Newport

Police Advisory Committee (PAC)

The Police Advisory Committee (PAC) is established under the direction of the Chief of Police and in compliance with 11 Del. C. § 8404(a) (20). The committee advises the Chief on policy, training, and other issues relating to or affecting the department and the communities it serves. The committee is intended to provide a forum for discussions concerning community concerns and the goal is to represent a broad spectrum of viewpoints.

Members:

• Pastor Gregory Vickers (Peniel United Methodist Church / Newport Resident)
• Alford Williams (Resident)
• Greg Buckley (Business Owner)
• Erik Sandoval (Business Owner)
• Jaclyn Durant (Red Clay School District)

Mission and Purpose of the PAC

The Newport Police Department is committed to community policing. To that end, the mission of the PAC is to act as a resource for the Chief of Police in forming strategies, developing policing concepts, and increasing public awareness regarding policy issues.

To carry out its purpose, the committee will address overcoming problems associated with police-community relations, improving the Newport Police Department’s operations, and addressing public safety issues to further enhance the quality of life in our community. The PAC will act as a sounding board for the Chief regarding community needs and concerns, keep the Chief apprised of the community’s need for police services, and assist in educating the community about the function and role of the Newport Police Department.

Although the PAC is expected to be proactive, it will not have the power or authority to investigate, review, or otherwise participate in matters involving specific police personnel or specific police-related incidents. It will not receive or review complaints initiated against personnel of the Newport Police Department nor play any role in civil or criminal litigation.  The PAC acts solely in an advisory capacity and will be driven by the creativity and vision of its members; it is intended to be an expression of the Newport community’s viewpoints.

The PAC will meet quarterly or more frequently as needed. All meetings will be public and comply with Delaware’s Open Meetings Act, 11 Del. C. § 10004. Each committee member is expected to contribute and provide input on the topics the committee and Chief of Police deems appropriate and timely.

Composition of the CAB

The committee will consist of 5-9 key stakeholders, comprised of a diverse cross-section of active community members throughout the Town of Newport. These members will represent various interests and experiences, including business owners, education, non-profits, public relations, faith community, youth representation, and more. The committee is required to have at least one religious leader from the community as well as members of the community who have been impacted directly or are immediate family members or caregivers of those impacted by the juvenile or adult criminal justice system. The Chief of Police or their designee will chair the committee but is not a voting member.

Members are appointed by the Chief of Police and must be Newport residents, business owners, or a representative from Donald J. Richey Elementary School. They are chosen to serve on the board for their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to their community. Each committee member will serve a two-year term and may be reappointed. During the committee’s first year, half of the committee will serve two years, and the rest will serve one year.

Members may be removed for cause before the end of their term by a majority vote of the board. Additionally, members who fail to attend three regular board meetings in a year may be considered to have vacated their position and may be replaced.

Members of the PAC acknowledge that service is strictly voluntary and that they will not receive any form of compensation. In addition, all members will be subject to a criminal history background investigation before appointment to the PAC.

Board Expectations

• Members of the PAC who are “Non-officer members” must complete 20 hours of community training. This may include ride-a-longs or a citizen police academy, as well as any demonstrations or other worthwhile courses of instruction.
• Members of the PAC are expected to attend the scheduled meetings and be prepared to engage in an honest and productive
• Members of the PAC are expected to treat each other with dignity and
• Members of the PAC are expected to maintain the confidentiality of information that is designated as confidential and discussed and/or disclosed during the meetings.
• PAC members are not to utilize the meetings to facilitate personal
• Members of the PAC will be encouraged to attend and participate in major police events (i.e., swearing-in and promotion ceremonies).
• Members will participate, provide input, and make recommendations about key policy decisions in the police department.
• The committee will also focus on contemporary challenges, which include the following examples:
  • Use of Force
  • Mental Health Response
  • Criminal Activity and Trends
  • Transparency
  • Homelessness
  • Technology
  • Community Outreach and Engagement
  • Crime Prevention
  • Neighborhood Programs

Staff Support

Staff support to the PAC is provided through the Office of the Chief of Police. The Chief will serve as the liaison to the PAC, and a staff member from the Office of the Chief of Police will act as the recording secretary. A member or members of the NPD senior staff may also be included in the PAC meetings as necessary or requested. Support staff will:

• Record the proceedings of meetings of the PAC (i.e., minutes)
• Disseminate information, including meeting agendas, minutes of meetings, etc. to members of the PAC
• Maintain all records related to the PAC in accordance with Freedom of Information Act, Chapter 100 of Title 29 (FOIA)

PAC Meeting’s Information:

Sign Up (Form)

Need to add form fields, required fields and whom submissions should be sent to.

Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (hyperlink)

Contact Us:

226 North James Street
Newport, Delaware 19804
Phone Number: (302) 995-1411
Dispatch Phone Number: (302) 573 – 2800
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