History
The Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police was established as the Delaware Police Chiefs Council, Inc. in 1971 following the IACP Conference in 1970. Three forward looking municipal chiefs created by-laws establishing the Delaware Police Chiefs Council, which was renamed to the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police in 2022. Those by-laws proposed a membership limited to municipal chiefs of police, the New Castle County Police Department, and the Delaware State Police, making the Council a truly statewide Chiefs Association. Those who hold the rank of Captain and above and those who are the 2nd-in-Command of police departments are eligible for voting membership. Membership is also offered to other State Law Enforcement agencies that possess full police powers. Federal Law Enforcement Agencies are offered non-voting memberships. Thus, membership consists of police personnel only.
The Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police is the recognized State Association of Chiefs of Police (SACOP) representative for the State of Delaware to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
The International Association of Chiefs of Police is the world’s oldest and largest nonprofit membership organization of police executives, with over 20,000 members in over 100 different countries. IACP’s leadership consists of the operating chief executives of international, federal, state, and local agencies of all sizes.
The Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police’s priorities and ideals closely mirror those of the IACP, which are to advance the science and art of police services; to develop and disseminate improved administrative, technical, and operational practices, and promote their use in police work; to foster police cooperation and the exchange of information and experience among police administrators throughout the world; to bring about recruitment and training in the police profession of qualified persons; and to encourage adherence of all police officers to high professional standards of performance and conduct.
The Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police Membership consists of each police chief in Delaware, as well as the Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. The Association was formed in 1971 for the purpose of improving police services in Delaware and establishing standardization and uniformity in policies and procedures.
Emphasis is placed on enhancing cooperation among Delaware Police Agencies, development of more stringent recruiting & training standards, and implementation of a Delaware Police Accreditation Program. Current priorities include the development and promotion of meaningful strategies to maximize anti-terrorism efforts and developing a rational approach to the issue of racial profiling that assures fair and impartial law enforcement without compromising public safety.
Vision
The Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police is a professional police organization headed by commanding officers that envisions providing excellent safety services to the citizens of Delaware. We are personally and professionally committed to promoting the highest ethical standards and preserving basic family values essential for achieving an enhanced quality of life.
Goal
Our continuing goal is to be an effective, respected, and professional voice for all Delaware Law Enforcement.