Two Del. police departments join forces to form Police Accountability Committee

SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. – “Protect and Serve” is a motto upheld at law enforcement agencies across the nation.

In Sussex County, Chief Keith Banks of the Rehoboth Beach Police Department, and Chief Tom Spell of Lewes are expanding on that mission, by creating a Police Accountability Committee.

In 2023, then Delaware Governor, John Carney signed House Bill 206 into law, requiring all police departments across the First State establish PACs.

Rehoboth Beach and Lewes teamed up, and because of their similarities in policing, Chief Banks said the departments make a great fit.

“Through this PAC, we’re actually going to be working on trainings together and ride along tours,” said Banks.

Now, Chief Spell said they can use their partnership to bring out more voices in the community.

“Community involvement in policing is important,” said Chief Spell. “I think Rehoboth Beach and Lewes both subscribe to that concept, because who we serve is important to us– getting their input, hearing their voice.”

Chief spell is encouraging locals to join them at their national night out, where he and Chief Banks will be bringing the party outside, welcoming community members to George Smith Park in Lewes.

Chief Spell said this helps the community interact with the men and women behind the badge and learn more about their mission.

“It’s a well-attended community event; it’s our way of giving back and interacting with our community, in a non-enforcement capacity,” said Chief Spell. “Every police officer will be there. We cook food for our community, and we have a water tank where police officers actually get dunked by kids.”

The event is free to the community.