Friday, February 12, 2021
Lewes Mayor and City Council has authorized Police Chief Tom Spell to expand his police force by two officers.
The department has had 13 officers or fewer since 1999; council’s action allows expansion to as many as 15 officers.
“We strive and desire to be staffed with a minimum of two on-duty patrol officers per shift so we can adequately service and protect our citizens, businesses and visitors,” said Spell, who has been chief for five years. “Over the past several years, we haven’t met this standard.”
Lewes is currently operating with 10 police officers, as there are two vacancies and one officer is on medical leave. By authorizing the chief to expand his force, council is granting permission to the chief to hire four new officers.