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Delaware General Assembly authorized establishment of "New Castle County Rural Police" in 1911 under the New Castle County Levy Court, with first officer Daniel Knight hired in February 1913.

Police force evolved from original rural police and county highway police officers into a unified New Castle County Police Department, growing from 1 officer to 22 by late 1950s to 65 by 1968.

County government reorganization in May 1965 transferred Levy Court powers to new New Castle County Council and reformed police hiring to remove political patronage and establish professional standards.

New Castle County Police Department now has authorized strength of more than 350 sworn personnel and serves as the largest police department in New Castle County.

Senate and House express gratitude to current and past department members for their service over 100 years, honor those killed or injured in the line of duty, and extend hopes for continued success.