Delaware’s law enforcement agencies haven’t been immune to challenges associated with officer performance and the public’s perception of it. Police departments nationally have struggled to attract recruits following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis officer who was later convicted of murder, The Associated Press reported. Mass protests and calls for reforming or defunding the police, as well as the coronavirus pandemic, took their toll on officer morale. Concern for finding prospective officers in the First State is widespread, as well, according to police chiefs here. Besides social unrest involving the police, economics play a part, as well, Dover Chief Thomas Johnson Jr.  said.

• More funding and respect are needed for the dedication the officers who put their lives on line every day for us. — Mickey Crier

• "Mass protests and calls for reforming or defunding the police, as well as the coronavirus pandemic, took their toll on officer morale." Well, now another line of crap. No one stops driving a car just because of few defects. When you fail to support law enforcement and the vast number of great and caring professionals, you are the problem. Declining numbers can be found in any venue, look at education, look at the trades. Stop the bull and pandering! — Howard Gaines III

Strengthening Delaware plastic bag ban no clear issue

Delaware recently passed legislation placing further restrictions on the usage of single-use plastic bags. Since initially passing House Bill 130 in 2019, which banned the usage and distribution of plastic bags at the point-of-sale mark in convenience, grocery and retail stores, many businesses and customers have had growing concerns surrounding its effectiveness — and Delawareans’ own willingness to change their personal shopping habits. The law itself, which took effect on Jan. 1, sought to reduce beachside and roadside waste; conserve space at landfills; encourage and normalize recycling, reusing and other conservation practices; and keep recycle facilities in operation. But, due to a notable loophole in the law, in which plastic bags that are thicker than 2.25 mils are considered legal because of the possibility of them being easy to clean and therefore reusable, many stores have continued to use these bags despite the enacted ban.

• I don't see many bags on the side of the road, but I see tons of other litter. I bet they ban plastic water bottles next. — Tom Small

• I don’t see bags, but I do see rubber gloves and masks on the ground everywhere. — Jessica Johnson

• This is what our elected officials are worried about? — Cal William

• Animals used to be able to break through weak plastic bags. Government action will guarantee their deaths. — Ryan FenimoreTop of Form

• Bottom of FormWhine, whine, whine! Regardless of what regulations are imposed that will be of benefit, people complain. Some regulations are helpful and beneficial. Take seatbelts, for example: Delawareans complained about that, yet many lives have been saved by wearing them. Hopefully, Delaware will follow the lead of a handful of states that are lowering alcohol limits while driving. Again, it’ll save lives, but some will have a problem with that, too. Think of the example you’re setting for children by complaining about rules. Yet you will rightfully encourage them to follow rules preparing them for adulthood, where they’ll be required to accept rules or wind up in prison, or worse, when they think rules don’t apply to them. — Michael Jones

• You know what’s more of an issue in Delaware? Strengthening our roadways & getting the years of roadwork done already in this state. Enough already! Fixing the countless of potholes all over Delaware should be more of a priority than this ridiculous plastic bag issue that seems to go on forever & ever. — Matthew Mancari

• How many "reusable" bags are actually being reused? — Bill Smith