Fred Neil is the president of Dover City Council.
Virtually everything has evolved since my days as a newsman covering the police and the courts in the 1960s, except what makes officers risk their lives to protect the public. But how they do their jobs has changed to meet the concerns of society, the legal landscape and rulings in the courts.
The core of these men and women to protect and serve remains resolute. Then and now, these officers have a passion to take bad people who would harm good people and put them in jail.
In the 21st century, that dedication includes solving community problems. Continuously learning from unacceptable police actions in other states, the Dover Police Department obtains and delivers up-to-date training on procedures and the best practices in law enforcement. Unlike many other agencies, Dover offers alternatives to arrest in low-level cases, with particular emphasis on individuals needing behavioral health or human services.
City Council has increased the authorized number of officers, which has permitted a very active and invaluable Community Policing Section. More are planned for the upcoming revitalization of the city’s center. Plus, council has committed to updating equipment for our officers, to be better able to do their jobs.
Emerging technologies are making quite a difference in the mission of reducing crime and increasing public safety. Body and car cameras allow review by administrative staff, as well as the courts, to protect both the public and the officers.
Before the public can make any judgment about police performance, individuals need “to hear the rest of the story.” The statistics regarding how good our police agency really is can be found every month in the agendas of City Council, available to anyone on the Dover website. They solve a lot of crime, serve at-risk residents, engage the community and accept all the dangers associated with the profession.
The real human side is revealed with the Officer of the Quarter and Officer of the Year honors. The heroics of “serve and protect” are there in black and white, displayed by officers who are of all colors and cultures.
I have heard directly from taxpaying residents who fear going downtown because of panhandlers and scary individuals, and who want more police protection. No one has come to me about a complaint about police treatment or an individual officer.
City Council hears from very vocal individuals, who pay little or no taxes, who consider themselves experts in the criminal justice system and who provide advice not practical for all of Dover. We have attacks on the police, the mayor and council because of individuals’ desires to run for higher office.
As if these unworthy strikes against the police department are not bad enough, a new group has emerged to eat away at the valiant efforts of our honorable officers. Neighbors Organized for Credibility and Accountability in Policing is seeking anonymous complaints against our force that can’t be verified. How can you exploit an anonymous complaint that would not stand up in any court? It should not stand up in public opinion.
Here is the claim: “I am compelled to speak out against the escalating harassment, intimidation, and threats being directed at the constituents of Dover by members of the City of Dover Police Department. These patterns of misconduct reflect a deeper, systemic failure to respect the civil liberties and human dignity of the very people the police are sworn to protect and serve.”
That is balderdash (the only word I can use in family media). City Council would not stand for that. If you have a problem with a police officer, come to us! When you witness a crazy driver weaving in and out of traffic, how many times have you thought, “There is never a cop around when you need one”?
Warning: Our cops are beginning to go elsewhere because of this nonsense. Use your common sense when evaluating these flawed crusaders. You elected us to serve. Ask questions. Report problems. Don’t let the bullies win. Think what life would be like without our police officers.
In fact, why not tell the officers that you appreciate that they put their lives in harm’s way to protect us? It will make their day.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
