DSP Patch based on the Delaware State Seal
The Delaware State Police (DSP) is a division of the Delaware Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security and is responsible for traffic regulation and law enforcement across the state of Delaware, especially in areas underserved by local police departments. The DSP is headquartered in the capital Dover, Delaware.
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Contents
- 1 History
- 2 Present-day DSP
- 3 Units/Sections
- 4 Source
- 5 External links
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History
Before the Delaware State Police was formed in 1923, the first traffic law enforcement officers were called the "Highway Traffic Police". Started in 1919, the HTP consisted of one officer whose sole function was to patrol the Philadelphia Pike near Wilmington. In the following year the force was increased to three men and three motorcycles. From 1920 to 1923 these men served directly under the State Highway Commission.
Thoughts on the topic of forming a State Police organization for the First State had been recorded as early as 1906. Although interest existed, little, if any, positive steps were taken until the State Highway Commission was formed in 1917. As construction of paved highways was begun and registered motor vehicles began to rise, a need to regulate and maintain safety soon became apparent. On April 23, 1923, the General Assembly, at the request of the State Highway Department, enacted two laws that created the Delaware State Police. This date marks the official organization of the present law enforcement organization.
Present-day DSP
Locations of troops throughout the counties
Currently, the DSP operates out of eight barracks known as "troops", not including the headquarters. Each county has one troop that is shared between patrol (Uniformed) and detective (CIU) units. In New Castle County the shared troop is Troop 2 in Bear, in Kent County, Troop 3 at Woodside, and in Sussex County, Troop 4 in Georgetown. In addition, New Castle County also has three "uniformed" troops, Troop 1 located at Penny Hill (near Claymont), Troop 6 at Price's Corner (near Elsmere) and Troop 9 in Odessa. Sussex County has two "Uniformed" troops, Troop 7, located in Lewes, and Troop 5, located in Bridgeville.
The DSP also operates several special units/locations around the state, including aviation units in Georgetown and Middletown, and a weigh station at Blackbird.
In Kent and Sussex Counties, the Delaware State Police serve as the primary law-enforcement agency for the majority of the county, having primary jurisdiction in all areas not in incorporated municipalities. In New Castle County the Delaware State Police has primary jurisdiction over commercial areas and state and federal highways, including I-95. The New Castle County Police have primary jurisdiction in other areas not contained within municipalities.
Units/Sections
Like other state police agencies, the Delaware State Police has several sub-divisions specializing in addressing particular crimes or security needs.
List of Units/Sections
Full-time Units
- Aviation
- Canine
- Command Post Unit
- Communications
- Community Services
- Crime Lab
- Detective Licensing Section
- Domestic Violence Unit
- Homeland Security
- Homicide Unit
- Human Resources
- Inspections/Accreditation
- Intelligence Unit
- Internal Affairs
- Motorcycle Unit
- Public Information Office
- Planning Section
- Special Investigations Units
- State Bureau of Identification
- Training Section
- Traffic Section
- Victim Services
- Video Lottery Enforcement Unit
Part-time Units
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit
- Conflict Management
- SCUBA
- Special Operations Response Team
- Tactical Control Unit
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==Mission statement== "To enhance the quality of life for all Delaware citizens and visitors by providing professional, competent and compassionate law enforcement services".
Source
History of the DSP
External links
- Delaware State Police Official Web Site
