Governor Carney Signs Executive Order on Law Enforcement Policy

Governor John Carney on Wednesday signed Executive Order #41, State of Delaware law enforcement agencies, including Delaware State Police and Capitol Police; increases community engagement; requires additional de-escalation and implicit bias training; and increases the availability of crisis intervention services for law enforcement officers.

Governor Carney’s order also will formally prohibit executive branch law enforcement agencies from sharing mugshots of minors, except when public safety is at risk; require transparency around use-of-force protocols; and mandate participation in the national use-of-force database.

Agencies subject to this order include Delaware State Police, Capitol Police, Department of Correction, Natural Resources Police, Delaware Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement.

Click here to read Governor Carney’s Executive Order #41.

“Talk is cheap. It’s on us to make progress,” said Governor Carney. “As I said last week, these are first steps that we can take administratively to improve the relationship between law enforcement agencies and communities of color in Delaware. I know that the General Assembly will build on these steps, and I thank legislators for their partnership. Thank you to Colonel McQueen and the law enforcement officers of the Delaware State Police for their leadership on this important issue. I know law enforcement in Delaware. The vast majority of officers here and across our country serve for the right reasons – to protect and strengthen their communities. They want meaningful change. Let’s keep working together to move forward.”

Governor Carney’s Executive Order #41 will make the following changes:

1.  Use of Chokeholds: No law enforcement officer in the Executive Branch shall knowingly or intentionally use a chokehold, kneehold or other similar acts of applying force or pressure against the trachea, windpipe, carotid artery, side of the neck, or jugular vein of another person unless that officer reasonably believes that the use of such force is necessary to protect the life of a civilian or a law enforcement officer and other applicable control methods have been exhausted.
2. Availability of policies and protocols: Any use of force policies and protocols for law enforcement officers shall be posted on the agency’s website, subject to redactions necessary for the limited purpose of avoiding disclosure of tactical information that may jeopardize officer or public safety. 
3. Publication of Photos: A photo or mugshot of a child 17 years of age or younger arrested or suspected of committing a crime shall not be released or published by law enforcement on a publicly maintained social media page or website unless that child is charged with a violent felony, as that term is defined in Title 11 of the Delaware Code, and release of the photo or mugshot is necessary to protect the public’s safety. Law enforcement may release the photo of a child 17 years of age or younger if required to do so by applicable state law.
4. Community Engagement: At the direction of the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security for the State of Delaware (DSHS), DSP shall increase its community outreach unit by designating and training troopers as community outreach liaisons so that each Troop throughout the state will have a community outreach officer assigned to it. The community outreach troopers shall receive training on building relationships with residents and community-based organizations and meet with residents and organizations regularly to discuss how to better serve their communities and make it easier for those residents and organizations to communicate with law enforcement.
5. Participation and Utilization of National Databases: DSHS law enforcement officers shall continue to participate in the National Use of Force Data Collection effort in order to assist law enforcement and the community to identify and understand the totality of, and trends associated with, use-of-force incidents. In addition, DSHS law enforcement officers, working with the Council on Police Training, shall participate in the Police Officer Decertification Database to aid law enforcement agencies in making informed hiring decisions to prevent officers who have been terminated for cause from being hired in Delaware.
6. Training Requirements: The following trainings shall be conducted for law enforcement officers on at least an annual basis:
   1. Implicit bias training, including scenario based training and other methods of evidence-based experiential training, engaging community members with special expertise, to address implicit bias and its role in the criminal justice system; and
   2. De-escalation training, including a use-of-force continuum or matrix, to demonstrate the use of less or more force in an arrest situation, and reinforce exhausting all other reasonable alternatives before resorting to deadly force.
7. Increase crisis intervention services: In collaboration with the Behavioral Health Consortium of Delaware, all law enforcement officers shall have access to crisis intervention training and services to improve appropriate response to individuals suffering from a behavioral health crisis.

Delmarva Power Reminds Customers to Keep Foil Balloons Away From Power Lines

Delmarva Power Reminds Customers to Keep Foil Balloons Away From Power Lines

Metallic balloons can lead to power outages if not disposed of properly

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on many events, including birthdays and graduations, but as families and friends begin to come together again to celebrate these achievements, Delmarva Power reminds you not to lose sight of those foil balloons.  Foil balloons, also known as Mylar balloons, can cause power outages if they come into contact with power lines. Untethered balloons cause thousands of unnecessary electric service interruptions each year for Delmarva Power customers. These balloons also have been known to float for days and can end up having a negative impact on the environment.

When foil-coated balloons contact a power line or other electric equipment, their metallic properties can cause a surge of electricity that can impede equipment. These types of outages are easily preventable. Delmarva Power encourages customers to help reduce foil balloon-related power outages and ensure safety by keeping the following tips in mind:

• Keep balloons tethered at all times and attached to weights.
• Properly dispose of foil balloons by puncturing the balloon to release helium that otherwise could cause the balloon to float away.
• NEVER touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon or toy that is entangled in an overhead power line. For assistance, call Delmarva Power at 800-898-8042.
• Always assume power lines are energized and keep yourself, your belongings and anything you are carrying at least 10 feet away at all times.

Delmarva Power customers can learn more safety tips by visiting delmarva.com.

To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power’s online news room. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/delmarvapower, and on Twitter at twitter.com/delmarvaconnect. Delmarva Power’s mobile app is available at delmarva.com/mobileapp.

Governor Carney Closes State of Delaware Offices in honor of Juneteenth

Governor John Carney announced he will close State of Delaware offices on Friday in recognition of Juneteenth, and issued the following statement:

“Over the last several weeks, we have seen largely peaceful protests demanding racial justice and equality across our state. I have spent much of this time listening, and trying to chart a productive path forward. We can make meaningful change, and I believe we will.

As we move forward, I believe the least that each of us can do is commit to learning the lessons of our history. The good and the bad. That’s why on Friday, June 19, we will close state offices in recognition of Juneteenth, which helps us commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. This holiday offers an opportunity to encourage open dialogue, and to recommit to treating one another with more respect.

We are also working with the Delaware Heritage Commission to create an educational program around issues of race and slavery in Delaware and the U.S.  If we don’t educate ourselves and acknowledge our ugly history around race, we can’t begin to understand the anger and frustration that I’ve heard from so many Delawareans in the last several weeks.

But we shouldn’t stop there.

Next week, I will sign an executive order to ban the use of choke-holds at the Delaware State Police and Capitol Police, and require additional de-escalation training. We will stop posting mugshots of children, mandate participation in the national use-of-force database, and increase crisis intervention training and mental health services for police officers. These are first steps that we can take administratively to improve the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color.

Talk is cheap. We are committed to moving forward productively – and in good faith – to make real change in Delaware. That starts with recognizing our shared history, and learning the lessons of the past.”

At 11 a.m. on Friday, June 19, Governor Carney will host a live discussion about Juneteenth with Dr. Reba Hollingsworth, Vice Chair of the Delaware Heritage Commission; local historian Sylvester Woolford; Dr. Donna Patterson, Chair of the Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy at Delaware State University; and Dr. David Young, Executive Director of the Delaware Historical Society. Watch the Juneteenth discussion on Governor Carney’s Facebook page, or at de.gov/live.

Election Cancellation Notice

The annual election for the Town of Fenwick Island Town Council scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2020 has been cancelled. 

The three (3) candidates have been declared elected to fill the three (3) vacancies: 

• Gardner Bunting
• Vicki Carmean
• Bernie Merritt

For additional information, please contact Linda Martin, Town Clerk, at Town Hall, 800 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, Delaware 19944 or at 302-539-3011.

Delmarva Power Prepared to Meet Summer Residential and Business Energy Needs

Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Delmarva Power has been performing essential work to prepare the local energy grid to meet increased customer demand and keep homes and businesses powered all summer long. Employees are completing maintenance and inspections, as well as upgrades and critical repairs to prepare for severe weather, including a forecasted active hurricane season. This work is essential to providing safe and reliable service for the company’s 532,000 electric and 136,000 natural gas customers throughout the summer months.

“We enhanced our already strict safety procedures so our employees could continue their critical work throughout this pandemic, to help us deliver the safe and reliable energy service our customers expect,” said Gary Stockbridge, Delmarva Power region president. “Reliable energy service has been an essential component to powering through this pandemic, and as COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, we remain committed to delivering this same level of reliable service for our business as well as residential customers all summer long. We encourage our customers to take advantage of the many tools we provide to help stay prepared and to save money and energy during the summer months.”  

Delmarva Power’s work to prepare for the summer is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize the local energy grid and enhance reliability for customers. Customers across Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland are continuing to experience improvements in the reliability of their energy service. The work Delmarva Power has been doing resulted in customers experiencing the lowest frequency of electric outages ever in 2019—the third straight year that Delmarva Power customers have experienced record reliability.

This work is essential to fortify the local energy grid against severe weather and to help limit outages. In addition to these efforts, Delmarva Power completes hundreds of tasks to prepare for the summer season, including system work, testing and drills. As part of the Exelon family of companies, Delmarva Power can call on resources from sister companies in Baltimore, the District of Columbia, Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to assist the company when needed to restore power faster after major storms.

With several impactful storms already this year, Delmarva Power encourages customers to be ready for the severe weather summer can sometimes bring.

• Assemble an emergency storm kit. Include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, medications, a multi-purpose tool, cell phones with chargers, and a list of important/emergency phone numbers.
• Have a supply of bottled water and easy-to-prepare, non-perishable foods available.
• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries on each floor of your home.
• Identify an alternate location for you and/or your family in case of an extended outage.
• Review the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operations of your generator. Do not connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring. Never use a generator in any enclosed area.
• Download Delmarva Power’s mobile app at delmarva.com/mobileapp.

Being prepared is a responsibility everyone should take seriously. If a severe storm hits, monitor local weather reports regularly and follow the advice of local emergency management officials. Immediately report a downed wire or service issue by calling 800-898-8042​, visiting delmarva.com, or through the company’s mobile app. Customers can also report an outage by texting “Out” to 67972. Customers must first text “ADD OUTAGE” to 67972 to sign up for this service. If an outage does occur, the company’s interactive online outage map and its mobile app provide estimates of how quickly power is expected to be restored. If you smell natural​ gas, leave the area immediately and then call Delmarva Power at 302-454-0317. More tips, resources and safety information are available at delmarva.com/storm. 

With more people spending time at home and as temperatures climb, energy use typically climbs too. Delmarva Power provides helpful tips and information to help customers save money and energy all summer. More tips and information available at Delmarva.com/saveenergy.

• Manage your bill on My Account​. Online energy management tools show you how much energy you are using. The bill to date feature lets you know what your bill costs are to date at any time during the month. You can also get tips based on your energy saving goals.
• Install energy efficient light bulbs. Energy-efficient LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs.
• Unplug unused electrical devices when you leave a room. Chargers use energy when left plugged in after your device is fully charged.
• Check your thermostat. Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter, and higher in the summer, if health permits.
• Adjust your blinds. Raise your blinds in the winter to let warm sunlight into your home, and lower the blinds in the summer to keep cool air inside.
•  

By completing these simple steps, together we can be ready, stay safe, stay cool, and use less energy this summer.

To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power’s online news room. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/delmarvapower, and on Twitter at twitter.com/delmarvaconnect. Delmarva Power’s mobile app is available at delmarva.com/mobileapp.

Governor Carney Announces Phase 2 of Delaware’s Economic Reopening to Begin on June 15

Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced that Phase 2 of Delaware’s economic reopening will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15. Retail establishments, restaurants and other businesses that were permitted to open at 30 percent of stated fire capacity in Phase 1 may expand to 60 percent of stated fire occupancy in Phase 2.  

Child care facilities will be allowed to open for all Delaware families during Phase 2, with restrictions on group sizes and additional social distancing and cleaning protocols. The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) continues to encourage Delawareans to telework during Phase 2 of the economic reopening. Delaware families who can keep their children at home during Phase 2 of the reopening are encouraged to do so, to help limit group sizes and prevent transmission of COVID-19, according to public health guidance.

Read the full State of Delaware guidelines on Phase 2 of economic reopening.

“As businesses reopen and more Delawareans head back to work, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 is still active in Delaware,” said Governor Carney. “Delawareans need to remain vigilant. Keep distance from others outside your household. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently. Wear a face covering in public settings, and act with a sense of community. This pandemic is not over. Now’s not the time to let up.”

Also on Tuesday, Governor Carney announced a rolling reopening of personal care service businesses – including tattoo shops and massage therapy services. Personal care businesses may open at 30 percent of stated fire occupancy at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8. 

Personal care service businesses and exercise facilities will remain at 30 percent of stated fire occupancy in Phase 2. 

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, should call Delaware 2-1-1, or email info@delaware211.org. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medical-related questions related to testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov. 

The Delaware Division of Public Health will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Weather: 6/3-6/6

Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms will be possible through Saturday.  Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible on Wednesday (especially late Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday evening) over much of the region. The primary hazard with any severe storms tomorrow is expected to be damaging straight line winds. 

On Thursday afternoon, heavy rain leading to flash flooding is possible, primarily for northern Delmarva.

Governor Carney Creates Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee

Governor John Carney on Monday signed Executive Order #39, creating a Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee (PRAC) to plan for a potentially dangerous resurgence of COVID-19 in fall 2020. 

Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and Secretary of State Jeff Bullock will co-chair the PRAC, along with the co-chairs of three subcommittees:

• Health: Chair – Dr. Nancy Fan, Chair of the Delaware Health Care Commission
• Equity: Chair – Eugene Young, President, Metropolitan Urban League of Wilmington
• Business: Chair – Katie Wilkinson, Chair of the Board of Directors, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Click here to read Executive Order #39.

“This pandemic is not over,” said Governor Carney. “The COVID-19 virus is still active in Delaware, and there’s a real risk of a dangerous second wave this fall. Our most vulnerable populations – especially our elderly neighbors and those with underlying health conditions – remain most at risk. I want to thank everyone who agreed to serve on this committee. This distinguished group will help us look forward, and develop a comprehensive plan for managing a second wave of this disease.

“In the meantime, Delawareans need to remain vigilant. Visit your favorite restaurant, but maintain social distance in all public settings. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Wear face coverings, and please stay home if you feel sick. Now is not the time to let up.”

Under Governor Carney’s executive order on Monday, the PRAC will:

• Develop a healthcare system and public health strategy that’s ready in case of a resurgence of COVID-19;
• Identify tactics and resources to manage a resurgence of COVID-19 including, but not limited to testing capabilities, personal protective equipment (PPE), social distancing, economic recovery and health facility readiness; and
• Assess methods to protect vulnerable populations and consider disproportionate effects on minority-owned businesses in the event of a resurgence of COVID-19.

“We must be prepared as we move into the fall with a plan that assumes there will be no vaccine or treatment in the event COVID-19 resurges,” said Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “These last few months have shown us what has worked, and what has not. We must build on those lessons to improve and protect the health of all Delawareans, in a way that is equitable and fair for all communities, and all sectors of our economy.”

“This is an inclusive and transparent effort to prepare for the worst while continuing to hope for the best,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “We’ve learned a lot in the last few months about what works in responding to a pandemic, and some things that don’t work as well. This committee will build on that experience to improve the ways we’ll respond if we see a resurgence.”

The PRAC will produce and submit two written reports of its findings and recommendations to the Governor – the first by July 31, and the second by September 30. Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget, the Delaware Department of Justice, and the Office of the Governor will provide administrative and leadership support for the PRAC and each of its subcommittees. 

The PRAC virtual meetings will be scheduled in the coming weeks, and meeting information will be posted on Delaware’s public meeting calendar. 

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, should call Delaware 2-1-1, or email info@delaware211.org. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medical-related questions related to testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov. 

The Delaware Division of Public Health will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

 

Trash Pick-Up: 6/1/2020

Due to truck issues, Waste Industries was unable to pick up trash today. They will be in the area tomorrow, so please leave your containers by the road. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Clarification to Public Comments at Town Council Meetings

Following the Public Participation segment of the May 23, 2020 Council Meeting, it came to the Mayor and Council’s attention that some people were apparently confused by and concerned about the rules being applied to that particular segment of the meeting.  Accordingly, the Mayor believes it is important and necessary to issue the following clarification:

The Public Participation segment of the Council Meeting is the time that the Town extends the opportunity to the general public to share with us your questions, thoughts, comments, concerns, and complaints.  Those wishing to come forward to take advantage of the Public Participation segment are provided two (2) minutes to share their thoughts, etc.

The Town is always desirous of hearing public comments and is, of course, interested in taking appropriate action in response thereto when the Council deems responsive action to be necessary.  However, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Attorney General opinions construing FOIA prohibit the Council and Town officials from actively engaging in discussion of comments made or taking action in response to comments made or questions raised when the issue or topic raised is not properly noticed on the agenda.

Therefore, in the interest of being as compliant with FOIA as possible, it is appropriate for the Council to passively receive comments and questions raised during Public Participation.  The Council and Town officials, as they have done in the past, will take said comments and questions under advisement, which may then lead to further communication with the concerned citizen outside of the meeting, discussion of the subject at a future meeting after proper notice of the subject on the agenda, or such other action as the Council and Town officials may deem appropriate and in compliance with any and all applicable FOIA requirements.