The Delaware Capitol Police was founded as a three-man unit in 1965 to deter vandalism at the Legislative Hall, Delaware. The unit was originally known as Capitol Security.
Responsibilities were eventually expanded to cover other state-owned properties in Delaware while the unit remained unfunded (being maintained completed through donations and transfer of equipment from other law enforcement agencies). Officers initially received no formal training and were armed only with a nightstick, handcuffs and tear gas.
In 1974, Delaware Director of Administrative Services Thomas Murray overhauled the organization, providing policing and firearms training. Having been sworn in as constables, the officers now had the power of arrest on state property. New equipment and uniforms were issued at this time and the organisation became known as the Capitol Security Police.
In 1980 the organization adopted its current name. Arrest powers were expanded statewide in 1982. Further changes in 1995 saw a redesign of the patch worn by officers and integration of communications systems with the Delaware State Police in order to improve response times to emergencies.
Read more about Delaware Capitol Police: Duties, Strength, Operations, Delaware Capitol Security
Famous quotes containing the words capitol and/or police:
“A woman with her two children was captured on the steps of the capitol building, whither she had fled for protection, and this, too, while the stars and stripes floated over it.”
—Jane Grey Swisshelm (1815–1884)
“The duties which a police officer owes to the state are of a most exacting nature. No one is compelled to choose the profession of a police officer, but having chosen it, everyone is obliged to live up to the standard of its requirements. To join in that high enterprise means the surrender of much individual freedom.”
—Calvin Coolidge (1872–1933)