Editor's note: This letter was also sent to Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen and Police Chief Thomas Johnson, on Monday, July 27.
Another shooting at approximately 2:30 a.m. Monday has left an older adult injured, further eroding public confidence. Residents no longer see the proactive enforcement they once did from the Street Crimes Unit, and many do not feel safe enough to report what they know.
Why are the city’s camera systems not being utilized more effectively to monitor gang activity and identify suspects? These shootings will continue unless a new strategy is implemented. To restore community trust and reduce crime, the city must operationalize the mobile substation and consider enforcing juvenile curfews as part of a broader public safety strategy.
The visible presence of the Street Crimes Unit has diminished, and officers are not consistently addressing gang activity. Without visible, proactive enforcement, residents are less willing to assist law enforcement.
The continued excuses are unacceptable. Shootings have become normalized, and I receive reports of shots fired daily. Increasingly, residents are contacting community advocates instead of the police because they have lost confidence that their concerns will be addressed.
Constituents do not feel safe under current leadership. Public safety is the most fundamental responsibility of government, and residents deserve visible action, accountability and a comprehensive plan to address gang violence. Further, constituents are requesting additional police presence and would like the governor to step in to provide protection, via the state police or the National Guard, until local leaders can ensure community safety.
Chelle Paul
Divided We Fall Delaware
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
