As a concerned member of our community, I wish to express my frustration regarding the escalating crime rates in Dover, particularly the surge in gang-related violence and the continued deaths and casualties behind shootings as a result of gang activity. Since Chief Johnson’s tenure, we have witnessed a significant increase in crime. Every month over the past 4 years the Chief has given his report on the crime statistics and those reports did not reflect true crime statistics. For three years the statistics were based on 2019 with the excuse of the Covid error and it troubling that city council has allowed the Chief to enter inaccurate information and statistics on the record without correction. Which creates false data being distributed to the government as well as constituents.
Constituents visibly see the decline of our city in real time despite the attempts to fluff the numbers there has been an increase in crime and we have had no relief since this Chiefs tenure.
Claims of effective plans by the mayor and Chief have been words with no tangible action taken to address the ongoing gang violence that is threatening the safety and well being of our residents. Instead of prioritizing human life, it appears that the focus remains solely on economic development. This approach is not sustainable; our city cannot thrive with crime and insecurity.
The lack of strong leadership within this police force is a key factor contributing to its impending failure. The absence of accountability and transparency under Chief Johnson has eroded the trust of constituents. It is clear that this Chief needs to be replaced, as our community has lost confidence in the leadership due to deceptive practices. At this point it’s about saving lives not relationships.
I urge our city leadership, our mayor, Chief of Police, and city council, to stop the deception and cover up of errors and recognize the urgency of this situation.
It is time to reinstate the mobile substation as promised and develop a comprehensive strategy to truly combat gang activity that has plagued Dover.
Evaluate the true performance of this police Chief and make a determination based upon the state of the city and not personal friendships formed with the Chief. Recognize the city requires more than what Chief Johnson is producing for the salary of 165,000 plus per year, constituents are paying him.
The safety of our community must come first if we want the city to prosper.
Chelle Paul
Dover
