Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police Urges Inclusive, Evidence-Based Police Reform

The Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police (DACP) today issued a statement calling for a renewed commitment to inclusive, evidence-based discussion surrounding police best practices that prioritizes public safety and stakeholder collaboration.

“Delaware law enforcement has not just supported meaningful reform, we’ve been at the forefront of it, driving the conversation, shaping policy, and ensuring it works in practice as well as on paper,” said Chief Richard P. McCabe, DACP President and Chief of the New Castle City Police Department.

Through landmark legislation such as HB 205 and HB 206, DACP has helped create frameworks for transparency, accountability, and oversight, ensuring all stakeholders—especially the public—have a seat at the table. “That’s how real reform should be done: openly, thoughtfully, and with mutual respect,” Chief McCabe emphasized.

However, DACP is deeply concerned by a recent wave of advocacy-driven proposals introduced without meaningful dialogue or partnership. “These bills are rushed, often politically motivated, and leave out the very professionals who will be expected to implement them. That’s not reform; it’s recklessness,” said McCabe.

Advocacy-driven bills often lack stakeholder balance, with many recent policing proposals developed exclusively by activist groups and without input from law enforcement leaders. “When legislation is crafted without operational perspective, it creates confusion, invites litigation, and leads to inconsistent application across jurisdictions. These are not just technical issues—they impact the safety of our communities and the effectiveness of public safety agencies statewide,” McCabe added.

While advocacy plays a vital role in the democratic process, DACP warns that legislation heavily shaped by advocacy groups or ideology can polarize communities and erode trust in government and public safety institutions. “Effective and sustainable change requires inclusive, evidence-based dialogue, not advocacy-driven mandates,” said McCabe.

DACP calls on our elected officials to honor the progress made through HB 205 and 206 by pausing legislation that ignores process, excludes stakeholders, and threatens public safety.

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“Delaware law enforcement has not just supported meaningful reform, we’ve been at the forefront of it, driving the conversation, shaping policy, and ensuring it works in practice as well as on paper,” said Chief Richard P. McCabe, DACP President and Chief