Delaware police chiefs association opposes ‘rushed’ House bills
Delaware law enforcement has not just supported meaningful reform, we’ve been at the forefront of it, driving the conversation, shaping the policy and ensuring it works in practice as well as on paper.
Through House Bill 205 and HB 206, we helped shape legislation that created the framework for transparency, accountability and oversight, and gave all stakeholders, especially the public, a seat at the table. That’s how real reform should be done: openly, thoughtfully and with mutual respect.
Unfortunately, we’re now seeing a wave of advocacy-driven proposals being introduced, some at the last minute, without the same dialogue or partnership. These bills are rushed, often politically motivated, and leave out the very professionals who will be expected to implement them.
That’s not reform; that’s recklessness.
Advocacy-driven bills often lack stakeholder balance. Too many of the recent proposals related to policing have been developed exclusively by activist groups, with little to no input from those responsible for implementing the laws, our officers and law enforcement leaders.
When legislation is crafted without that operational perspective, it creates confusion, invites litigation and leads to inconsistent application across jurisdictions. These are not just technical issues; they impact the safety of our communities and the effectiveness of public safety agencies statewide.
While advocacy plays an important role in the democratic processes, legislation heavily shaped by advocacy groups or that is ideologically driven can polarize communities and reduce trust in both government and public safety institutions. Effective and sustainable change requires inclusive, evidence-based dialogue, not advocacy-driven mandates.
Honor the work that went into HB 205 and HB 206 by pausing the legislation that ignores process, excludes stakeholders and threatens public safety.
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