Sussex funding more DSP troopers
Since 1994, Sussex County Council has approved funding to add more Delaware State Police coverage in the county’s unincorporated areas beyond the allotment assigned to the county.
Over the years, the number of additional troopers has steadily increased. Currently, 44 of the county’s 187 troopers are funded through the MOU with the state. That number is set to change.
At its March 5 meeting, council approved an updated memorandum of understanding with the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Division of State Police to provide six more troopers over the next three years.
This fiscal year’s budget includes $4.1 million for the initiative.
Under the memorandum, the costs of the additional troopers are split 50-50 between the county and state. The county funds 22 troopers and the state funds 22 troopers. The county will pay $3.9 million for salaries and benefits and $250,000 for vehicles. Also included are personal equipment, uniforms, weapons, ammunition, vests and training.
The following will be the minimum numbers of troopers in the county: fiscal year 2024 - 189 troopers; fiscal year 2025 - 191 troopers; and fiscal year 2026 - 193 troopers.
Sussex County Finance Director Gina Jennings said the program started in the 1990s amid calls to create a countywide police force like New Castle County.
“Over the years, it was always viewed as being more cost effective to supplement an established police force that is already present in the county rather than building and supporting a new police infrastructure that would include building and administrative costs such as equipment, training, insurance, etc.,” she said.
The driving reason council wanted to add more troopers is to help keep up with the population growth, she added.
The need for additional troopers also came from concerns expressed by residents living in some rural areas over state police response time.
Sussex County has a Sheriff’s Department, headed by Sheriff Robert Lee, who has served since 2015. Deputies serve court papers and orders, and conduct monthly sheriff’s sales.
There have been nearly 140 sheriffs in county history dating back to 1669.
