DE SB209

The Mayor of Seaford will appoint a Chief of Police with City Council approval, who reports to the City Manager and oversees the Police Department's organization, administration, and operations

The Chief of Police gains authority to establish department policies, directives, and regulations, as well as appoint, assign, promote, suspend, or dismiss department members subject to personnel policies

Police officers have police powers and conservator of the peace authority within Seaford's corporate limits, with extended powers outside city limits as allowed by state and local law

Department members must enforce federal, state, and local laws; maintain public order; protect life and property; and bring arrested individuals before appropriate judicial authorities

Removes the existing charter provision that made it a misdemeanor (punishable by $25-$500 fine and up to one year imprisonment) for police officers to neglect or refuse their duties