McQueen assumes command of Delaware State Police

Gov. Jack Markell joined Lewis D. Schiliro, secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, Dec. 20 as Col. Nathaniel McQueen Jr. assumed command of the Delaware State Police.

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Delaware State Police held a Change of Command Ceremony to officially mark the start of McQueen’s role as superintendent. McQueen, a 24-year Delaware State Police veteran, was tapped to lead the state’s largest police agency following the retirement of Col. Robert M. Coupe.

The ceremony which featured the Delaware State Police Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums was attended by many members of the Delaware General Assembly and Delaware law enforcement community as well as public safety partners, former Delaware State Police colonels and retirees and the men and women of the Delaware State Police.

“Keeping our fellow citizens safe is state government’s most fundamental responsibility and the colonel of the Delaware State Police is integral to upholding that responsibility,” said Markell. “When it comes to a colonel, people expect a leader with integrity, character and good judgment. Colonel McQueen has a reputation for being able to relate to anyone and has already displayed strength of leadership as a strong manager. I am confident he is fully prepared for this position and will serve the Delaware State Police and the people of Delaware well.”

“Col. McQueen is a highly qualified, experienced and proven leader with expansive knowledge of the Delaware State Police and its operations,” Schiliro said. "I have full faith and confidence in his ability to lead the men and women of the Delaware State Police and to serve the citizens of our state. As he has during his career, he will continue to lead with integrity and compassion.”

“I am truly blessed and honored by the privilege to serve as the 25th superintendent of the Delaware State Police. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Governor Markell and Secretary Schiliro for giving me this opportunity to serve,” McQueen said. “The Delaware State Police is an agency rich in history and tradition. As we approach our 90th anniversary, we will continue to enhance the quality of life for all Delaware citizens and visitors by providing professional, competent law enforcement services.”

McQueen joined the ranks in 1988 and has served in many leadership roles during his career. Leadership roles include operations major managing all troops statewide; troop commander at Troop 1 Penny Hill, Troop 2 Bear, and Troop 9 Odessa; patrol lieutenant at Troop 3 Camden and deputy troop commander at Troop 2 responsible for the major crimes unit; domestic violence unit; polygraph examiner; and youth aid unit.

In addition, McQueen worked as a patrol and detective sergeant and served as the sketch artist.  In 1991, McQueen received the Delaware State Police Valor Award.

McQueen earned a bachelor of science degree in behavioral science from Wilmington University and a master of science degree in social work from Delaware State University. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy - the West Point of law enforcement. Before joining the Delaware State Police, he served as sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps.