls for Service


Annual Report

Grant Funding Summary


Annual Report

Extra Duty Billings

Org Chart


Executive Staff

Operations Division

Commander

Captain Chad Bernat

Administrative Division

Commander

Captain David Spicer

Acting Chief of Police

Major Timothy Stump


Administrative Staff

Criminal Investigations

Unit Commander

Lieutenant Todd Case

Patrol

Unit Commander

Lieutenant Randy Robbins

Internal Affairs

Unit Commander

Lieutenant Christopher Hermance

Special Enforcement

Unit Commander

Lieutenant Kevin Kober


Civilian Administrative Staff

Senior LAN Analyst

Christopher Menge

911 Manager

Christina Kober

Police Resource Manager

Robin Adkins

Records Unit Supervisor

Jessica Hand

PROMOTIONSEach year the Officers of the Dover Police Department take part in a highly competitive

promotion process, the following Officers were promoted during 2019:

SERGEANT

Derek Lawson

Jordan Miller

James Stubbs

MASTER CORPORAL

Robert Barrett

Caleb Rich

Justin Richey

Ian Thompson

CORPORAL

Brian Berns

Matthew Krogh

Nathaniel Warren

PATROLMAN FIRST CLASS

Lee Killen

Tyler Loomis

Timothy Mullaney, Jr.

Thomas Rivera

Logan Spicer

OFFICER OF THE QUARTER – 1ST QUARTER

OFFICER OF THE QUARTER – 2ND QUARTER

OFFICERS OF THE QUARTER FOR 2019

Patrolman First Class Brandon Bowman

PFC Bowman shows tremendous work ethic and constant devotion by continually handling the

most challenging complaints and undertaking special assignments. He is a Field Training

Officer and uses that skill to orient new officers to the ever-changing environment of Law

Enforcement. PFC Bowman brings a balanced approach to his job and managed to produce 47

reports through citizen contact while also enforcing both criminal and traffic laws.

Patrolwoman Melissa Lake

Ptlw. Lake had extraordinary productivity during the 2nd quarter. She handled 100 written

reports and places an emphasis on quality of life issues while engaging traffic and criminal

violators. Her work ethic has since led to additional assignments as a Crisis Negotiation Team

member and Field Training Officer. Ptlw. Lake is very dependable and constantly volunteering

for anything to improve herself and the Dover Police Department.

OFFICERS OF THE QUARTER FOR 2019OFFICER OF THE QUARTER – 3RD QUARTER

OFFICER OF THE QUARTER – 4TH QUARTER

Corporal Joshua Boesenberg

Cpl. Boesenberg is a dedicated detective that excels in his role as a Task Force Operator

with the ATF, often traveling the entire State of Delaware on his assignments. During this

quarter, while working in conjunction with DSP, NCCPD, and the FBI Task Force, Cpl.

Boesenberg seized 27 firearms. Any one of those weapons could have harmed an innocent

civilian or law enforcement officer.

Patrolman First Class Jacob Rankin

PFC Rankin is valued member of the Drug, Vice and Organized Crime Unit and continues

to display the highest degree of professionalism and dependability. During this quarter,

PFC Rankin made 76 criminal arrests and was able to seize 5 handguns, 5,634.85 grams of

marijuana, 81.7 grams of crack cocaine, 4.9 grams of powder cocaine, 24.381 grams of

heroin, and thousands of dollars in drug proceeds.

CIVILIANS OF THE QUARTER FOR 2019

CIVILIAN OF THE QUARTER – 1ST QUARTER

CIVILIAN OF THE QUARTER – 2nd QUARTER

Evidence Technician Frank Grosso

Frank cleared the evidence room for the asbestos abatement, painting and shelving projects

while keeping up with his normal evidence duties and evidence security. Throughout the

quarter, Frank kept up a regular schedule of taking items to the Medical Examiners Office as

well as helping/instructing officers on properly packaging evidence items for processing

including training on the new computer system.

Records Clerk Jessica Hand

Jessica was a key member in the department serving as a payroll specialist who took on extra duties and

projects during this quarter. A few highlights include working on the newly implemented ERP taking

the lead when the Karen Hudson retied. While working on this project, Jessica was able to maintain her

responsibilities of payroll specialist and maintain a 4.0 GPA with a full course load at Wilmington

University. Jessica enjoys her work, has a caring nature and is pleasant to work with.

CIVILIANS OF THE QUARTER FOR 2019CIVILIAN OF THE QUARTER –3RD QUARTER

CIVILIAN OF THE QUARTER – 4TH QUARTER

Records Unit Clerk Jamie Howlett

Jamie learned the task of payroll duties for the department and is a major asset to the Records

Unit and the Dover Police Department as a whole. She keeps an upbeat personality that is

contagious and very much appreciated considering the adverse conditions experienced by the

Records Department as far as vacancies.

Records Unit Clerk Lisa Hoffer

Lisa was willing to take on additional tasks in the Records Department due to vacancies, one

of the most significant was false alarms which require research on multiple levels. Along

with added tasks, Lisa has also grown her knowledge of other processes in the department

and has been a huge team player with helping out in all aspects in the unit.

Officer and Civilian of the Year 2019

Dover’s Finest

OFFICER OF THE YEAR

CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR

CORPORAL JOSHUA BOESENBERG

EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN FRANK GROSSO

Awards CeremoniesThe Dover Police Department held two Award

Ceremonies in 2019. Officers and Civilians earned

the following awards:

1 Police Chief’s

2 Valor

11 Life Saving

52 Distinguished Unit Commendations

3 Exceptional Performance

34 Perfect Attendance

29 Safe Driving

16 Service Achievement

4 DUI

4 Officer of the Quarter

4 Civilian of the Quarter

1 Officer of the Year

1 Civilian of the Year

1 Distinguished Citizen

Patrolman David Spence, Patrolman James Bush &

Patrolwoman Siobhan Burton

Patrolman Strovenscolv Larochelle, Patrolwoman Kaitlyn Slater,Patrolman Steven Vieira & Patrolman Brandon Clancy,

Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT)

The Crisis Negotiation Team is a specialized unit comprised of ten veteran

officers of the Dover Police Department, whose mission is to respond to all

barricade and hostage situations. The CNT commander reports directly to the

Deputy Chief of Police, who is also responsible for authorizing their activation.

Once activated, the Crisis Negotiation Team focuses their resources on

establishing personal contact with the individual involved. Once contact is

established, CNT uses the opportunity to appraise, evaluate and gather

intelligence in order to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible.

The Crisis Negotiation Team maintains their proficiency through bi-monthly

training exercises, two of which include joint training with SORT. Throughout

2019, members of the Crisis Negotiation Team attended continuing education

courses designed to enhance the team’s capabilities and responded to a variety

of scenarios including suicidal persons and barricaded subjects.

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

The Public Information Officer (PIO) is a responsibility of the Public

Affairs Office created in the fall of 2013. Master Corporal Mark

Hoffman, a 15-year veteran, is assigned to the position and is under

the direct supervision of Captain Chad Bernat, the Operations

Division Commander. The PIO is responsible for dissemination of

information to the public and media outlets as well as directly to the

citizens of Dover. This is primarily accomplished by publishing

information and photos on the department’s web site, as well through

the department’s social media platforms. The PIO maintains regular

contact with journalists from newspaper, radio, and television and

gives both telephone and in-person interviews and is responsible for

website updates. The PIO also is responsible for reputation

management of the department. Keeping up to date on local and

national news media pertaining to the Dover Police Department and

gathering knowledge of trends in law enforcement are important to

calm the concerns of the public, address stories in the media, and are

helpful in crime prevention as well. The ability to communicate with

Dover’s population of nearly 40,000 people has significantly helped

to develop new and improve relationships between the department

and the community. Additionally, the Public Information Officer is

often called upon to serve as emcee during functions such as the

promotion and award ceremonies. In 2013, the department added

social media platforms to the responsibilities of the PIO. Through

programs such a Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, the MyPD Mobile App,

Instagram, and the CrimeMapping.com program, the department has

been able to connect with the citizens of Dover quickly and more

efficiently than ever before. The PIO sends safety messages, public

service announcements, crime alerts, educational videos, and more

through the social media outlets. The PIO also assists in criminal

investigations where evidence can be retrieved via social media. The

Public Information Officer also works closely with the Community

Policing Unit on various community outreach projects such as

National Night Out, Holiday Heroes, coat drives, and community

meetings

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

The Internal Affairs Unit is staffed with one sworn officer who holds

the rank of Lieutenant. The mission of the Internal Affairs Unit is to

ensure the integrity of the Police Department by maintaining an

internal system that is objective, fair, and equitable in its methods of

internal investigation. The Internal Affairs Office is responsible for

investigating allegations of misconduct by employees both sworn

and civilian. The Internal Affairs Unit also investigates all

complaints or allegations of corruption, use of excessive force,

breach of civil rights, criminal misconduct, and violations of

department policy. This office is tasked with working directly with

the City Solicitor in responding to civil actions.

In addition to its primary duties, the Internal Affairs Office retains

an active role in training new recruits along with local citizens who

attend the Citizens Police Academy. New employees are acquainted

with the function of the Internal Affairs Office, including an

overview of rules, regulations and job performance standards.

Internal Affairs is also tasked with several other responsibilities

including the inspection of departmental equipment, vehicles and

evidence storage facilities.

Criminal Investigation Unit

Detective Section

The Dover Police Criminal Investigation Section is tasked with

the responsibility to investigate the most serious crimes that occur

within the City of Dover. This section also conducts financial and

identity theft investigations. In addition to these duties, they are

called upon to perform background investigations on all civilian

and police applicants who are being considered for employment.

In 2019, the six detectives assigned to this section investigated a

total of 1,377 complaints. In 2019, the detectives investigated 51

robberies with a clearance rate of 78% and 90 burglaries with a

clearance rate of 63%. These clearance rates are much higher than

the national average, which speaks volumes for the unit’s

investigative abilities.

Compared to 2018, the Criminal Investigation Unit experienced

an increase of 19 shooting investigations in 2019. They

investigated 50 total shootings, 29 of the reported 50 shooting

victims were shot and sustained injury or were killed as a result

of gun fire. In the remaining 21 investigations, persons were

either shot at while occupying a residence or vehicle. The

shooting clearance rate for 2019 was 54%.

The Criminal Investigations Unit experienced an increase of one

additional homicide in 2019 compared to the previous year. The

detectives investigated a total of five homicides (one was

vehicular) in 2019, all homicides were cleared by arrest for a

100% clearance rate.

Drugs, Vice, and Organized Crime Section (DVOC)

The Drugs, Vice, & Organized Crime Section is comprised of six officers

who work in an undercover or plain clothes capacity. All six officers

working in concert are committed to eliminating the use and sale of illegal

drugs, counterfeit merchandise, and prostitution from the City of Dover. The

Gang Intelligence Officer is assigned to the Drugs, Vice and Organized

Crime Section and is responsible for intelligence gathering and criminal

investigations of Gang Members and Violent Offenders. In 2019, because of

their dedication and commitment, the DVOC Section handled a total of

2,400 cases. As a result of these cases, the unit seized a large amount of

illegal drugs and proceeds related to drug dealing. These seizures include

122,008.92 grams of marijuana, 1233.05 grams of cocaine, 162.54 grams of

heroin, and 709.6 doses of ecstasy. With the combined efforts of the DVOC

and Street Crimes Units, there were 47 firearms seized in the City of Dover

and 67 firearms seized outside of the City.

The Drugs, Vice, and Organized Crime Section takes great pride in the

working relationship it has established and maintained with the Drug

Enforcement Administration (DEA), The Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms

agency (ATF), The United States Marshals Service (USMS), and the

Delaware Department of Probation and Parole.

2018 2019

Marijuana (Grams) 14,158.84 122,008.92

Cocaine (Grams) 1,284.25 1,233.05

Heroin (Grams) 240.75 162.54

Ecstasy (Doses) 1,715.93 709.6

Firearms 80 136

Currency $253,864.27 $389,829.00

Case Total 2,086 2,400

DEA Task Force

The Dover Police Department continued its ongoing relationship with the Drug

Enforcement Administration (DEA) during 2019. The local DEA Task Force is

comprised of detectives from local and state police agencies who work in

conjunction with federal agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The

Dover Police Department continues to provide an officer to work with this federal

task force.

Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Task Force (ATF)

The Dover Police Department partnered with the ATF in 2012. The police

department currently has one full-time detective assigned to this task force. The

task force’s mission focuses on gang activity, gun trafficking and violent crime

within the State of Delaware. The partnership with the ATF has proven to be

successful and the Dover Police Department looks forward to the continued

relationship for many years to come.

United States Marshals Service

In 2019, the Dover Police Department continues to partner with the United States

Marshals Service (USMS). The Dover Police Department has one full time officer

assigned to this agency. This new partnership has increased the ability to

apprehend violent fugitives who are attempting to avoid prosecution. The Dover

Police Department is very excited to be part of this agency’s mission and looks

forward to the continued relationship.

Street Crimes Section

A total of six officers made up the Street Crimes Unit in 2019. Those Dover Police

Officers worked in concert with two Delaware Probation and Parole Officers.

Together they concentrated their efforts to address violent crimes, street level sales

of illegal narcotics and monitored probationers who resided within the city limits

of Dover. Street Crimes accomplished this by utilizing crime mapping to identify

violent crime hot spots. They then concentrated their enforcement efforts in those

areas. Street Crimes Section works closely with the DVOC Unit to jointly

accomplish larger operations. During 2019, the six Street Crimes officers made a

total of 987 arrests and seized 11 firearms.

Crime Scene Investigation Section

(CSI)

In 2019, the Crime Scene Investigations Section which consists of two

Detectives with specialized training addressed the ever growing need of

processing evidence and crime scenes. These Detectives report to the

Detective Section Sergeant. The Crime Scene Investigation Section is

trained in cutting edge technology and procedures in the collection of

forensic evidence. Their duties include processing major crime scenes,

DNA collection from suspects, processing and tracing of all firearms

seized, processing shell casings and/or bullets recovered and any other

processing requests that are needed by officers in the department. The

CSI detectives provide a critical support role in investigating violent

crimes and often discover key evidence to assist in the lawful arrest of

suspects and criminal prosecution of these cases.

Sex Offender Enforcement Section

Dover PD's Sex Offender Enforcement section consists of two civilian

agents to monitor all registered sex offenders that reside, work and

attend school in the City of Dover. At any given time there are between

275 and 310 sex offenders that meet this criteria in Dover. The agents

are responsible for making all public notifications regarding sex

offenders and the agents conduct audits on all offenders in the city to

ensure compliance with the program. Tier I offenders are the lowest

level and they are audited annually. Tier II offenders are moderate risk

and are audited biannually. Tier III offenders are the highest risk level

which are audited four times within a year. If an offender has violated

the conditions of his or her registration, agents will obtain a warrant and

aggressively search for them and make the arrest. In 2019, the Sex

Offender Enforcement Section made 315 verifications, 808 re-

verifications, 34,844 notifications, and obtained 20 noncompliant

warrants, which resulted in 1,395 CAD complaints.

Juvenile Section

School Resource Officers and Police Athletic League School Resource Officers and Police Athletic League

The School Resource Officer (SRO) section consists of five officers and the

Police Athletic League (PAL) has one officer.

The School Resource Officer (SRO) program is in its twelfth year thanks to a

partnership between the Dover Police Department and the Capital School District.

PFC Piazza is assigned to Central Middle School, Cpl. Stevenson is assigned to

the Dover High School and PFC Knight is assigned to the Parkway Academy, Cpl.

Nester is assigned to the Kent County Intensive Learning Center and Cpl. Gedney

is assigned to William Henry Middle School as SRO’s. SROs regularly teach

various classes regarding health and safety issues. In addition to patrolling the

school grounds and attending after school functions, such as sports events and

student dances, all Juvenile Section Officers are involved in extracurricular events

throughout the year. The events are held in different locations in the city and are

focused on positive interaction with children and teenagers. The Juvenile Section

Officers strive to build and maintain a positive rapport with all of the students in

the Capital School District and the children that reside in our community. The

Juvenile Section also handles criminal complaints throughout the year involving

juvenile related crimes.

The Police Athletic League (PAL) program is coordinated by PFC Anthony Smith

and operates with grant funding covering hardware and personnel to support the

numerous sports oriented actives. The PAL program hosts community and

summer basketball competitions, flag football and hockey leagues throughout the

city as well as at William Henry and Central Middle schools in conjunction with

life skills building classes. The PAL program became incorporated at the end of

2016 and has grown to over 200 participants. In the summer of 2018, a page was

added to the Dover Police Departments website and applications and the calendar

of events are now available online.

In 2011, the 911 center received 119,180 telephones calls, 39,559 of those calls

were received on the 911 emergency lines. The 911 center averaged 327 calls

daily. In addition, the 911 center logged 41,609 calls for service in CAD.

Dispatcher Patricia Sapp monitoring 911 calls

Dover Police 911 Center

The Dover Police Department's 911 Center is the first point of contact

for emergency services provided to the residents and visitors of Dover.

The 911 Center operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week providing police,

fire and emergency medical services. The 911 Center is staffed by 12

full time dispatchers and one manager.

A call or text message is received by a dispatcher, he/she will obtain the

pertinent information necessary to log the call for service in the

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. Once the call for service is

logged in the CAD system, the dispatcher must prioritize the complaint

and then ensure the appropriate emergency services are promptly

dispatched. The CAD system allows the dispatchers to check for

hazards or prior calls from the location of the call for service. In

addition, dispatchers can monitor the officer’s status, such as when on a

vehicle stop or out to court. Dispatchers are tasked with staying in

constant communication via 800 MHz radio system and in car

computers, known as Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) with officers.

When not busy on the telephone or radio, dispatcher’s duties include

data entry of wanted persons, missing person, stolen guns, articles,

plates, and vehicles in the local system (Deljis) and National Crime

Information Center (NCIC) and criminal history checks. Dispatchers are

responsible, dedicated people who work very hard to help keep the

citizens and officers safe.

In 2019, the 911 Center received 89,052 telephones calls and 89 text

sessions: 36,919 of those calls were received on the 911 emergency lines

and received 89 text sessions resulting in 548 exchanged text messages.

The 911 Center averaged 244 calls daily. In addition, the 911 Center

logged 41,580 calls for service in CAD.

Patrol Unit

The primary responsibility of the Patrol Unit is to respond to calls for service in the

community twenty-four hours a day. These calls for service include: criminal

complaints, motor vehicle crashes, medical emergencies and an assortment of other

types of assistance.

Patrol officers are the first responders to a variety of incidents, thus protecting the life

and property of citizens and visitors to the City of Dover, while at the same time

proactively enforcing all aspects of the law.

The Patrol Unit consists of four Platoons. A typical Platoon consists of officers with

the following specialized training and responsibilities:

Crash Investigation and Reconstruction

Special Operations Response Team

Crisis Negotiators

Shift Investigators

Field Training Officers

Honor Guard

Crash Investigation & Reconstruction Team

The City of Dover Police Department investigated 1,992

traffic crashes in 2019. This was an overall increase of

7.3% from 2018. This past year the Dover Police

Department also investigated 5 (2 of which involved

double fatalities) fatal injury crashes, (5 drivers, 1

passenger, and 1 pedestrian). In the event of a fatal,

serious injury, hazardous material or police officer

involved crash, the Dover Police Department relies on

the highly trained Crash Investigation and

Reconstruction Team. The Reconstruction Team consists

of three officers assigned to the Patrol Unit. The

Reconstruction Officers have received advanced training

in the following areas: Traffic Crash Reconstruction from

the Institute of Police Training and Management

Advance Traffic Crash Investigation from the Institute of

Police Training and Management CAD Zone /crash zone

computer aided drafting, FARO 3D imager for surveying

Crash data retrieval programming.

Community Policing Section

The Community Policing Section consists of four officers. The

officers meet on a regular basis with apartment managers,

neighborhood watch groups and other civic associations. They give

safety talks to senior citizens, special presentations at schools, and

educate concerned citizens on how to implement and run an effective

Neighborhood Watch Program. Officers also conduct business safety

programs upon request from business owners.

The Community Policing Section also has a lead role in planning,

organizing and executing many community outreach programs with

great success. National Night Out was another successful event

which was organized by Community Policing officers who partner

with the Target Store of Dover; this event had an estimated

attendance of 1,500 people. This was the tenth annual National Night

Out event which features free food, prize giveaways and interaction

with police, fire and paramedics from our area. The Department

participated again in Holiday Heroes and it was a huge success this

year, seventeen Officers, six civilian staff members along with

support from local businesses and private donors, ensured that one

hundred sixteen underprivileged children had presents to open during

their holiday. In the month of October, Dover Police partnered the

Down Town Dover Partnership to implement our fourth annual safe

trick or treat event on Legislative mall. Along with these events, the

Community Policing officers are involved in Dover Days, Ghost and

Goblins at Dover Downs, July 4th fireworks, Habitat for Humanity

projects and numerous parades in Dover, as well as assisting outside

agencies with parades and community events.

K-9 Unit

The Dover Police Department Canine Unit consists of four operating teams which

are all trained in patrol operations; with two canines, crossed trained in narcotic

detection. The Dover Police Department has one operating team solely used for

narcotic detection. The department currently has four teams assigned to the Patrol

Division and one team to the departments Street Crimes Unit. Each team will

undergo yearly certifications through the National Police Canine Association.

Canine teams will assist all units within the department as well as outside agencies

in apprehending dangerous felons, fleeing suspects and the seizure of illegal

narcotics.

2019 – Canine Statistics

Alarms- 439

Burglaries – 37

Assist Other Agency – 112

Warrant Service – 91

Demonstrations – 13

Training Hours – 768

Tracks – 35

Criminal Apprehensions – 21

Money Seizures - $75,444

School Sniffs – 4

Vehicle Sniffs – 53

Building Searches – 41

Special Operations Deployment - 3

Drug Seizures by Grams

Marijuana – 827.6

Cocaine – 95

Heroin – 1.35

MDMA – 30 Doses

Motorcycle Section

This section consists of three motorcycle officers (authorized

strength of six). These officers conduct speed enforcement, or any

other traffic enforcement problem throughout the city. They lead all

parades in Dover and escort most funerals through the city.

Motorcycle officers also assist other units when needed throughout

the city. In 2019, they issued 1,127 traffic tickets and processed

14,010 red light camera violations.

Parking Enforcement Section

The Dover Police Department has two full time civilians assigned to Parking

Enforcement. They enforce parking regulations throughout the city. They are

responsible for booting vehicles when the owner has failed to pay fines that have

accrued over a period of time. Parking enforcement also patrols shopping centers and

neighborhoods for parking violations.

The Dover Police Department employs one full time (civilian) Animal Control Officer

who is responsible for animal complaints within the city. The Animal Control Officer

sets non-injuring traps for stray cats and dogs when they can’t be captured. The

Animal Control Officer investigates properties for unsanitary, neglected or vicious

animals.

Animal Control Section

Police Resources Manager

Ms. Robin Adkins is responsible for all department resource and

financial management duties. She personally handles the daily

details associated with managing the department budget, grants,

capital projects and oversight for the other resource functions in

the department. These functions include purchasing, fleet

management, building maintenance and evidence.

Central Services Coordinator

Ms. Rhonda Figueroa is responsible for all departmental

purchasing including duty gear, uniforms, office supplies,

vehicles and vehicle equipment. During 2019, she was a member

of the uniform board and facilitated the implementation of new

uniforms for our police officers and the wear of the new external

vest carrier, which enhances officer comfort and wellness.

In addition, Rhonda oversees vehicle maintenance which also

includes the up-fitting and replacement of vehicles. She is the

one who facilitates the configuration of all the equipment in each

vehicle which changes more often than you may think as vehicle

manufactures make design changes to vehicles annually. She

also supervises building maintenance which includes the building

craftsman and the subcontracted custodians from Mid-Atlantic

Services. As such, Rhonda is keenly involved with building

related projects and served as the primary oversight on the second

floor flooring replacement project in late 2019.

56

Evidence Technician

Mr. Frank Grosso is responsible for all duties associated with evidence accountability which includes

checking in/out, coordination of testing with different labs, conducting inventories, audits and disposal

of evidence items. Frank also takes care of downloading the data from the mobile video systems in

the vehicle fleet and uploading the data to the secure server for evidence retention. The time and

effort required to complete these duties is impressive and a list outlining all the actions for 2019

follows:

3,700+ evidence items acquired

3,100+ evidence items disposed

26 deliveries to the Division of Forensic Science for testing of drugs and DNA evidence

40 deliveries to the DSP State Lab for testing of DUI kits

10 city deposits to for illegal drug enforcement seizures and criminal evidence funds

300+ requests received from the Attorney General’s office for court related items such as DVDs of

mobile vehicle recorder (MVR) cameras, documents and photos

350+ requests from department officers for MVRs and photos

In addition, during 2019, there were several major construction/renovation projects completed in the

department’s evidence areas. In the spring 2019, all evidence items were temporarily relocated from

the main evidence room to other evidence areas in the station and warehouse to accommodate the

asbestos abatement project which corrected environmental deficiencies found in the subflooring of the

room. In conjunction with this project, the room was reconfigured and renovated to accommodate the

installation of mechanized shelving in the room which increased evidence storage space by 60%.

Later in the year, the department added heating and air-conditioning to the second floor warehouse

evidence area and Mr. Grosso escorted the contractors throughout the project.

Once the projects were completed in the main evidence room, all the evidence was returned to the

room in phases as Mr. Grosso inventoried the storage of all items in all evidence areas during the

process. As a result, the entire warehouse and basement rooms were completely reorganized. The

warehouse was organized into two areas; one for long term evidence (homicides, sexual assaults) and

the other for bulky and more recent evidence that is less active and the basement area was designated

as an overflow or staging area for evidence in transition and/or pending destruction.

Building Maintenance

Mr. Jeff Sullivan is responsible for the coordination of the maintenance for all major building systems,

minor facility equipment repairs/replacement. During 2019, Mr Sullivan assisted with all the major

projects undertaken in all the evidence areas as well as he could, since he has limited access to these

areas. In addition Jeff tracked down costs for planning for overdue building upgrades for lighting and

flooring and pushed for getting the projects submitted for funding in the budget. Later in the year, he

helped escort the flooring contractors upgrading the flooring on the second floor if the police station.

Mr. Sullivan also supervises the building custodial services personnel employed by our current

contract with Mid-Atlantic Services. Our current contract employees are Mr. Al Johnson, Mr. Fred

Franklin and Mr. Sherman Sharp. They work well together and do a great job cleaning our police

station building and warehouse.

Records Unit

Local Area Network Analysts

(LAN Analysts)

The Records Unit consists of six civilian employees, including a civilian

supervisor, Mrs. Jessica Hand. The unit is responsible for all documents

generated by the Police Department. These documents include all criminal

reports, arrest reports, traffic crash reports, traffic citations, and city

ordinance summons which are submitted to the Records Unit for review, data

input, storage and archiving. The Dover Police Records Unit is one of only

three municipal police agencies in the state who are authorized to directly

input data into the Delaware Justice Information System (DELJIS). In

addition, the Records Unit is tasked with processing and verifying the

department’s payroll prior to submitting it to the City Finance Office.

Christopher Menge serves as the Department’s Senior LAN Analyst.

Alexander Hassman serves as the Department's LAN Analyst. They

are responsible for the department’s computers, application software,

servers, digital evidence and related network infrastructure. The

computer systems within the department continue to present unique

challenges due to the enhanced security requirements imposed by

state and federal mandates governing the criminal justice community.

They also work closely with several state agencies to implement and

troubleshoot state-hosted systems that are accessed by police

employees.

These positions are also responsible for assisting with the design,

implementation and purchase of all items within the department

associated with computer technology. The LAN Analysts are

currently responsible for 82 desktop computers, 36 mobile data

computers, 30 servers, 12 network printers and various stand-alone

peripherals.

Ms. Diane Glenn serves as the Department’s Victim Services Coordinator and provides

crime victims with professional assistance and support. Each crime victim and their

family are provided with a supportive environment to assist them through some very

difficult times and decisions in their lives. Our goal is to help lessen the trauma suffered

and provide support throughout the criminal justice process. Services provided to crime

victims and their families vary in each case depending upon the needs of the individual.

Services include: death notifications, crisis intervention, referrals to community based

services, criminal justice updates, court accompaniments, assistance with filing for

violent crime compensation through the state, as well as a host of other services as

needed in each particular case. The Dover Police Department is committed to the fair,

compassionate, and dignified treatment of all crime victims. We continue to strive to

improve and enhance all services related to helping victims and survivors through such

traumatic events.

Below is a statistical breakdown for services provided in 2019:

Victim Services Unit

2 734 50 41 32

11 8

139

4689

8

88

0

50

100

150

Age/Gender/Ethnicity

142

436

92

66

79

23

33

185

66

251

0 100 200 300 400 500

Telephone Contacts

Criminal Justice Info

Social Service Referrels

Personal Contact

Crisis Intervention

Victims Compensation Claim

Call Outs

New Victims Served

Existing Victims Served

Total Victims Served

Client Services

Planning & Training Unit

The Planning and Training Unit is responsible for all aspects of

training, recruitment, and applicant testing. Planning and Training

ensures that all sworn and civilian members of the department

receive training in compliance with the standards established by the

Delaware Council on Police Training (COPT), Departmental

Policies, CALEA standards, and Federal mandates. The Planning

and Training Unit also provides training to outside agencies that

request assistance with their training needs. The unit is also

responsible for all newly hired police officers through their

completion of the Field Training Program. Throughout the year,

Planning and Training participates in various job fairs in the local

region in an effort to recruit qualified and diverse applicants.

Major Training Accomplishments for 2019:

9 new police officers hired

3 new civilians hired

1,064.75 civilian training hours

8,013 sworn officer training hours

21 out of state training schools attended

3 Internships

308 Ride along hours

Citizen Police Academy (31st class, 10-week program)

6 Recruiting Events

2 How To Succeed in Hiring Process Seminars

Hosted 1 College Expo

Police Chaplains

Honor Guard

The Department has two civilians holding the honorary rank of Captain in the position of Police Chaplain.

Pastor Jacob McCready joined the department in 2009 and Bishop Wesleigh James Thomas, II in 2019.

The Chaplains provide the blessings and benedictions at ceremonial functions. They also offer spiritual

guidance and advice to both sworn officers and civilian members of the department.

Pastor Jacob McCready giving

the benediction at a recent

promotions and awards

ceremony,

Dover Police Department’s Honor Guard is comprised of eight volunteer officers from

various units within the department. The Honor Guard is called upon for formal police

functions and ceremonies.

Bishop Wesleigh James Thomas, II being sworn in as a

Dover Police Department Chaplain

Mr. Rob Scott is the Crime Analyst/ Accreditation Manager and has dual

responsibilities. One of the responsibilities is strategic crime analysis and

assists with the planning and deployment of resources to best combat

crime. It also provides research and analysis support to aid management in

making a variety of key decisions. The responsibilities of the

Accreditation Manager is to maintain and organize the department’s many

policies and procedures. The primary function is to maintain and comply

with the 484 standards which are mandated by CALEA (Commission on

Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) and the 105 standards

mandated by DPAC (Delaware Police Accreditation Commission). The

Dover Police Department is one of only eight departments in the State of

Delaware to have the prestigious honor of National Accreditation. The

Dover Police Department completed their seventh (CALEA) assessment at

the end of 2017 and was awarded the Gold Standard for Public Safety in

March 2018.

CALEA Accreditation

The Gold Standard in Public Safety

MEDICATION RETURN BOX

The secured box, located in the Dover Police Department lobby, is

available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the safe and secure disposal of

medications no longer needed. The box was given to the department by

the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) as

part of a program to combat prescription drug abuse, sponsored by Endo

Pharmaceuticals and Zogenix. The box allows for a safe and secure

drop-off location where any citizen can anonymously drop unused

medications for safe and proper disposal. The Dover Police Department

is grateful for the approval by NADDI and looks forward to future

success in reducing prescription drug abuse. During 2019, 633.6 lbs. of

miscellaneous prescription pills were removed from the medication return

box. A lock was added to the box in 2017 to help prevent inappropriate

disposal of medications by medical related businesses.

CADET PROGRAM

The Dover Police Department continues with its police Cadet

Program consisting of 5 cadets (authorized strength of 6) who are

assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit as part-time employees.

Prior to being hired, each candidate was required to pass the same

tests as a potential Dover Police Officer which includes, a physical

fitness test, drug testing, an oral board and a background check. Each

cadet was provided with 80 hours of training consisting of laws,

equipment usage, policies and procedures, geography, radio protocol

and then an additional 60 hours of supervised on the job training.

After they completed the training, they were released for duty and

generally work in pairs.

Cadets conduct high visibility patrols throughout the City of Dover

handling 451 complaints, issuing 836 city ordinance violations as well

as 3,013 business contacts from January thru December of 2019. The

cadets, who are not sworn Police Officer, conduct patrols on both foot

and bicycle and enforce local city ordinances. They also assist with

crowd control, traffic control and support services during major

events in the city. Cadets are were also tasked with providing security

services in the Dover Public Library from January 2019 to November

2019, at which time the cadets were relieved of duty and replaced

with paid security officers from an outside security firm.

The cadet program has proved to be a valuable asset to the residents,

patrons, and business owners of the City of Dover and we have

received positive feedback on the impact that they are making in the

downtown Dover area.

2019 OFFICER RETIREMENTS

Chief Marvin C. Mailey, Jr.

25 Years of Service

Sergeant Matthew Knight

20 Years of ServiceSergeant Gregory Hopkins

24 Years of Service

Corporal Jason Pfeiffer

14 Years of Service

2019

DOVER POLICE

ANNUAL

REPORT

Special Thanks to

Lt. Hermance

for the pictures included in this report.

city of dover police department · records unit clerk jamie howlett jamie learned the task of...

Documents