Lewes police chief responds to protests

In response to nationwide protests against excessive force by police officers, particularly against African Americans, Lewes Police Chief Tom Spell discussed the department’s reactions and policies during the mayor and city council meeting June 8. 

“The Lewes Police Department and all of our members are extremely saddened by the events in Minnesota,” Spell said. “That is not consistent with professional policing or our core values. We’ve had many internal conversations about it and soundly condemn those actions.” 

Recent demonstrations across the country, including three peaceful protests in Rehoboth Beach and Georgetown, come following the death of George Floyd, who was killed when a police officer pinned him to the ground with a knee on his neck. 

Spell said the department has robust and state-of-the-art policies that address use of force. Officers are required to report any use of force that is beyond reasonable, he said. 

“I’ve instituted a department-wide review of our use-of-force policy, control-device policy and First Amendment assembly policy,” he said. 

He said he’s also engaged the Lewes Police Foundation, a local nonprofit, seeking funds for further training on de-escalation. 

In terms of equipment, Spell said, each police vehicle has audio and video to capture every interaction a police officer has with the public. The department also has four body cameras that are used for special events and situations Spell deems appropriate.

Although the city of Lewes has not had a public demonstration related to the Black Lives Matter movement, Spell said, he is in constant communication with other Cape Region police chiefs and the Delaware State Police to ensure the community is safe and secure.