POLICE ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES -JULY 18, 2024 w Exhibits
Police Advisory Board. 18 jiyè 2024.
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POLICE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
The Police Advisory Board (PAB) Meeting was held on July 18, 2024 at 7:02 p.m. at the Dover Police Department
in the James L. Hutchison Public Assembly Room with Chief Thomas A. Johnson, Jr. presiding. Members of the
PAB in attendance were Rev. Dr. Carol Boggerty, Mr. Waverly Debraux, Dr. Charlisa Edelin-Holloway, Mrs.
Courtney Ford, Mr. Victor Giangrant (arrived at 7:04pm), Dr. Chanda Jackson, Ms. SuNora Lewis, Mr. Robby Sheehan,
Ms. Felicia Toppin (arrived at 7:08pm). Mr. Horacio Garcia-Korosec & Mr. Arqum Rashid were absent.
Ex-Officio Members in attendance Sgt. Ian Thompson (Dover Police Department) & Lieutenant Greg Elliott
(Delaware State University Police – arrived at 7:05pm).
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The public comment period was held at 7:02 p.m. prior to commencement of the Official Police Advisory Board
Meeting. Chief Thomas A. Johnson, prior to declaring the Public Comment Period in session, stated that he was
opening the meeting at the request of the Chairperson Elect until they are confirmed (Agenda Item 3).
Mr. Chris Asay, introduced himself as both a City of Dover Resident and the Chairman for the League of Women
Voters, and stated he was happy to attend the meeting.
Mr. Tom Donovan introduced himself as both a City of Dover Resident and a Defense Attorney for the Office of
Defense Services working on police reform. Mr. Donovan mentioned that he feels the Dover PAB will set the
example for the rest of the State of Delaware, he appreciates that work that has been done so far and that he was
there to listen, learn and offer anything that he can as a resident.
Councilman Andre Boggerty introduced himself and mentioned that he got his political start with the Advisory
Committee and is now an At Large Councilman and Chairman of the Safety Advisory and Transportation
Committee. Councilman Boggerty stated that wants to be proactive, not just reactive and looks forward to
partnering with the PAB and will attend as many meetings as possible to continue the interest for everybody to
have a safe place to live. Councilman Boggerty passed out business cards and offered carte blanche access to
him at any time.
CALL TO ORDER – ATTENDANCE FOR THE RECORD
Chief Johnson notated that both Mr. Arqum Rashid and Mr. Horacio Garcia-Korosec were absent due to
unforeseen emergencies and asked that these absences be excused. Chief Johnson asked that each of the Board
introduce themselves:
Mr. Robbie Sheehan is the Area Manager for BBSI, working with business owners throughout the entire State of
Delaware. Mr. Sheehan also serves on the Downtown Dover Partnership, the Young Leaders Group, the Kent
Sussex Leadership Alliance. Mr. Sheehan stated that he was recommended by Mrs. Kim Willson, the Wife of a
Dover Police Officer, that he is the son of a 28 year Police Officer from Prince George’s County Maryland and
that he looks forward to being a part of the PAB and bringing a better understanding between Officers and the
community.
Ms. Felicia Toppin introduced herself as a Clinical Care Specialist for Conexio Care/Apis. Ms. Toppin works
with the mentally ill population trying to get them acclimated into the community. This population lives on their
own in apartments or homes that are provided for them, Ms. Toppin was referred to the PAB by Waverly Debraux.
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Police Advisory Board Minutes
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Mr. Waverly Debraux is a Family Therapist working with youth that have negative behaviors and working to
change those behaviors. Mr. Debraux also represents that Greek population in Dover and was referred to the
PAB by Councilman Boggerty.
Ms. SuNora Lewis, a rising senior at Dover High School and the Chairperson for the Youth Sub-Committee. Ms.
Lewis represents the student and youth perspective in Dover.
Rev. Dr. Carol Boggerty is the Director of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy Services as Bayhealth Hospital. Rev.
Dr. Boggerty also sits on several City and State Boards that allow her to work with the mental health, substance
abuse and reentry populations. Rev. Dr. Boggerty is married to Councilman Andre Boggerty and although she
met her husband thru the PAB, she learned of the Board thru Chief Johnson and wanted to be a part of it when
she learned his intention for community engagement and his plans to reconcile the relationship between law
enforcement and our community.
Dr. Chanda Jackson works for the Department of Health and Social Services as the Family Services Cabinet
Council Projects Director. She is the mid person that assists and supports the projects that fall under the
Department of Health and Social Services out of the Governor’s Council including Group Violence Intervention
(GVI), and revitalizing the 15 State Services Centers in Delaware. Dr. Jackson previously worked for NCALL
as the Community Revitalization Manager for Restoring Central Delaware. She also serves on the Delaware
Community Foundation Grants Committee and on the City of Dover Safety Advisory & Transportation
Committee. Dr. Jackson serves on the PAB due to the Community work that she does on a regular bases.
Chief Thomas A. Johnson, Jr. – Ex Officio Member of the Board and the Chief of the Dover Police Department.
Chief Johnson’s goal was to try and get as many voices and perspectives of the community as possible in one
room as well as challenge him with policies and processes with how Dover Police Department trains and
functions.
Lieutenant Greg Elliott from Delaware State University in attendance due to the absence of Chief Donald Baynard
who was attending a National Conference out of state. Lt. Elliott has been with the DSU for 20 years and is
currently the Operational Lieutenant. Lt. Elliott stated he was excited for the experience to attend the PAB
meeting on behalf of Chief Baynard.
Sergeant Ian Thompson – Ex Officio Member of the Board and a Sergeant with the Dover Police Department.
Sgt. Thompson has been involved with this Board since its existence. Sgt. Thompson, although not a voting
member, can help members of the PAB understand the how and why of the practices of the Dover Police
Department.
Dr. Charlisa Holloway-Edelin is the Dean of Students for Delaware State University, a new position for the
University and for her personally. Her passion is constitutional and criminal law and social justice and Vice
President Overton assured her, by being a part of the PAB, she would be able to keep her hands in the basket of
what she loves. She looks forward to representing the 5,000 residents of DSU and to sharing her research.
Mr. Victor Giangrant has owned West Side Car Wash, a small business in Dover for 43 years. He has been a part
of the PAB since the beginning and is enjoying the ride.
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Mrs. Courtney Ford is a Marketing and Community Relations Professional specializing in pediatric and
adolescent healthcare. Mrs. Ford has been with the PAB since the inception and was referred by Anthony Smith
with the Police Athletic League thru her work in Youth Development at the YMCA.
NEW CHAIRPERSON/VICE CHAIRPERSON – FORMAL APPROVAL
Chief Johnson thanked Mrs. Courtney Ford, the Chairperson of the PAB since its inception for her vision and
leadership and mentioned that when the PAB moved from an informal to a formal group, Mrs. Ford decided to
step back. Chief Johnson mentioned that the reason that there are already two nominees for these positions is
because the PAB was already an established and functioning body and he believed that these two individuals
would have been the body’s consensus.
Mr. Waverly Debraux moved to elect Dr. Chanda Jackson as the Chairperson and Rev. Dr. Carol Boggerty as the
Vice Chairperson of the Police Advisory Board, seconded by Mr. Robby Sheehan and unanimously carried.
At this time, Dr. Jackson begin to preside over the meeting.
ADOPTION OF POLICE ADVISORY BOARD BY-LAWS
Mr. Waverly Debraux moved to accept the By-Laws as presented, seconded by Dr. Charlisa Holloway-Edelin
and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF PAB FORM 1 – APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
After much discussion, it was determined that the Application needed the following modifications:
1. Spell out the Acronyms to keep consistent with the other forms.
2. Add two references.
3. Add a check box asking if applicant is a resident of the City of Dover or not.
4. Ask how they learned of the PAB
5. Add a line after mailing address
Discussion was had on forming a Membership Sub-Committee which will be placed on the next meeting Agenda.
Mr. Waverly Debraux moved to table the application until the next meeting to include the revisions, seconded by
Mrs. Courtney Ford and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF PAB FORM 2 – CITIZEN COMPLAINT FORM
Mr. Robby Sheehan moved to accept the Citizen Complaint Form as presented, seconded by Mr. Waverly
Debraux and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF PAB FORM 3 – GENERAL HEARING PROCEDURES
Ms. SuNora Lewis moved to table the General Hearing Procedures until the next meeting, seconded by Mr.
Waverly Debraux and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 24-01: YOUTH SUB-COMMITTEE / BOARD SEAT ASSIGNED
Responding to Ms. SuNora Lewis, Chairperson Jackson stated that regardless of what schools have
subcommittees, the High School student serving on the PAB would be Chairperson of all of the subcommittees
and would be responsible to report back to the PAB.
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Dr. Charlisa Holloway-Edelin moved to except Resolution 24-01 Youth Subcommittee Board Seat, seconded by
Waverly Debraux and unanimously carried.
Responding to Mr. Sheehan, Dr Jackson answered that historically, the Youth Committee Board Seat has been a
combination of a high school and School Resource Officer recommendation. After discussion, it was determined
that when the student holding the board seat graduates or moves on, if there is more than one person interested,
an application would be filled out and the PAB would determine who receives the position.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 24-02: BOARD SEAT ASSIGNED TO DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
Waverly Debraux moved to accept Resolution 24-02 Board Seat Assigned to Delaware State University, seconded
by Mr. Robby Sheehan and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 24-03: EXPIRATION SCHEDULE OF 3-YEAR BOARD TERMS
Ms. SuNora Lewis moved to accept Resolution 24-03 Expiration Schedule of a 3-year Board Terms with
incorporation of term expirations, seconded by Mr. Waverly Debraux and unanimously carried.
UPDATES FROM AGENCY CHIEFS
Lt. Greg Elliott, Delaware State University stated that the school is getting ready for the students to move in on
August 21st thru August 25, 2024. Homecoming will be in October as the next major event. Chief Johnson stated
that Superintendent Overton is already planning for the Homecoming and will be in close collaboration with
Dover Police Department with regards to operational planning of the event.
Chief Johnson stated that Mayor Robin Christiansen had a competing meeting this evening but wanted to pass
along his gratitude to those who have been serving on the PAB as well as the new Board Members. Chief Johnson
further mentioned that Mayor Christiansen recognizes that as working professionals, your time is valuable and
wanted it acknowledged that there is a training requirement attached to the legislation. Chief Johnson was in
contact with the Executive Director of the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) to make sure that the
training is in line with the expectations and curriculum for training the members of Police Advisory Bodies. Chief
Johnson further stated that the rough plan includes a 12 hour classroom component and an eight hour field training
component to the statutory requirement of 20 training hours. The tentative plan is for three hours of training the
first Thursday of every month (September thru December). Chief Johnson mentioned that the Citizens Police
Academy qualifies as it is much more than 20 hours of training, and will be starting on Wednesday, September
11, 2024 until November 13, 2024. Chief Johnson mentioned for those that are interested in the academy, there
were applications at the front of the room.
Ms. Rebecca McNamara asked that she be advised via email anytime the Board would be attending any events,
meetings, gatherings, etc. so that she could post a potential quorum notice.
Chief Johnson stated that the City of Dover adopted a revised ordinance for the police department to address off
road or off highway vehicles which includes a hefty fine as a deterrent and a way to confiscate illegal vehicles.
It is a quality of life issue and there will be a number of warnings put out before enforcement begins.
Dover Police Department was very fortunate to receive a significant allotment in the State Budget that will help
with training, city safety and officer wellness. The officer wellness is a phone app that will help officers cope
with life’s challenges, will offer peer support and educational videos. Chief Johnson mentioned along with in the
line of duty deaths, double the amount of police officers die by their own hand. The training component of the
program includes state of the art technology with complete immersion in problem solving, de-escalation, use of
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force and best practices already programmed into the device. Once the system is here, Chief Johnson mentioned
that he would incorporate it into a meeting and take the PAB through it to experience it themselves. Chief Johnson
thanked Senator Paradee and Representative Bush and all other elected officials that came together to help make
this happen for Dover Police Department.
The Behavioral Health Unit for the Dover Police Department has experienced some changes and one of the
clinicians was pulled back by Dover Behavioral Health Hospital, which puts the department with only one
clinician. The City Manager and City Council have granted the request to move the remaining clinician from a
contract position to a full time employee of the City of Dover. Chief Johnson mentioned that we are in the middle
of the process to offer an appropriate salary and benefit package. Once the clinician is a City of Dover Employee,
Chief Johnson stated he would be able to flex that individual into the hours and schedule necessary to be in the
right places at the right time to do the best work with one provider. Chief Johnson further mentioned that he
would be on the lookout for grant opportunities to bring us back to two clinicians.
Chief Johnson announced the retirement of Captain Aaron Dickinson which will bring about promotions and
transfers. Lieutenant Robert Roswell will be promoted to Captain and will take over as the Administrative
Division Commander; Sergeant Christopher Bumgarner will be promoted to Lieutenant and will become the
Criminal Investigations Unit Commander. Sgt. Jennifer Lynch will be transferred from the Community Policing
Unit to the Criminal Investigations Unit as the Section Supervisor. Sgt. Justin Richey will be transferred from
“C” Platoon to the Community Policing Unit as the Section Supervisor.
Chief Johnson advised the PAB that the Dover Police Department made a significant investment in recruitment
this week and will staff a booth at the Delaware State Fair from opening to close. This will cost approximately
$15,000 in overtime on top of the Officers there on straight time. The fair estimates approximately 250,000
visitors for the week and that gives enormous opportunity to promote the Dover Police Department. Chief
Johnson further mentioned that with Captain Dickinson’s retirement and other personnel matters, by August, DPD
will be down 8 officers.
Chief Johnson announced that the current Dover Police Municipal Academy will graduate at Dover High School
on August 29, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. and that he hopes everyone can attend (he reminded everyone to confirm
attendance for a quorum notice).
Closing out his announcements, Chief Johnson mentioned that the Dover Police Athletic League (PAL) held their
Youth Academy at the Academy of Dover Charter School with 25 students aged 7 to 12 who received a full week
of age appropriate academy training which also included a trip to the Holocaust Museum, and CPR cards. PAL
also offered a “Day in their Boots” on July 18, 2024, for over 200 children exposing them to public safety
resources including military, fire, police and ems. On Saturday, July 27, PAL will hold a football combine for
several hundred children at the Boys and Girls Club where a college football athlete will attend.
BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rev. Dr. Boggerty mentioned, although, not an announcement, she wanted to mention that she had a discussion
with a leader of an organization that was having issues with the unhoused population and reached out to Sergeant
Lynch who was able to compassionately assist those people. She further mentioned that you do not always hear
about the good that happens so she wanted to mention the positive comments that came from this organization
and other similar organizations.
Dr. Charlisa Holloway-Edelin announced that she is supporting Lt. Elliott with the 5,000 DSU students that will
be moving into not only the residence halls, but also the surrounding communities. They have been sending out
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communications all summer via text, Instagram, email letting them know how to move in safely, promptly and in
a way that doesn’t denigrate the community. VP Overton has purchased software that will give the ability to
make the residence halls safer, this software will alleviate the issues with people not properly checking in to the
residence halls. They have also beefed up their nighttime security and the police force is really small but is
working really hard so Student Affairs is doing their best as civilians to support them. Dr. Holloway-Edelin stated
that they have revitalized their mental health care team, which helps a student in crisis. Dr. Holloway asked Mr.
Debraux as members of the Divine 9, to work offline with her to make sure the young scholars are following
guidelines.
Rev. Dr. Boggerty mentioned to Dr. Holloway-Edelin that she works with Chaplain Pam and when students are
coming thru the emergency room, they can use them as a resource to get to the students as quickly as possible.
Dr. Jackson stated that she would like a workshop to go over FOIA to make sure the PAB stays within the
guidelines and perhaps it can be placed on the next agenda. Chief Johnson offered the possibility of the City
Clerk to be a guest speaker to go over the guidelines and would do the footwork on this.
Responding to Dr. Jackson, Chief Johnson stated the next meeting would be September 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Motion to adjourn at 8:39 p.m.by Mrs. Ford seconded by Mr. Debraux and unanimously carried.
/RM
Exhibits
Exhibit #1 Police Advisory By-Laws
Exhibit #2 Application for Membership
Exhibit #3 Citizen Complaint Form
Exhibit #4 General Hearing Procedures
Exhibit #5 Resolution 24-01 Youth Sub-Committee/Board Seat Assigned
Exhibit #6 Resolution 24-02 Board Seat Assigned to Delaware State University
Exhibit #7 Resolution 24-03 Expiration Schedule of 3-Year Board Term
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EXHIBIT #1
Police Advisory Board Meeting of July 18, 2024
BY-LAWS OF THE POLICE ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE
ARTICLE I – OFFICES AND MEETINGS
Section 1. The registered office of the Police Advisory Board (hereafter referred to as the
“Board”), for the City of Dover, in the State of Delaware, shall be at the City of
Dover Police Department, 400 South Queen Street, Dover, DE 19904. This shall
be the primary meeting location of the Board. In most instances, the James L.
Hutchinson Public Assembly Room.
Section 2. The Board may also have offices, or meetings, at such other places as the
members may, from time to time direct, or the business of the Board may require.
In all cases, meetings will be properly advertised, conducted and documented in
compliance with the adopted standards of the City of Dover and as directed by
any applicable law of the State of Delaware.
ARTICLE II – GOVERNANCE
Section 1. The activities of the Board will be governed first by the applicable laws of the
State of Delaware; second, by the applicable regulations of the Police Officer
Standards and Training (POST) Commission; third, by the Charter and applicable
Ordinances of the City of Dover; fourth, by the appropriately adopted By-Laws of
the Board; and lastly, by Roberts Rules of parliamentary procedure in the event no
other guidance is available for governance.
Section 2. The Board is available to any law enforcement agency, other than agencies
functioning in the direct interest of the government of the State of Delaware, so
long as the following factors are true:
a. The agency is authorized to function in the State of Delaware, and;
b. The agency is required to adhere to the regulations of the POST, and;
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c. The agency has their main headquarters established within the corporate
limits of the City of Dover.
Newly created agencies must request the services of the Board, in writing, before
any official consideration can occur.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERS
Section 1. The business of this Board shall be managed by its members, the number of
which shall be determined by the Board and approved by the Mayor. The number
shall not be less than nine (9), nor more than thirteen (13), at any given time. The
Mayor and a two-thirds majority of the Board must concur on any new member.
The Board has the authority to designate any of the seats on the Board to a
specific stakeholder interest [Example: A staff or student representative from
Delaware State University] until such time the Board deems it is no longer
indicated.
Section 2. Members need not be residents of the City of Dover, but must be residents of the
State of Delaware. Members that do not reside in the City must have a full time
interest in the success of the City. They shall be approved by the Mayor upon the
completion of a standard vetting process. Individuals holding an elected office in
Municipal, County, State or Federal government are not eligible to be members.
Individuals holding an elected office on a public Board or Commission can serve
as a member.
Section 3. Each member shall serve for a term of three (3) years or until their earlier
resignation or removal. The Board will accept applications for service on the
Board at all times. Members shall be replaced as soon as practical from the file of
pending applications. Emphasis will be placed on applicants that represent the
voice of stakeholder groups not currently on the Board.
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The term of the members shall be staggered so that a number closest to one-third
of the total number of members shall be up for reconsideration each year. Should
no vacancies occur during the mid-term windows, the Members shall consider
whether any changes are in the best interest of the Board. The criteria for
consideration will include the strength of the candidate(s) reaching expiration,
their attendance record, their continued willingness to serve, and the strength(s) of
the pending applicants. Typically, this assessment process will occur each year
during the May meeting.
Section 4. Ex-Officio members: The Chief of the City of Dover Police Department is a
permanent consulting member of the Board and will designate an alternate,
Executive Staff Officer, to be available as a proxy, on command-level concerns,
in the event of an unavoidable absence.
The Dover PD Chief will assign a frontline Supervisor, and designated alternate,
as a second consulting member of the Board to represent the perspective of
operational Police Officers. One sworn member, either the Chief, or a designee,
of the Delaware State University Police Department will also have a consulting
voice on the Board as long as the agency is in existence.
There is no mandatory attendance requirement for consulting members, but the
Dover PD Chief shall make every effort to ensure that an Executive-level Officer
is in attendance at each meeting.
Section 5. Removal: Any member can be removed from the Board, with cause, by a
two-thirds majority recommendation of the members and the concurrence of the
Mayor. The Mayor also has the discretion to call for the removal a member
without cause should there be a real, or perceived, conflict of interest or
significant verifiable community concern. The same two-thirds majority of the
Board will need to concur with the Mayor’s recommendation for the removal of a
member.
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A position will be declared vacant, and the member removed by default, should
any member have three consecutive unexcused absences. The same two-thirds
majority will be required to establish that the three consecutive absences lacked
reasonable explanation. The Board will list the vacancy issue on the agenda
following the third absence for its consideration and possible action.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS
Section 1. The members of the Board shall chose a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. A
simple verbal consensus shall be sufficient unless a member wishes that a paper
ballot be created and utilized. The Dover PD Chief, or their designee, will
facilitate the election process and tabulate the results. The longest and shortest
serving members will witness the tabulation so long as they are not named on the
ballot. In such circumstance, the next appropriate, eligible, senior or junior
member will serve as a witness. In the unlikely event of a tie, the Mayor will
break the tie. Both positions will be chosen during the September meeting each
year.
Section 2. Salaries: No member shall receive any salary for their services. However,
they may be reimbursed by the City for authorized expenses.
Section 3. Additional Officers: The Board may create additional titles when necessary for
members to serve in specified roles only until the completion of the specified task
or project. The Dover PD Chief will assign staff support to ensure that the Board
is in compliance with all laws, regulations and rules.
Section 4. Chairperson: The Chairperson (Chair) shall preside at all meetings. The Chair
shall have general management responsibilities and serve as the point of contact
for the Board. The Chair will see that all decisions of the Board are carried into
effect, subject, however, to the right of the Chair to delegate any specific powers
to the Vice Chairperson or other member in good standing. The Chair shall be an
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Ex-Officio member of all sub-committees, and shall have the general power and
duties of supervision and management usually vested in the Chairperson of a
private entity.
Section 5. Vice-Chairperson: The Vice-Chairperson shall assist the Chair as requested
and shall perform the functions of Chair when the Chairperson is absent or on
leave.
ARTICLE V – FUNCTIONS
Section 1. Policy: The Board will engage concerns related to Police Department
policy and procedure when necessary. Discussions and recommendations may
arise from items brought to the Board by any stakeholder or from the Office of the
Chief of Police of any participating agency. The Board serves in an advisory
capacity.
Section 2. Training: The Board will engage concerns related to the Police Department
training programs when necessary. Discussions and recommendations may arise
from items brought to the Board by any stakeholder or from the Office of the
Chief of Police of any participating agency. The Board serves in an advisory
capacity.
Section 3. Administration: The Board will engage certain concerns related to the
administrative decisions of the participating Police Departments when
appropriate. Allegations of criminal conduct will be referred to the Delaware
Department of Justice – Office of Civil Rights and Public Trust for investigation.
Items related to disciplinary decisions will be referred to the Office of the Mayor
in the event of a case involving a DPD Officer.
Cases related to a DSUPD Officer will be referred to the DSU Vice President in
charge of Public Safety for the University. The next higher link of the chain of
command will be the referral point for any other agency. Discussions and
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recommendations may arise from items brought to the Board by a stakeholder or
from the Office of the Chief of Police of any participating agency. The Board
serves in an advisory capacity.
Section 4. Research: The Board may, at its own discretion, participate in research
activity in furtherance of its recommendations to the Police Chiefs so that
evidence-based decisions can be made on strategic issues. Research can be either
a scan for existing literature or a proactive survey for information.
Section 5. Resource: The Board may, at its own discretion, individually, or as a group,
but always with the consent of the majority, or the Chair, serve as a community
resource for independent information related to the activities of the participating
police agencies. This role would be limited to areas where the member or
members have direct knowledge of the topic at hand.
Section 6. Sub-Committees: The Board has the authority to establish and maintain the
number of sub-committees as might be deemed necessary to function more
effectively in service to the City. Sub-committees can support both the research
and resource functions as well as serving as a pathway of communication to
specified, and often underrepresented, stakeholders within the City.
ARTICLE VI – POST COMMISSION MATTERS
Section 1. Complaints: Administrative complaints will be accepted and listed on the next
available agenda so long as they meet the established criteria for consideration. A
complaint form will be developed, and revised as necessary over time, to
accurately and effectively document any complaints. Board members will receive
a copy of the form for review prior to the hearing.
Named complainants will be directed to the complaint process established by the
applicable police agency before any action is taken. This is in the interest of time
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as the agency might be able to resolve the complaint, or at the very least, gather
enough information about the concern so that the Board can make a proper
determination when the agenda item is being considered. If a named party refuses
to engage the police agency process, the complaint can still be considered but will
most likely require investigation by the respective agency and a second listing on
a subsequent agenda.
Anonymous complaints can be reviewed and archived by the Board, but there is
no obligation to take any specific action. If the agency Chief is not already aware
of an anonymous complaint, a copy will be forwarded to their office for
administrative review.
Section 2. Hearing of Complaints: A standard format will be adopted that can be
updated or improved, over time, with the approval of the Board. While not a
court of law, there shall be structure that represents generally accepted due
process principles and the rights of all parties to be heard. While not typically a
setting where an attorney would represent a complainant, if a lawyer did appear as
the voice of the complainant, the request of the police agency for a continuance of
the hearing shall be granted so that the agency attorney can be present for the next
listing of the complaint.
The Chair, or member designee, will preside over the hearing and follow the
established format. The Chair has the option to pause a hearing at any time in
order to obtain advice on process from an appropriate authority. In every
circumstance, the complainant and the agency will receive equal time to outline
their positions and respond to new assertions or information. The adopted format
will guide the Board through discussion, deliberation and disposition.
Presuming that there is no reason to table the matter, the complainant will receive
a verbal decision at the end of the hearing process. A written summary will be
drafted and approved at the next Board meeting. Should the complainant appeal
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to the full POST Commission, the record of the Dover hearing will be forwarded
upon request.
ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These By-Laws may be amended, or repealed, in whole or in part, by a two-thirds
vote of the members. Any alteration shall be considered and passed in two
consecutive meetings before it is considered valid. One of the two consecutive
meetings may be a special session, but at least one meeting will be a regularly
scheduled one.
Section 2. Should any section of the By-Laws be recognized as unlawful, that section alone
will become invalid upon the recognition of the deficiency and an update to the
By-Laws will be prepared as soon as practical. A simple majority vote of
members present will be enough to adopt a temporary resolution at the time the
defect is recognized. Once a temporary resolution is adopted, the Chair will
ensure that a draft of a permanent solution is prepared for consideration at the
next regularly scheduled meeting. The process outlined in Section 1 of this
Article will then be followed.
ARTICLE VIII – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 1. Definitions: The following definitions will be assigned to terms found in the
preceding Articles. If a term is not defined in this Section, the legally acceptable
default definition will prevail.
“Termination for Cause”: As described in Section II, Article 5, Termination for
Cause includes, but is not limited to, gross negligence, fraud, criminal behavior,
or behavior of ill-repute that shines a negative light on Dover and/or the Dover
Police Advisory Board.
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“Full Time Interest”: As described in Article III, Section 2, Full Time Interest
includes, but is not limited to, full time employment, student, business interest or
fiduciary duty that involves the City of Dover.
“Standard Vetting Process”: As described in Article III, Section 2, Standard
Vetting Process includes a background investigation to determine the validity of
a member’s “Full Time Interest”, potentially disqualifying criminal history,
potential evidence of pre-existing behavior of ill-repute, or any other assessment
that the Member’s deem necessary. Note: Not all criminal behavior is
disqualifying, but certain behaviors are not compatible with service on the Board.
As there exists the potential of juvenile-aged Members, their protection will be a
paramount concern of the Board.
“Ex-Officio members”: As described in Article III, Section 4, Ex-Officio
member(s) means non-voting members.
“POST” is the standard core meaning abbreviation for the Delaware Police
Officers Standards and Training Commission
Section 2. Leave: As described in Article IV, Section 5, refers to an approved leave of
absence. Members of the Board, at their collective discretion, may grant a leave
of absence to an individual member. The member will request any leave of
absence in writing. Such leave will have justification that is consistent with
professional workplace practices. Acceptable reasons will include, but will not be
limited to, health challenges, military deployment, caretaking of an ill immediate
family member, temporary work assignment, and/or any temporary situation that
could be perceived as a conflict of interest.
The request should provide the reason and an estimated duration of the leave but
personally protected or confidential information is not required. The Mayor must
also approve a leave of absence that would exceed 6 months, which is the
equivalent of three consecutive meetings.
9
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EXHIBIT #2
Police Advisory Board Meeting of July 18, 2024
City of Dover Police Advisory Board
Application for Membership
Name & Occupation:
Mailing Address:
(Members need not be residents of the City of Dover, but must be residents of the State of Delaware. Members that do not reside
in the City must have a full time interest in the success of the City. They shall be approved by the Mayor upon the completion of
a standard vetting process. Individuals holding an elected office in Municipal, County, State or Federal government are not eligible
to be members. Individuals holding an elected office on a public Board or Commission can serve as a member)
If you are not a resident, please explain what your full time interest is in the City of Dover:
Contact Phone Number: Email Address:
Social Security Number: Date of Birth:
(The requirement for a SSN and DOB is related to a brief criminal history review as part of the standard vetting process. This
form is considered a secure, internal document and as such, personal information is kept confidential.)
HB 206 provides that the purpose of PACs is to “provide advice to departments on policy, training,
and other issues relating to or affecting the department and the communities served by the department.”
Briefly describe why you would like to be a part of the Police Advisory Board and any
skills/knowledge that would be relevant to this Board:
Please return your completed application along with your resume to:
Dover Police Department
Attn: Rebecca McNamara
400 S. Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904
Or via email at Rebecca.McNamara@cj.state.de.us
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EXHIBIT #3
Police Advisory Board Meeting of July 18, 2024
City of Dover
Police Advisory Board Citizen Complaint Form
Name: Mailing Address:
Contact Phone Number: Email Address:
State law provides that the purpose of Police Advisory Committees (PACs) is to “provide advice to
departments on policy, training, and other issues relating to or affecting the department and the
communities served by the department.” The Police Officer Standards and Training Commission
(POST) anticipates that PACs will result in greater transparency, information gathering and sharing,
education, and community engagement. However, PAC’s do not have the authority to issue or overturn
department-issued discipline or to promulgate any policy or departmental procedure.
The City of Dover Police Advisory Board can hear complaints regarding Training, Policies &
Procedures of the Dover Police Department, please describe your complaint concerning any/all of those
three subjects.
Signature Date
*The City of Dover Police Advisory Group meets on the third Thursday of each odd numbered month, should your complaint fall within the criteria set by State law,
it will be placed on the next available agenda.
Please return your completed complaint form to:
Dover Police Department
Attn: Rebecca McNamara
400 S. Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904
Or via email at Rebecca.McNamara@cj.state.de.us
For Official Use
Received by:` Date:
Meets Criteria: Hearing Date:
Letter sent with instructions (if doesn’t meet criteria): Date:
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EXHIBIT #4
Police Advisory Board Meeting of July 18, 2024
CITY OF DOVER POLICE ADVISORY BOARD
CITIZEN COMPLAINT - HEARING PROCEDURE
The Chairperson of the Advisory Board shall preside over hearings
related to citizen complaints against police agencies covered by the
terms of the By-laws. The Chairperson has the option to delegate this
duty to another member of the Board who may have more experience
with similar proceedings, such as a Board member who is an attorney.
As it relates to these complaints, the word citizen is not to be taken in
its literal sense but will include any person who has an encounter with
an Officer. However, the citizen must be present in order for the
hearing to proceed.
Hearings can only proceed if they are listed on the agenda. Hearings
are a serious matter but they are not a courtroom situation. This
procedure document is a guideline for the Board and the Board
Chairperson. It should be inferred that the Boardbody has
considerable latitude to allow the issue to be heard and arrive at an
appropriate recommendation. However, certain elements must remain
in place to ensure that hearings are fairly conducted and establish an
effective record for review by the POST Commission if necessary.
As has been established by statute and the By-laws, issues regarding
criminal conduct are addressed by the Delaware Department of
Justice and issues regarding discipline are addressed by 11 Delaware
Code, Chapter 92 and referred to the Mayor. Neither can be addressed
by the Board unless the argument is agency Policy, Procedure, or
Training Program(s).
In all cases, complaints shall be received on the approved complaint
form. They must arrive at least 10 business days before an in enough
time[CE1] for the Board members to review them before they can be
addressed in official session in order to ensure that Board members
have enough time to review the complaint. It will be up to the
Chairperson, after consulting with the appropriate Chief of Police, to
make this determination. Other considerations related to scheduling a
hearing include the calendars of legal counsel [CE2]and if the issue is
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also pending in any criminal or civil court. The attached procedure
will presume that these matters have been addressed.
1. The presiding member will call the hearing to order.
2. If counsel is present, the presiding member will solicit and
address any preliminary matters identified by counsel.
3.2. The presiding member will affirm that all other members
have reviewed the complaint form.
4.3. The citizen will be invited to present their case.
5.4. The citizen may present evidence, witnesses or testimony
at their discretion.
6.5. The agency agency will be afforded the opportunity to
examine citizen evidence at the time it is presented and
questioncross examine witnesses at the time of their testimony.
7.6. The agencyagency will be invited to present their response.
8.7. The agencyagency may present evidence, witnesses or
testimony at their discretion.
9.8. The citizen will be afforded the opportunity to examine
agencyagency evidence at the time it is presented and
questioncross examine witnesses at the time of their testimony.
10.9. The citizen and the agencyagency will be offered the
opportunity to offer a summation after the allegations and
responses have been presented.
11.10. The citizen, the agency and their respective representation
can lodge an objection to evidence or testimony in a manner that
is non-confrontational. The rationale for the objection shall be
offered at the time of the objection.
12.11. If an issue is raised that might be cause for a continuance
of the proceeding to a subsequent meeting, the presiding
member may order the continuance if it should a majority of the
members agree that the issue in question warrants a recess to
resolve the matter.
13.12. If no cause for delay exists, the presiding member will
declare the hearing closed and solicit discussion from the
members regarding a possible position on the matter. Board
positions could range from complete agreement with the citizen
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complaint, to complete agreement with the agency response, or
a position in between. At the conclusion of discussion, a motion
would be in order to characterize the Board’s position.
14.13. Once a proposed position statement is properly moved, and
receives a second, the presiding member will ensure that the
members understand content and context of the motion. The
presiding member will remind the body that a vote of yes
indicates complete agreement and a vote of no indicates dissent
in whole or in part.
15.14. Should the motion pass, and solely for the purpose of
creating a record for POST, the presiding member will return to
the members voting no and allow the members an opportunity to
give request a brief reason for their vote[CE3].
16.15. It will be the responsibility of the Board Chairperson to
make sure that the complaint form is updated with the results of
the hearing and a copy later provided to the citizen.
17.16. The hearing will be incorporated into the official minutes of
the meeting so the record can be approved at the next regularly
scheduled Board meeting.
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EXHIBIT #5
Police Advisory Board Meeting of July 18, 2024
CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE
POLICE ADVISORY BOARD
RESOLUTION 24-01
AS PER ARTICLE III, SECTION 1 OF THE BY-LAWS, THE BOARD HAS THE AUTHORITY TO
DESIGNATE ANY OF THE SEATS ON THE BOARD TO A SPECIFIC STAKEHOLDER INTEREST UNTIL
SUCH TIME THE BOARD DEEMS IT IS NO LONGER INDICATED.
THEREFORE; IT IS RESOLVED AT THIS TIME THAT THE VOICE OF A STUDENT ATTENDING ONE
OF THE CITY’S HIGH SCHOOLS SHOULD HOLD A DESIGNATED SEAT ON THE POLICE
ADVISORY BOARD.
AS PER ARTICLE V, SECTION 6 OF THE BY-LAWS, THE BOARD HAS THE AUTHORITY TO
ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN THE NUMBER OF SUB-COMMITTEES AS MIGHT BE DEEMED
NECESSARY TO FUNCTION MORE EFFECTIVELY IN SERVICE TO THE CITY.
THEREFORE; IT IS RESOLVED AT THIS TIME THAT THE YOUTH SUB-COMMITTEE, PREVIOUSLY
ESTABLISHED BY THE DOVER POLICE CHIEF’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WILL CONTINUE TO
SERVE UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE CITY OF DOVER POLICE ADVISORY BOARD. THE
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SERVING ON THE BOARD WILL SERVE AS THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE
YOUTH SUB-COMMITTEE UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED.
ACTIONS HISTORY
JULY 18, 2025 – INTRODUCTION
JULY 18, 2025 - ADOPTED
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EXHIBIT #6
Police Advisory Board Meeting of July 18, 2024
CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE
POLICE ADVISORY BOARD
RESOLUTION 24-02
AS PER ARTICLE III, SECTION 1 OF THE BY-LAWS, THE BOARD HAS THE AUTHORITY TO
DESIGNATE ANY OF THE SEATS ON THE BOARD TO A SPECIFIC STAKEHOLDER INTEREST UNTIL
SUCH TIME THE BOARD DEEMS IT IS NO LONGER INDICATED.
THEREFORE; IT IS RESOLVED AT THIS TIME THAT THE VOICE OF A MEMBER OF THE
ADMINISTRATION OF DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY SHOULD HOLD A DESIGNATED SEAT ON
THE POLICE ADVISORY BOARD. THIS DESIGNATION IS CONNECTED TO THE EQUALLY
IMPORTANT FACTORS OF THE BOARD’S OVERSIGHT OF THE DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE NUMEROUS PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE
UNIVERSITY AND THE CITY.
ACTIONS HISTORY
JULY 18, 2025 – INTRODUCTION
JULY 18, 2025 - ADOPTED
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EXHIBIT #7
Police Advisory Meeting of July 18, 2024
CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE
POLICE ADVISORY BOARD
RESOLUTION 24-03
AS PER ARTICLE III, SECTION 3 OF THE BY-LAWS, EACH MEMBER SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM OF THREE
(3) YEARS OR UNTIL THEIR EARLIER RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL. IT FURTHER STATES THAT …THE TERM
OF THE MEMBERS SHALL BE STAGGERED SO THAT A NUMBER CLOSEST TO ONE-THIRD OF THE TOTAL
NUMBER OF MEMBERS SHALL BE UP FOR RECONSIDERATION EACH YEAR.
THEREFORE; IT IS RESOLVED AT THIS TIME THAT THE MEMBERS TRANSITIONING FROM THE DOVER
POLICE CHIEF’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE ON THE CITY OF DOVER POLICE
ADVISORY BOARD UNTIL THEIR TERM IS DUE FOR RECONSIDERATION FOLLOWING THE SCHEDULE
DETAILED BELOW.
FOR AN INITIAL 1-YEAR TERM PRIOR TO RECONSIDERATION (5/25)
1 MRS. COURTNEY FORD CITY RESIDENT COMMUNITY RELATIONS/YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
2 MR. VICTOR GIANGRANT CITY RESIDENT DOVER SMALL BUSINESS OWNER/RE-ENTRY
3 MR. ARQUM RASHID CITY RESIDENT CLERGY MEMBER + ATTORNEY
4 MS. SUNORA LEWIS DOVER HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
FOR AN INITIAL 2-YEAR TERM PRIOR TO RECONSIDERATION (5/26
1 DR. CHANDA JACKSON CITY RESIDENT CHAIRPERSON, EDUCATION SECTOR
2 REV. DR. CAROL BOGGERTY CITY RESIDENT VICE-CHAIRPERSON, CLERGY/RE-ENTRY
3 MR. WAVERLY DEBRAUX CITY RESIDENT YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
4 MS. FELICIA TOPPIN CITY RESIDENT CLINICAL CASE MANAGER
FOR AN INITIAL 3-YEAR TERM PRIOR TO RECONSIDERATION (5/27)
1 MR. ROB SHEEHAN CITY BASED FTE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT + DDP
2 DR. CHARLISA EDELIN DSU BASED FTE EDUCATOR + ATTORNEY
3 MR. HORACIO GARCIA-KOROSEC CITY BASED FTE FINANCE + SOCIAL EQUITY
4 PENDING CITY BASED C/U COLLEGIATE VOICE
ACTIONS HISTORY
JULY 18, 2025 – INTRODUCTION
JULY 18, 2025 - ADOPTED