Brian E. Lewis represents the 2nd District on Dover City Council.
Recently, several media outlets have published the key findings and partial release of the 21st Century Policing Solutions report that Dover City Council retained to investigate the allegations of the Dover Police Department’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 15, pertaining to Police Chief Thomas Johnson and Mayor Robin Christiansen. I would like to clear up any misconceptions and set the record straight on how my name was dragged into this matter, as well as express my discontent with some portions of the report.
This all started back in August 2025, when I received a copy of the lodge’s letter, published on social media by a constituent. The FOP letter stated: “On the morning of June 27, 2025, Chief Johnson, Jr. and Mayor Christiansen met with two senior staff officers of the Dover Police Department on an unrelated matter. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Christiansen openly advocated for the FOP assistance in publicly attacking the integrity of Councilman Lewis. Chief Johnson Jr. left the room before this conversation took place, making a statement alluding to the effect that he could not be present for what the Mayor was about to ask. His departure, combined with his prior awareness of the Mayor’s request, indicates his complicity in the proposed actions. The FOP President was subsequently informed of the Mayor’s request. After contacting Mayor Christiansen, a meeting took place in which the Mayor repeated his request, which also included his displeasure in Councilman (Dr. Roy) Sudler’s recent stance … on policing in Dover. During this meeting, the FOP President addressed the current state of the department and the lack of support officers received from Chief Johnson, Jr.
“It became clear to the FOP leadership that Mayor Christiansen and Chief Johnson, JR. were seeking to engage FOP leadership in unethical behavior for their political gain and perceived protection by publicly attack(ing) the integrity of Councilman Lewis and Councilman Sudler. Mayor Christiansen and Chief Johnson, Jr. should be held accountable for attempting to undermine two sitting Council members simply for expressing concerns about Chief Johnson, Jr. and his efforts to combat crime in Dover. While the FOP may not always agree with … Sudler and Lewis, it is wholly unprofessional to attack their integrity or their family for the purpose of embarrassment or political advantage.”
After reading the FOP letter and reviewing the 21st Century report, first and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for the unwavering integrity that was demonstrated by the FOP leaders for refusing the mayor’s request to attack and destroy the integrities of me and Councilmember Sudler. The FOP leaders did what was morally and ethically correct, and followed the path of righteousness.
Regrettably, I cannot say the same for Police Chief Johnson Jr., who did not choose the same path when it came to integrity in this situation. I believe that Chief Johnson should have stood up for the police department staff involved in the conversation and told the mayor that he is not allowing such dishonorable discussions, to include promoting attacks on two sitting council members.
As far as the results of the 21st Century Policing Solutions partial report, I believe it is questionable and deserves further interpretation. I am satisfied that part of the report has been released to the public in an effort for full transparency and appreciate Mayor Robin Christiansen giving his legal permission to release to the public the portion involving him. Sadly, I take exception to the fact that the mayor would want to retaliate against Councilmember Sudler and me for expressing our First Amendment rights, particularly about how we felt regarding the city’s surge in violent crime, homicides and drive-by shootings, as well as about current police leadership in addressing many of the issues.
The 21st Century report revealed that the mayor engaged in “political speech,” protected by the First Amendment; however, what about Councilmember Sudler and me? Are our First Amendment rights to be vocal and express our opinions protected, without attempts of retaliation from the mayor, other council members or city staff?
I was once told by an attorney that I have a constitutional right to speak out when I disagree with city leaders and can write letters to the newspapers. In fact, I was told it’s stronger, since writing a letter to the editor implicates the rights of both free speech and freedom of the press. Further, when a council member has an obligation to work to effectuate council decisions, he or she has First Amendment rights to speak out against decisions in an effort to get them changed (Bond v. Floyd, 1966).
My understanding is that the First Amendment gives Councilmember Sudler and me the same rights to speak out or write letters to the newspapers that everyone else has. Hopefully, the American Civil Liberties Union Delaware will investigate and look into the protection of elected officials’ rights for speaking up without consequences of retaliation. The ACLU is supposed to actively defend First Amendment rights violations, to include the right to speak, write and publish letters. Further, the ACLU has had a long history fighting government retaliation, to include challenges by government officials attempting to prevent, control and bully others who exercise their rights. In closing, what echoes in my mind is, in a world where outrage often dominates the conversation, the late Robert F. Kennedy reminded us that true leadership begins with decency. He believed that strength is not measured by power alone but by compassion, humility and the courage to stand for what is right — even when it is unpopular. History remembers leaders for their actions, but it is their characters that leave the deepest legacies.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
