State office seeks info on Millsboro police misconduct

The Office of Defense Services is asking the public for information on potential misconduct at Millsboro Police Department, following a recent report of an officer under investigation.

Delaware State Police and the Department of Justice are investigating a police officer in connection with ingesting drugs while on duty and tampering with evidence.

“The news of possible drug use while on duty and evidence tampering by this officer is certainly troubling. The officer’s conduct and the response to it by law enforcement and the Department of Justice has widespread ramifications for open and closed criminal cases,” said Chief Defender Kevin O’Connell in a press release. “Our experience is that substance abuse issues can lead to other collateral problems that impact job performance, such as dishonesty and stealing. It is critical that any investigation in this matter be broad in scope. The actions of this officer and those that work with him impact both the lives of our clients who are justice-involved as well as the public trust in law enforcement in general.”

ODS is asking the public, as well as current and former clients, to reach out with information about any incidents involving suspicious encounters with members of the Millsboro Police Department. This includes information they have about any suspicious encounter with a member of the Millsboro Police Department, officials said. All information received will be vetted and investigated to determine whether the misconduct at the Millsboro Police Department could impact cases pending or closed. The sources of any information will be held confidential unless disclosure to Delaware State Police investigators is authorized, officials said.

Anyone who has had a suspicious experience with the Millsboro Police Department can email the ODS at ODStipline@delaware.gov or call 302-577-6031. All reports are confidential.