Lewes police policies under review

The Lewes Police Department and eight other Delaware police agencies have contracted with risk management consultant Lexipol to ensure its policies and procedures are in line with providing the most professional service to the community. 

Joining Lewes in the effort are departments from Ocean View, Georgetown, Selbyville, Smyrna, Laurel and Elsmere as well as Division of Fish and Wildlife and park rangers. 

Lewes Police Chief Tom Spell said he recently attended a conference where Lexipol co-founder Gordon Graham was the keynote speaker. He said it was at that meeting that it hit home that he needed to ensure the department had the best policies and procedures in place. 

“It’s been on our radar to redo our policy manual,” he said. “It’s old, outdated, stagnant and didn’t necessarily provide for best practices as it should be.” 

Lexipol was founded in 2003 by Graham and Bruce Praet, both former law enforcement officers. It is a nationally recognized company and leading provider of public safety policies and training in the country. Lexipol offers its services to 32 states and has a staff of more than 120 people, providing more than 150 policies based on federal and state statutes, case law, regulations and best practices.

“Why do [other towns] have different policies?” Spell said. “It doesn’t make sense. We’re all in the same business. We want to protect citizens in the state in the same manner. It’s all about serving our community to the highest degree we can.”

Lexipol's policy manual is written by legal and public safety professionals who constantly monitor major court decisions, legislation and emerging trends affecting the industry. Regular updates are provided in response to legislative mandates, case law and the evolution of best practices.

When Lewes’ policy manual update is complete, it will be current and legally defensible. The service also provides brief daily computer-based training for officers to learn and retain policies. 

Spell expects the process to take about six months, during which he will customize each policy to fit the Lewes department.