Georgetown, Del., Oct. 30, 2007: In its continuing commitment to keep public safety among its highest priorities, Sussex County government announced today that more police officers will be patrolling the county’s roadways in the years to come, thanks to a new contract with the Delaware State Police.

County Administrator David B. Baker announced Sussex County and the Delaware State Police have agreed to a new five-year contract that will add 20 additional troopers to the county by 2013. The County will pay the State an estimated $4.1 million, broken into yearly installments, to pay for equipment, patrol cars and the partial salaries of 20 new troopers, all of whom will be assigned to Sussex County troops.

The agreement is the third pact of its kind since 1995, when Sussex County began contracting with the State for additional troopers. Thus far, previous contracts totaling approximately $7 million have added 32 troopers beyond the complement already assigned to the county.

When this contract is fully realized, 52 additional troopers will have been assigned to Sussex County thanks to the County government’s efforts.

“We are proud to once again be in partnership with the Delaware State Police to enhance public safety within Sussex County,” Mr. Baker said. “But public safety service can be very expensive, especially with all the overhead costs of buildings and administration. Here we’re paying only for new troopers and what it takes to put them on the road.

“We believe this is the most efficient and economical way to provide police services in our growing county,” Mr. Baker added.

With this latest contract, four new troopers will be assigned to Sussex County each year for the next five years. They will be assigned to troops either in Lewes, Georgetown or Bridgeville, depending on departmental staffing demands, said police Superintendent Col. Thomas MacLeish.

Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary David B. Mitchell said with the support of Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, Delaware legislators and the Sussex County Council, the Delaware State Police has reached a significant milestone.

“The signing of this agreement today will result in the Delaware State Police reaching a long-sought-after goal of being 680 strong,” Secretary Mitchell said. “The additional resources afforded through this agreement will enable the Delaware State Police to provide an increased police presence in an area of our state that continues to experience rapid growth.”

County Council President Dale R. Dukes said residents have a certain expectation of government to meet their needs and to provide essential services, and that is what Sussex County and the State of Delaware are doing through these contracts.

“We’re glad to once again partner with the State to provide extra police for the residents of Sussex County,” Council President Dukes said. “We realized the need for additional police a decade ago, with the first contract, and that’s why we continue to do this today.”