Dewey commissioners adjust police staffing levels

Dewey Beach commissioners voted unanimously March 12 to reduce the number of seasonal police officers hired in order to fund a 10th full-time officer.

Town Manager Bill Zolper said the organizational analysis conducted by retired Delaware State Police Capt. Gregory Warren for the town stressed the need for additional full-time officers, in part to reduce liability.

An additional officer will benefit the department and citizens, Zolper said. Typically, it takes about one year for an officer to complete all training at a cost of about $100,000, he said. To fund the additional officer, Zolper suggested reducing the number of seasonal hires from 20 to 15 and moving one part-time officer to full time.

Chief Sam Mackert said the town isn’t receiving the usual number of applicants for part-time summer positions, and the department can provide proper coverage with 15 seasonal officers.

“We can make this work without any additional funding or additional cost to the town,” Mackert said. 

Police work will become more complex with more requirements, Mackert said.

“I feel very strongly, for the reduced liability, to have that full-time officer out there with more training, getting to know our community, is going to be a win-win for the town all around,” Mackert said. “We have to have the top people fill those spots instead of just an individual to go out on patrol. We have to make sure we get the best of the best.”

Commissioners Paul Bauer and Gary Persinger said they trust recommendations from Warren, Mackert and Zolper, and would rather have more qualified full-time officers who will stay long term. Commissioner Bill Stevens said he agreed, although he perceives this summer will be busy for the town. 

Mayor Dale Cooke said he was initially not in favor of the proposal, but after listening to the chief and town manager, and rereading part of the Warren report, he said two items bothered him – the cost and an additional car that might be needed by the officer, and staffing levels in the off-season. 

Zolper said the additional full-time officer would make it easier for other officers to attend training, go to court and take vacations. A used vehicle could be purchased, or funds from the military surplus program could be used, he said. Mackert said grant funding would cover most of the vehicle cost.

After the meeting, Zolper said the part-time officer has accepted the full-time position. The officer, who is also a volunteer firefighter, recently responded to a call about a fire on private property, Zolper said. After ensuring the home was unoccupied, the officer climbed on a roof to spray fire retardant and keep flames from spreading before the fire department arrived, Zolper said.

“The owner was very thankful,” Zolper said.