posted on: 6/1/2020

To the Dover Community:

Given recent events that have unfortunately occurred throughout the country, as your Police Chief, I want to reassure you that the women and men of the Dover Police Department remain steadfast in protecting the constitutional rights of everyone. Now more than ever, as we move through these events together, I call on all community members to demonstrate respect and compassion for one another.

As your Police Chief, I want to express my own thoughts and feelings regarding what I saw occur in Minneapolis. I am outraged by the action and inaction of those who took an oath to protect and serve and am saddened by the tragic loss of human life. Although this current incident occurred many states away, it has eroded the very same public trust we have worked so hard to achieve. What we saw occur in Minneapolis is not only completely against the mission, vision, and values of the Dover Police Department, but also the training, tactics, and professionalism with which our officers serve the community each and every day.

I ask that our community finds confidence in knowing that officers of the Dover Police
Department receive the best and most current training available and they demonstrate daily deescalation and sound judgement when serving their fellow community members. As a department our training, tactics, policies and organizational culture demonstrate our commitment to treating ALL PEOPLE with a high level of dignity, compassion and respect.

The women and men of the Dover Police Department remain dedicated to providing exceptional and professional service to every community member by listening to their concerns, remaining impartial and having the goodwill of others in mind before ourselves. Through shared understanding, open dialogue, and building relationships with community members we share the mutual respect necessary to move forward through challenging times.

As Police Chief, I am proud of the work your Dover Police officers do each and every day as they serve with courage, dedication, and commitment to the community. Seeing the action and inaction of officers as we did in Minneapolis is incredibly frustrating for all of us, but none are more disappointed than the hardworking men and women in law enforcement. I am confident that the our officers will continue to focus on improving the quality of life for every community member in Dover as we continue to build and maintain community trust by making positive differences in the lives and safety of those we serve.

Please know that we as law enforcement professionals stand with you, feeling the same pain, anger, and frustration. Let us all work together to make positive change and focus on keeping Dover a safe and peaceful place for everyone.

Yours in service,

Bill Breault
Chief of Police