WHEREAS, the safety of all Delawareans is of paramount importance; and
WHEREAS, municipal, county, university, and Delaware River and Bay Authority police departments, in addition to the Delaware State Police and other State agency police departments, provide a critical role in protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Delaware; and
WHEREAS, many smaller police departments within the State do not have the resources or manpower to complete the rigorous standards issued by the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the effectiveness of public safety departments would be better served by a statewide accreditation council and standards achievable by a majority of the departments; and
WHEREAS, the citizens who reside in those jurisdictions would benefit by those departments achieving State accreditation and maintaining those standards; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of Delaware standards for a State accreditation program requires statewide coordination and leadership.