Dewey police chief aims to snuff gang activity

Being visible and deterring gang activity top the priorities outlined by new Dewey Beach Police Chief Constance Speake at a May 6 meet-and-greet event hosted by the Dewey Beach Civic League.

On the evening of May 5, Speake said about 100 people from two different gangs came to town on a night when only two officers were working. 

“We don’t want them in our town. They’re not here to do good things,” Speake said. “They actually said to one of my officers last night, ‘Are you afraid?’ and the officer said ‘No.’” 

Officers from Delaware State Police and Rehoboth Beach were contacted to assist, Speake said, noting she has arranged with area agencies to have an increased police presence on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Outside agency assistance will come at a cost, Speake said, but with current staffing levels, it is necessary.

“If you have 100 gang members coming to town, that’s not enough officers,” she said.

An audience member said the gang issue has been swelling for years and asked what could be done to discourage them from coming. He said perhaps residents and businesses could contribute toward any costs.

It comes down to enforcement, Speake said. If people come to town and don’t obey, they will be arrested for loitering and trespassing, she said.

Speake said she is working with probation and Delaware State Police intelligence and gang units to help identify gang members. The Starboard has an identification system that can ban people from the restaurant, she said, and hopefully other restaurants can follow suit with similar systems.

“If you come to a town and you can't get in anywhere, then you're not going to stay because there’s nothing for you to do,” she said.

Rival gangs have also been seen in Laurel, Milford and elsewhere in the state, she said.

“We’re really going to do whatever we can to identify these people, see what we can do and work with outside agencies to try to get them out of here,” she said.

Speake said she has met with business owners to discuss safety concerns and suggest they add security cameras. Restaurant managers have been asked to post signs stating that weapons are prohibited.

No-loitering signs will be posted in the parking lot at Sea Spot Shops where people typically congregate, she said. If they refuse to leave when asked, they will be arrested for trespassing, she said. 

Addressing the legalization of marijuana, Speake said citizens over age 21 are now permitted to possess up to an ounce, but consuming it in public or driving while under its influence are still illegal. Individuals under age 21 are still prohibited from possessing it, she said. 

“Don't be surprised if you smell a lot of marijuana this summer,” she said.

An audience member said the 25 mph speed limit needs to be enforced, as many cars speed through town. Speake said she lacks enough staffing to have officers running radar on a regular basis, but she would do the best she could, and will possibly plan for DUI checkpoints on major weekends.

Speake said she has implemented several changes to focus on community policing. All officers will be wearing identifiable navy blue uniforms, she said, and all police vehicles will be marked for visibility.

Several officers have been promoted to ensure supervisory coverage at all times, Speake said, noting that she is working to address shortfalls identified in a 2019 organizational analysis commissioned by the town.

“I will get everything on that list fixed, I promise you that,” she said.

Speake said 14 seasonal officers and four dispatchers have been hired, and eight officers will be trained to use new bicycles for high visibility and faster response. All officers will have body-worn cameras, she said.   

“We will be reviewing all footage to make sure everyone is doing what they're supposed to do,” Speake said.

Following the discussion, Dewey Beach Civic League President Diane Hanson said her goal is to revitalize the organization, whose activities decreased due to COVID.

Civic league members meet at 9 a.m. for breakfast every Friday at The Starboard, Hanson said, and everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Hanson at 610-322-8527.