Cammerin Norwood is the founder of the Our R.O.O.T.S. Foundation (Reclaiming Our Own Through Support). Kaligah Parker is the founder of The Carry Their Light Project.
While Dover’s leaders are divided and uncertain, our communities cannot afford confusion. We know what works. We’ve seen proven strategies in Wilmington and Laurel reduce violence and strengthen neighborhoods. What we need now is coordination and urgent action — because, for us, this is life or death.
For the second time in just a few weeks, members of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 15 overwhelmingly approved a vote of no confidence against Dover Police Chief Thomas Johnson. From alleged unethical behavior to low officer morale, both residents and police are unhappy with his performance. While Dover faces a growing public safety crisis, Chief Johnson has made it clear that listening to residents is not his priority.
The truth is that Dover citizens feel abandoned and excluded from the very conversations that impact our daily lives. Trust in the police chief is gone. Meanwhile, crime continues to climb. In 2017, Kent County, which includes the city of Dover, had a homicide rate of 4.1 per 100,000 residents. Last year, that number shot up to 7.81 per 100,000 residents. Though Kent County is the least populated in the state, with Dover spanning only 23 square miles, its crime rate is more than double that of both the state and the nation, ranking among the highest in the country.
Residents are doing the best we can with the resources available, but the reality is clear: We cannot do this alone. A small number of individuals are driving the majority of violent crimes. As violence prevention and intervention leaders with lived experience, we know that programs that elevate community voices and use credible messengers work. We’ve helped support these approaches in Wilmington and Laurel. But, here in Dover, similar opportunities remain scarce.
Consider Wilmington’s Play Streets initiative. Created in 2011 by former Wilmington City Councilwoman Rysheema J. Dixon, it temporarily transforms blocks into safe, car-free zones, with live music, food and family-friendly activities. This year, thanks to the leadership of Councilwoman at Large Latisha L. Bracy and the rest of council, Play Streets returned. Research shows that programs like this one strengthen relationships, connect youth with adults and increase feelings of community safety. These strategies work — and Dover deserves them, too.
But safety is not just about programs. It requires data transparency and intentional investment. A safer, healthier Dover depends on leaders being present in neighborhoods, police building authentic and positive relationships, and everyone coming together under a collective agenda. We can no longer afford to work in silos, while violence tears through our city.
That is why, on July 21, we hosted the “Dover Voices Heard” town hall. Mayor Robin R. Christiansen, along with other leaders and residents, joined us to talk openly about crime prevention, quality-of-life concerns, education and economic opportunity. The city’s citizens want to be heard. They want to be partners in making Dover safe.
We are now calling on the mayor and City Council to act ahead of their next meeting, on Sept. 8. Dover deserves leaders who are accountable and courageous enough to step up in this moment. The question is: Who will? Our lives depend on it.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
