DOVER, Delaware – The Camden, Fenwick Island, South Bethany, and Wyoming Police Departments have earned state accreditation through the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission, officials announced. The accreditation program is designed to advance law enforcement professionalism by setting standards that allow Delaware police agencies to be systematically measured, evaluated, and updated.
According to the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission, each department successfully met 105 professional standards. Accreditation was verified through an on-site inspection that reviewed departmental policies and procedures and included interviews with staff members.
Officials said accreditation improves officer and public safety, addresses high-risk management issues, promotes operational efficiency, enhances agency reputation, attracts qualified candidates, and increases public trust and confidence. House Bill 206 requires all Delaware law enforcement agencies to achieve accreditation by 2028. Representatives from the Police Officer Standards and Training Commission, a division of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security, participated in the accreditation process, which also included DPAC assessors evaluating each department.
The Police Officer Standards and Training Commission oversees standards and training for all Delaware police officers, setting qualifications for new recruits, education and training requirements, and training standards. The commission also advises DPAC, provides guidance to local oversight boards, and investigates potential officer misconduct related to certification.
Camden Police Department: From left to right, Police Officer Standards and Training Commission Executive Director Sean E. Moriarty, DSHS Secretary Joshua Bushweller, Camden Lieutenant Benjamin Hartman, and DPAC Accreditation Administrator John Feehan. (Photo: Delaware.gov)
Fenwick Island Police Department: From left to right, Police Officer Standards and Training Commission Executive Director Sean E. Moriarty, DSHS Secretary Joshua Bushweller, Fenwick Island Master Corporal Christopher Story, Chief Michael Morrissey, Master Corporal Stephen Majewski, and DPAC Accreditation Administrator John Feehan. (Photo: Delaware.gov)
South Bethany Police Department: From left to right, Police Officer Standards and Training Commission Executive Director Sean E. Moriarty, DSHS Secretary Joshua Bushweller, South Bethany PD Accreditation Manager Coleen Meyer, Chief Jason Lovins, Lieutenant Shaun Baldasano, and DPAC Accreditation Administrator John Feehan. (Photo: Delaware.gov)
Wyoming Police Department: From left to right, Police Officer Standards and Training Commission Executive Director Sean E. Moriarty, DSHS Secretary Joshua Bushweller, Wyoming PD Chief Richard Baker, Accreditation Manager Audrey Lindale, Lieutenant Patrick Wiley, and DPAC Accreditation Administrator John Feehan. (Photo: Delaware.gov)