Survey seeks public views on Delaware's justice system

A Delaware judicial commission is asking police officers, probation officers and the public to share their opinions on the state's judicial system.

The Access to Justice Fairness Commission launched a survey in August as part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the state's criminal justice system is working as fairly and efficiently as possible, said Sean O'Sullivan, chief of community relations for the Justice Department.

By reaching out to police, probation officers and the public, O'Sullivan said, the survey can probe issues such as mutual understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve, the quality of life and working conditions of law enforcement officers, and the level of satisfaction and trust communities have with their police forces.

“The survey is part of that ongoing effort to examine all key components of our justice system and to better understand how both those who serve the public and the public itself feel about critical issues,” he said.

Law enforcement and the Delaware Police Chief's Council have encouraged police officers to participate in the survey and the Department of Corrections has also encouraged input from probation and parole officers.

“Listening is important, and we are optimistic that this input will help us identify common ground that we should use as a foundation to improve public safety and the relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve,” said Chief William Bryson, chairman of the Delaware Police Chiefs’ Council.

Public opinion is equally welcomed. Those interested in taking the survey can go to http://courts.delaware.gov/supreme/access.aspx. The survey will close Sunday, Oct. 15.

Former U.S. Attorney for Delaware and now chair of the Fairness Committee's Policing Strategies Subcommittee Colm F. Connolly said it is important that there is trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

“The willingness of our police community to reach out and seek input from the officers closest to the community and from the community itself should be applauded and will give us valuable information about how to make our state safer and improve police and community relations,” he said.