Dewey Beach Police Chief, Town Manager Request Additional Police Officers for the Town
The well-being and safety of Dewey Beach residents and guests is at the top of the priority list of Dewey Beach Police Chief Constance Speake and Town Manager Bill Zolper. According to the Town’s Monthly Newsletter published today, the Chief is asking to hire 3 full time police officers for the town. The Chief provided justification for these additional officers at the Town Council Meeting July 21st (you can watch on YouTube at the link below). Zolper states that he agrees with the Chief and her justification for the officers.
Additional Information from Town Manager Bill Zolper:
In addition, the town manager addressed concerns that include the following:
• The high number of service calls, fights, and a slow response time
• The high number of visitors, sometimes over 20,000
• 15 restaurants/bars/taverns in a half mile space
• 6 of those restaurants/bars will be open at least 10 months of the year, drawing more visitors
• A major hotel open year-round drawing conventions, weddings, and large groups of guests
• The overindulgence of alcohol and a very active nightlife
• Close proximity to Rehoboth Beach and their yearly events/functions drawing large crowds
• Several guns seized this year, one with an extended magazine
• A very busy dual highway in the middle of town connecting all of the coastal towns in Delaware to
• Ocean City with as many as 40,000 cars a day
The current number of Dewey Beach Police Officers is 10. The number of police officers in other
coastal towns are as follows:
Bethany Beach 12
Fenwick Island 7
Lewes 15
Ocean View 14
Rehoboth Beach 19
South Bethany 7
Additionally, Zolper says none of these towns have the high number of service calls that are in direct response to the high number of visitors and Dewey’s active day and night life.
YouTube link to the Town Council Meeting from July 21st:
July 21, 2023 Town Council Meeting – YouTube
