Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police Urges Inclusive, Evidence-Based Police Reform
'Delaware law enforcement has not just supported meaningful reform, we've been at the forefront of it, driving the conversation, shaping policy, and ensuring it works in practice as well as on paper,' said Chief Richard P. McCabe, DACP President and Chief Share
'Delaware law enforcement has not just supported meaningful reform, we've been at the forefront of it, driving the conversation, shaping policy, and ensuring it works in practice as well as on paper,' said Chief Richard P. McCabe, DACP President and Chief of the New Castle City Police Department.
Through landmark legislation such as HB 205 and HB 206, DACP has helped create frameworks for transparency, accountability, and oversight, ensuring all stakeholders—especially the public—have a seat at the table. 'That's how real reform should be done: openly, thoughtfully, and with mutual respect,' Chief McCabe emphasized.
However, DACP is deeply concerned by a recent wave of advocacy-driven proposals introduced without meaningful dialogue or partnership. 'These bills are rushed, often politically motivated, and leave out the very professionals who will be expected to implement them. That's not reform; it's recklessness,' said McCabe.
Advocacy-driven bills often lack stakeholder balance, with many recent policing proposals developed exclusively by activist groups and without input from law enforcement leaders. 'When legislation is crafted without operational perspective, it creates confusion, invites litigation, and leads to inconsistent application across jurisdictions. These are not just technical issues—they impact the safety of our communities and the effectiveness of public safety agencies statewide,' McCabe added.
While advocacy plays a vital role in the democratic process, DACP warns that legislation heavily shaped by advocacy groups or ideology can polarize communities and erode trust in government and public safety institutions. 'Effective and sustainable change requires inclusive, evidence-based dialogue, not advocacy-driven mandates,' said McCabe.
DACP calls on our elected officials to honor the progress made through HB 205 and 206 by pausing legislation that ignores process, excludes stakeholders, and threatens public safety.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Court's finding against Ford offers new lane for cities to fight back
An Ontario Superior Court decision striking down Premier Doug Ford's plan to remove bike lanes in Toronto was a major blow to his government's pro-car agenda. But for Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe, the ruling was more than just a win for one city — it reinforced municipal authority and supported safer, climate-friendly transportation across Ontario. 'I was really pleased that the court recognized the jurisdiction of the municipality versus the province,' McCabe told Canada's National Observer. McCabe, who also sits on the Region of Waterloo Council, said the court's focus on public safety and affordability supports the direction her city has already taken. Waterloo requires new and rebuilt roads to include safe, separated cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. For her, the decision provides much-needed clarity for cities planning bike infrastructure. 'Transportation is about economic development, urban planning, the environment and connecting people with their communities,' she said. 'We need to give people options — whether they're young, older or living with accessibility challenges.' The decision followed a legal challenge by Cycle Toronto and two residents after the Ford government passed Bill 212 to remove bike lanes on Bloor, Yonge and University. But on Wednesday, Superior Court Justice Paul Schabas ruled the plan unconstitutional, saying it violated Charter rights and put public safety at risk. While the ruling only applies to Toronto, other parts of the law still threaten municipal authority as it requires cities to get provincial approval for new bike lanes that affect vehicle lanes. McCabe says the province should repeal it and let municipalities decide what's best for their communities. McCabe doesn't just support bike lanes — she uses them. With nearly 3,000 kilometres logged on her e-bike, cycling is her main mode of transportation. Waterloo has over 120 kilometres of cycling routes and, in the past 18 months, the city's 13 permanent trail and pathway counters recorded more than a million cycling trips. In Toronto, where city council formally opposed the legislation when it was introduced, Mayor Olivia Chow says the city is reviewing the court decision. 'Bike lanes keep thousands of people safe. Everyone should be safe as they travel to work, school and around our city,' Chow said in a statement . 'I maintain that the City of Toronto and its elected council should be the ones making decisions about municipal infrastructure.' She said that in the past two years, 78 cyclists in Toronto have been killed or seriously injured. Chow said bike lanes are essential for reducing car dependency, easing congestion and building a more sustainable city. With nearly 700 kilometres of bikeways already in place, the city says it is working to make travel by bike safer and more inviting to help ease street and transit congestion, create a cleaner environment and promote physical activity. The government argued its legislation was necessary to curb the city's traffic problems. But Brian Rosborough, executive director of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, says the government's proposal 'is misguided and ineffective,' adding that 'no single road improvement or isolated project can effectively address congestion.' Rosborough said decisions about bike lanes and local transportation planning are best made by municipalities, who have the expertise, data and community input to create transportation options that meet local needs. 'Addressing congestion requires collaboration across government, not top-down policies that weaken municipal authority,' Rosborough said in an email. 'Building a balanced transportation network means combining roads, paths and transit to serve evolving community needs.' While the court's ruling applies only to Toronto's major streets, Lindsay Beck, a lawyer with Ecojustice who represented the applicants, says it could open the door for legal challenges in other cities if the province tries to remove protected bike lanes without evidence to support its policy goals. The court said the government can take actions that may put people at risk, but only if those actions are tied to legitimate policy goals. 'There was no evidence at all that removing bike lanes would further the goal of alleviating traffic congestion,' Beck said. What helps with traffic congestion is giving people transportation options other than driving — such as cycling, walking and public transit, she added. Beck also says part of the law requires municipalities to seek provincial approval for new bike lanes that could face future legal challenges, especially due to its impact on vulnerable communities. 'The evidence makes clear that cycling is often a necessity for people who don't own a car, can't afford to own a car,' Beck said. 'So there are disproportionate impacts when you remove bike lanes on vulnerable populations, and the decision makes some important findings about the impact on children and keeping them safer on the street.' The court also acknowledged these harms, which she said could form the basis for equity-based legal arguments in the future. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business Wire
Green Oceans Applauds the Department of Interior's Order Rescinding Designated Wind Energy Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf
LITTLE COMPTON, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Green Oceans, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to protecting ocean health, applauds the Trump Administration's decision to rescind designated Wind Energy Areas on the outer continental shelf (OCS) of the U.S. Secretary Doug Burgum and the DOI Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM) announced bold and definitive action to correct misguided leasing policy practices for offshore wind development. Green Oceans thanks the Department and President Trump for putting fact-based, scientific data before speculative foreign entity interests. Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has announced bold and definitive action to correct misguided leasing policy practices for offshore wind development. Share 'Secretary Burgum's Order will restore the integrity of the process,' said Dr. Lisa Quattrocki Knight, President of Green Oceans. 'We urge the Solicitor to recommend a remand of these unjustified approvals to restore proper oversight to our ocean.' Green Oceans has raised concerns about granting leases and permits despite serious risks to the environment, economy, and national security—and without clear, proven benefits or a full understanding of the long-term harm. Our commissioned report, Cancelling Offshore Wind Leases, inspired by the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025, compiles wind leasing and permitting practices, and provides justification for immediate intervention, both on legal and policy grounds. Green Oceans also commends Secretary of the Interior Douglas Burgum for issuing Order No. 3437, 'Ending Preferential Treatment for Unreliable, Foreign-Controlled Energy Sources in Department Decision Making.' The Order directs the Department's Solicitor to review all pending litigation and recommend, within 45 days, whether Records of Decision for wind projects should be remanded—an action that could impact the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind projects, both currently under federal challenge. Green Oceans has led a coalition of 35 co-plaintiffs in lawsuits against both projects and has actively petitioned multiple agencies to halt construction and reconsider federal approvals based on environmental, national security, and legal grounds. Green Oceans stands ready to assist in the review process and calls on the Department to act swiftly in the public interest. About Green Oceans Green Oceans is a nonprofit, non-partisan group of community members dedicated to the preservation and protection of our nation's marine ecosystems and coastal communities. For more information or to get involved, visit:
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business Wire
Landmark Federal Court Ruling Favors No Labels Party of Arizona and Opens the Door for Independent Candidates Across the State
PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The No Labels Party of Arizona recently received a favorable ruling in federal court (No Labels Party of AZ v. Fontes), rewriting the state's political playbook by giving independent and unaffiliated voters, and candidates, unprecedented access to run for office without political party gatekeepers standing in the way. 'We're not here to play the old partisan game,' Chairman Paul Johnson added. 'We're here to encourage new ideas and real competition, offer more choices, and provide a platform for those in Arizona who are tired of tribal politics.' Following the groundbreaking decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the No Labels Party of Arizona became officially a viable option for candidates in every legislative and congressional district. Former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson has been appointed Chairman of the group and will work to reenergize the Arizona No Labels Party, including outreach to members about changing its name. Johnson brings decades of bipartisan and independent reform-oriented leadership to a new, energized movement committed to empowering independent-minded candidates and voters. 'For too long, Arizona's political system has shut out independent voices, voters and candidates,' said Johnson. 'Although we are proud of the Party's roots being in the national No Labels Party, and we deeply share their values, independence allows the No Labels Party of Arizona to focus on eliminating the discriminatory practices that have prohibited nonpartisan candidates from participating in elections.' Arizona law requires independent and unaffiliated candidates to collect tens of thousands more signatures to run for office, compared to candidates from the two major political parties, for example. This intentional barrier exponentially increases the cost for Independent candidates or those not aligned with the Republican or Democratic parties. The law was specifically created to prevent non-partisan candidates from running for office. 'That's not democracy—it's a rigged system,' added Johnson. Sarah Smallhouse, also joined the group's State Committee. She agrees with the court affirming that the right to run belongs to voters, not political party leaders. The No Labels Party of Arizona is welcoming all Arizonans who want to run for office, serve their communities, and do so without needing the blessing of, what is now effectively, a two-party monopoly. Arizonans are registering in ever greater numbers as Independents, while membership in the Democratic and Republican parties is in decline. It is the right time to give all those who want to lead a chance to compete on a level playing field in Arizona. 'Our group—many of whom led the statewide Fair Elections initiative to open Arizona's primaries—has always believed that more competition produces better candidates and ultimately better policy solutions,' Smallhouse added. 'This ruling, combined with our commitment to open elections, where all candidates and voters have the same rights and requirements, finally gives us the vehicle to do just that.' An Invitation to Arizona ' s Brightest Minds This political movement opens the door to a new kind of politics, post partisan, calling on Arizona's brightest minds to lead it, regardless of party label. Those who are registered with the Republican or Democratic party may also compete as candidates in the new party. 'We stand for inclusion. Smart, principled leaders in every district—business owners, educators, engineers, veterans, healthcare professionals, students, and more—are invited to step forward and consider running for office under this fresh banner of political independence,' stated Johnson.'We're not here to play the old partisan game,' Johnson added. 'We're here to encourage new ideas and real competition, offer more choices, and provide a platform for those in Arizona who are tired of tribal politics.' Johnson emphasized that this effort will be led from the ground up. 'We're asking anyone who shares our vision to get involved early and be part of building something new—a new political era has begun,' he said. 'Email me at paul@ —start by suggesting a new name for the party. Those who reach out will be foundational in shaping the direction and decisions of this movement.' Engagement Efforts Registered independent voters, frustrated moderates, and those who believe in solutions over slogans now have a place where their voice and vote counts, and where they can run for office and lead. The No Labels Party of Arizona will have candidates running in the 2026 elections. Arizona residents can register or update their party affiliation today at: with the No Labels Party of Arizona and become part of the statewide movement to bring more sanity, integrity, and competition back to public decision-making in Arizona. Polling is set to begin in the coming weeks to No Labels Party of Arizona members to obtain input on major statewide issues, which will ensure the group represents the people, not just the political class.
