Department History

The Rehoboth Beach Police Department was first authorized by the city commissioners on July 8, 1892. The City of Rehoboth Beach was originally called Cape Henlopen City with the name being changed around the turn of the century. The first police officer employed by the city was actually a seasonal police officer working only during the summer months. The information listed below was taken from the original minutes of the commissioners meeting on that date.

July 8, 1892: "Mr. Hooper moved that Mr. Ebe W. Tunnell and E. J. Morris be authorized to select and appoint a suitable person to act as policeman at Cape Henlopen City, for the unexpired month of July, and the month of August, of the current year, whose pay shall not exceed thirty-five dollars per month. Passed."

July 16, 1892: "The President reported having secured, as Special Police, the services of Henry Ennis at a salary of thirty dollars per month. Mr. Walker moved that the President be authorized to purchase a uniform consisting of coat, with brass buttons, and helmet hat. Carried."

One of the first duties of the new police department was to "take up and impound cattle and horses found at large within the limits of Cape Henlopen City, and that a fine of $1.00 with expenses at the rate of twenty-five cents per head per day be collected on each and every horse or cow, or any other live stock found."

August 19, 1911: Mr. William P. Downing was appointed as the first Chief of Police of Rehoboth Beach, at a salary of $45 per month.

July 6, 1912: The Board of Commissioners set a speed limit of 12 miles per hour throughout the city. Violations were subject to a fine of not less than $1.00 and no more than $20.00 for each offense.

August 10, 1912: The Board of Commissioners authorized the Mayor to purchase a double steel cage to be used as a "lock-up", and to be placed in the frame building at the rear of town hall. This "double steel cage" remained in use at the police department as a holding cell until 1995, when it was removed.

June 7, 1924: The City Commissioners authorized the Mayor to employ a "night watchman" who shall also act as a "traffic officer" under direction of the Mayor, at the rate of $60.00 per month.

August 7, 1926: The Commission unanimously voted to increase the salary of the Chief of Police from $90.00 per month to $100.00.

June 4, 1927: The Mayor directed the Chief of Police to order three dozen "Special Police" badges. He was further directed to purchase uniforms for himself and one officer, not to exceed $40.00 each.

June 18, 1927: The Commission directed the Chief of Police to have six signs painted as follows: "You are requested not to ride your horses or bring your dogs on the beach front, signed the Commissioners of Rehoboth".

June 2, 1928: The Commissioners voted to have the Building Committee secure plans and bids for a fire proof detention house 10"x 12". This building was known as "The Police Place", later referred to as "The Police Booth". It was located at Rehoboth Ave. and First St., in the present east, center median. The police holding cell was later removed to the city warehouse at Olive Avenue and the Boardwalk, prior to being placed in the present police building.

May 16, 1931: The Commissioners voted to place public liability insurance, and property damage on the Chevrolet police car owned by the Commissioners of Rehoboth. This is the first mention of a police vehicle being used by the Police Department.

September 5, 1931: The Commission purchased a new Ford police car, replacing the old (Chevrolet) car, and placing insurance on same.

January 2, 1932: The (Commission) Secretary reported ordering a "Leather Police Uniform" from Sears & Roebuck costing $27.45, for the winter service of the Chief of Police. On motion of Mr. Virden, seconded by Mr. Poynter and carried, the salary of the Chief of Police was advanced $25.00 per month, in addition to the salary of $100.00 per month for the position of Superintendent of Streets, as the Police duty extends through all hours of the night. Approval of the purchase of the suit also carried with this motion. $8.00 was later refunded to the city, as a suitable pair of "leather pants" in the proper size could not be secured.

July 2, 1932: Equipment of Town Police is recorded (in the Commissioners Minutes) as follows: Elmer Palmer, handcuffs #92171, 2 handcuff keys, uniform, Sam Brown belt, pair puttees, 2 caps. J. Edward Derrickson, handcuffs #92169, 2 handcuff keys, 1 signal key, 2 jail keys, uniform, Sam Brown belt, 1 badge. Arthur Marvel, handcuffs #92170, uniform, Sam Brown belt, cap, pair shoes.

August 30, 1934: At the regular Commissioners Meeting, the City Finance Committee requested a monthly report by the Superintendent of Police showing the following: Number of arrests, Dates of Arrests, Causes of Arrests, Amounts of Fines Imposed, Amounts of Fines Received and Handed to the Secretary. From this date forward, the police department presents a report at each regular Commissioners meeting.

December 7, 1935: A Standard Chevrolet Coach was purchased from the Moore Chevrolet Company, Lewes, Delaware, for the police department. The cost would be $30.00 per month for five months, with the old police car (Ford) used as trade.

March 7, 1936: A Booklet of Ordinances and Revised Ordinances was published containing a total of 44 Ordinances. 1500 copies were printed. Click here to see a scan of the original printed document.

August 7, 1937: A motion was made by Mr. DuPont and seconded by Mr. Aspril stating that we continue the present police force as follows: Elmer Palmer, Chief of Police, Joseph Dutton, N.B. Joseph, Burton Dick, Walter Evans and E.S. Pettyjohn, in accordance with the charter. Motion carried. The City Commissioners voted to maintain the police force on a yearly basis.

January 7, 1938: Rules and regulations were set for the for the Police Department. Click here to read the rules and regulations.

March 12, 1938: A Standard Ford Coach was purchased from Chas. Dale Lingo, Millsboro, DE. for $739.85 with an allowance of $400.00 on the old Chevrolet police car.

July 9, 1938: The first African-American Police Officer was employed by the City of Rehoboth Beach. A motion was made at the Regular Commissioners meeting, by Mr. DuPont and seconded by Mr. LeCato, that "Elmer Woods (colored)", be employed as a member of the police force of the City, and that he shall be paid an annual salary of $1.00 per year. Motion carried. Elmer Woods was paid an additional sum of $10.00 for his duties during the summer season. The Commissioners expressed their appreciation in the way he handled his duties.

October 8, 1938: Commissioner Palmer reported that the Department of Public Safety had in mind to erect a stand, 4'x5', upon the top of the present police booth upon which a policeman could stand and control all traffic lights at the intersection of Rehoboth Avenue and First Street during the busy season of the year, thereby saving the necessity of two policemen directing such traffic as had been required in the past.

November 12, 1938: A Colt pistol for $26.40, a rifle for $18.75, and a First-Aid kit for the police car at $7.35, were purchased for the police department. These same Colt revolvers were carried, and used by the police department until the mid 1970's.

March 11, 1939: Prior to the use of two-way radios, officers were notified of complaints by a red light, which was erected above the police booth as a signal to the police on duty away from the booth. This red light would signify that there was a call at the booth requesting police assistance. This red light was approved for installation at a Commissioners Meeting on this date. This was located at the intersection of First Street and Rehoboth Avenue.


Boardwalk - North	Aerial View of Rehoboth Avenue - West	Rehoboth Avenue - East

April 10, 1943: A 1942 Chevrolet 2-door was purchase for the police department at a cost of $1179.74 with $150.00 being allowed for the old police car as a trade-in value.

June 12, 1943: The secretary of the Board of Commissioners of Rehoboth Beach reported receiving the resignation of every member of the city's police force due to low pay.

January 1, 1944: At 12:01 a.m. the entire police force was on duty with respect to the New Year's celebration. It was necessary to remove an intoxicated soldier from Snyder's and he was later turned over to the Military Police stationed at the USO Center. He later choked one of the Military Police into semi-consciousness. Other than this, only some minor disturbances, such as singing, loud parties and horn blowing were dealt with.

January 8, 1944: In a report to the commissioners, it was stated that: the police department handled 31 complaints, made six arrests, three dogs and one cat were shot and buried at the request of their owners. Nine warnings were issued for violations of the motor vehicle code, and one child on a bicycle was given a warning. During the holiday season, it became necessary for all officers to remain on duty as a number of parties were in progress and U.S. servicemen celebrated wholeheartedly. This was fairly typical of the police reports during the World War II era. The police department dealt with quite a number of unruly military personnel, which were stationed in Rehoboth Beach and the nearby communities.

March 11, 1944: Police Officers are being given training in the laws of arrest, trial and procedure, etc. Sergeant Hickman (Delaware State Police) was giving instructions in fingerprinting, reading and classification. This was the first mention of Rehoboth Beach Police Officers attending any formal training. The Police Chief also requested the purchase of a spare tire for the police car which had none when purchased. This had caused police officers to be stranded three times during the past month. It was also requested of the Commissioners that summer uniforms be purchased for Police Officers.

January 12, 1946: At the request of the Chief of Police for a typewriter, a used one from the City Manager's office, was given to the Chief of Police for use in his work.

February 9, 1946: A report to the Commissioner on the new jail stated that "plumbing is partially complete. New floor has been installed and concrete block wall installed. A cell from State Police has been set and old cell has been moved, but new cell has not arrived. Fixtures are on hand for three cells, but without belts and brackets for installation. There is sufficient space for a fourth cell should the Commissioners think one is necessary at any later date.

April 14, 1946: Miss. Charlotte Ross of New Castle, Delaware was hired as the first secretary to the Chief of Police at a rate of $25.00 per week. This is the first time civilian clerical help was employed within the police department. Permission was granted for police officers to attend "Police School" in Dover.

June 8, 1946: The first police dispatchers were approved when Chief Moore requested one more uniformed officer and two men to answer telephones in the office. He also requested permission to purchase a new police car.

September 14, 1946: It was ordered by the commissioners that the police force be appointed for the coming year, and that it consist of Chief Jacob M. Moore, Joseph E. Kirker, Robert Stevenson, John R. Dudash, and Kermit L. Hill, "and that they be hired at same rate of pay as year 1945-1946".

May 10, 1947:Chief Moore requested the hiring of 11 Police Officers for this summer season.

September 13, 1947: It was recommended and approved by the commissioners that Chief of Police Jacob N. Moore, Patrolmen Kermit L. Hill, John H. Zeallor, and John R. Duidash, be appointed for the coming year. It was requested by the Chief of Police that the police car be marked on both sides and the top of the trunk in the back with some type of insignia in order to distinguish it as the official police car of the City of Rehoboth Beach. This is the first mention of any markings on police vehicles for this department.

March 13, 1948: The first police radios were placed into service. The City Manager authorized the installation of a two way radio and telephone system for the Rehoboth Beach Police. The first year to cost $1,262 plus $125.00 for maintenance.

June 10, 1950: A 1950 black Plymouth 4-door sedan was purchased for $200.00 and the old police car. The car was purchased from a Mr. W. H. Rice Jr.

October 4, 1950: Parking meters were approved to be installed on Rehoboth Avenue, one block north, and one block south. These were the first parking meters installed within the city. The police department was designated to oversee their use.

March 24, 1951: On this date, the first documented accident involving a Rehoboth Beach Police vehicle occurred. A Mr. Stoehr ran into the police car with his vehicle while the police car was parked at the curb in front of city hall.

April 26, 1952: A second police car was purchased for the police department. It was a Ford 4-door Mainline 8-cylinder. It was purchased from Bryan and Rollins. Police cars were designated Car "A" and Car "B". This is the first time that the police department had more than one vehicle in the department.

October 28, 1955: The City Manager stated that the police department needed the following equipment; 5 blackjacks, 10 whistles, 8 pistol lanyards, 10 pairs of leather driving gloves, 3 pairs of handcuffs, 1 office chair. Estimated cost $100.00. Also needed was one police revolver, since the police department was using a borrowed gun from Lewes. Estimated cost was $50.00.

January 7, 1956: The Rehoboth Beach Police Department now consisted of 6 full-time officers. All officers were given a $5.00 per week raise.

September 8, 1956: "Toximeters", at a cost of $3.50 each were ordered to test intoxicated drivers. The tests would have to be administered by the Delaware State Police as no Rehoboth officers were trained in their use.

February 15, 1958: A 1958 Plymouth, with automatic transmission was purchased for the Police Department from W.H. Rice, Jr., of Rehoboth Beach, for a price of $1,500.00 plus trade-in.

April 25, 1958: At a Commissioners Meeting on this date, it was agreed that the Rehoboth Beach Police Department be outfitted with summer uniforms from Sears, Roebuck & Co. They shall consist of white caps, blue shirts (4 per officer), and blue pants (2 pair per officer).

July 25, 1959: The Police Department salaries were raised as follows: (Weekly rates) Chief of Police, $90.20, Sergeant, $78.10, Patrolman, $71.50, Desk Clerks, $49.50.


Ptlm. Ike West in front of the old City Hall and Police Department	Sgt. Ike West showing children the old cell in use since 1912	PFC Reese Wolfe and Chief William Marvel at First St. and Rehoboth Ave.

February 12, 1960: The Police Department's 1958 Plymouth four-door sedan was traded in for a four-door, 8 cylinder, 1960 Ford for $1,695.00 and trade-in. This vehicle was purchased from Raymond S. Goslee of Millsboro, DE.

March 17, 1961: The Police Department's 1959 Ford four-door sedan was traded in for a Plymouth "Patroller" with red light on top, (a vehicle specially designed for police work) for $2,673.85 and trade-in. This vehicle was purchased from Hall's Service Center, Harrington, DE.

April 14, 1961: The following items were purchased for the police department: Walkie-Talkie "transistorized pocket sender", at a cost of $358.00, and receiver for $340.50. These were purchased so that the police could better deal with troubles around Rehoboth by being able to get out of the car, keep in contact with a base station, and be prepared to relay information. At present, the police department is using borrowed equipment. In addition, a Polaroid, Model 850 outfit, for $179.95 was purchased. Chief Marvel stated that this was the latest equipment of its kind out, with automatic eye, and will produce pictures under any conditions.

May 19, 1961: Chief Marvel purchased a one-passenger Cushman electric buggy, equipped, for $700.00 from the Rodes Mobile Equipment Co., Inc, Philadelphia, PA. He stated that the buggy had been demonstrated on the boardwalk and that it would cover in 7 or 8 minutes the distance a man on foot would need 20 minutes to cover. He felt it would aid materially in holding down vandalism.

February 23, 1962: Three women were hired to check meters for over-parking, starting May 23, 1962. Uniforms were purchased for these women at a cost of $400.00.

July 13, 1962: Mr. Clarence Lynch recommended at the monthly Commissioners meeting, that the "parking meter girls" have more training in pleasant disposition and courteous leniency.

March 16, 1962: Mr. Palmer advised the Commissioners that each one of the policemen and desk men have donated two days of their time to the disaster (Nor' Easter of 1962).

August 17, 1962: At the regular Commissioners meeting, Mrs. Zoller stated she believed the Police Commission was owed a debt of gratitude for the capture of the boys who had burglarized many stores in the Rehoboth Beach area. Mr. Palmer thanked Mrs. Zoller and said that it was with the help of the State Police that they had been captured. Four boys had been arrested and found to be implicated in 15 breaking and entering cases and 29 cases in Rehoboth and state territory besides. Also that the purse snatchers had been apprehended.

It was then requested that Chief of Police, William L. Marvel, be brought in so that he, as well as the Police Commission, could be given a hand of appreciation for such a job well done. Chief Marvel was given a standing ovation or applause and spoken commendation from Mayor Stamper.

November 16, 1962: Total arrests in 1961 were 258 and in 1962 were 331. Traffic warnings in 1961 totaled 675, and in 1962, 527. Total complaints in 1961 totaled 1649, and in 1962 there were 1481.

As an additional item, Mr. Royce requested that in the new City Hall, a rifle range be put in the basement, to help the police.

February 7, 1964: The plans were formally accepted for construction of a new City Hall (the current building which houses the police department). The police department was housed in a "trailer" during the period of construction.

July 25, 1964: Mayor Stamper recommended a 10% increase in the salary of the full-time police officers. He also stated that the city is quite understaffed in its summer police; the Chief needs at least six men to really patrol all areas of Rehoboth during the summer. Presently, there are only three men in the summer during the day and five men at night, for whom he has to rob from the daytime hours to make adequate provisions to cover any potential trouble which might develop during the night.

(Mid-1965): The police department moved into the new city office building which is part of the Convention Center complex. The entrance to the department was on the east side of the building. This same building housed the city Alderman's Court.

May 7, 1965: Cordrey Ford of Millsboro, DE. received the award for two 1965 Ford Fairlane, four-door sedans, at a cost of $2,638.65 per car, minus trade-in. In addition, the police department was given permission to order a desk for the deskman, one for the Chief, and several chairs. Steel lockers were also ordered. Cost $500.00+

July 31, 1965: Mr. Palmer advised that the Police Commission would like to appoint two sergeants and the cost would be absorbed in the police budget. Somebody is needed for supervision from 8 to 12 and from 12 to 8; we have the men on the street and nobody responsible for him. What we would like to do is rotate the men one way and the sergeants the other so that they don't get the same shift all the time. Mr. Palmer stated that they will be appointed out of the present staff from the "older boys".

June 10, 1966: Cordrey Ford of Millsboro, DE. received the award for three new police cars, for $3,800.00 per car.

July 8, 1966: It was agreed that the Mayor should write a letter to the Commander of the State Police inviting his personnel, at any and all times they have personnel available, to come into the City and set up and operate their radar equipment to try to curb some of the speeding in the City.

Mr. Heintz stated that he believed that he could get radar equipment on a trial basis and that he also believed that it would pay for itself in a very short time. It was generally agreed that we should get this equipment as soon as possible.

August 11, 1966: Mayor Stamper stated that the Police Commission had reported that they cannot hire summer police for less than $2.00 per hour. This means that we have to give the ones we have hired before a raise; they make $1.49 now. We pay for four full-time. He stated that the Chief has agreed to give the full-time police officers days off during the summer season.

July 14, 1967: Chief Marvel reported that the Police Department has a new radar set, and he has written Colonel Ellis (Delaware State Police) for someone to give training in proper use and record keeping. This request was referred to Sgt. Dick who is their radar instructor. Sgt. Dick was to begin instruction on Monday, July 17, 1967.

September 14, 1967: Chief Marvel stated that there were presently ten police officers and himself in the police department.

December 8, 1967: Mr. Cole asked if the police were on the "winter crew" and how many men did this include. Chief Marvel said they are on the "winter crew" and that there were thirteen, counting himself, ( 11 policemen, 1 deskman, and 1 secretary) which is one more than last year when they had no Secretary.

In response to questions about why a Secretary was needed, Mr. Heintz explained that there are two retired men who ordinarily take care of typing reports, etc. The Police Commission ordered a new report and record system which necessitated such voluminous reporting that the men could not take care of this in addition to their regular duties, besides not being typists. Therefore a clerk-typist was hired for the day shift to take care of this duty.

April 19, 1968: Chief Marvel reported that the police dog is doing very well. Patrolman Charles Moore and the dog go to school every other Monday; he is finished his obedience training and is now going into tracking. The expenditure for the police dog was set at $250.00

July 12, 1968: Sgt. William Walls reported that the police department has received 2 new police cars to date and are in the process of having new radios installed. Personnel includes: 1 Chief, 10 regular police, 2 desk clerks, 1 secretary, 11 full-time summer policemen, 3 part-time summer policemen, 3 meter maids, and 1 ticket man.

December 13, 1968: Chief Marvel and Detective Rickards, have finished a 12 week course in Law Enforcement at Delaware Technical and Community College, Georgetown, DE.

Sgt. Walls, Ptlm. Fitzgerald, Bisbee, Bailey, and Mitchell are now enrolled at Community College in a 12 week course in Criminal Law II.

April 11, 1969: Mr. Heintz read a report which came in March 26, endorsing Chief Marvel's recommendation of hiring an additional 6 men to the force.

Continue viewing the history of the Rehoboth Beach Police Department from 1970 by clicking here.


Rehoboth Beach Railroad Station	Town of Rehoboth Beach	Horn's Pavilion - Rehoboth Boardwalk


Henlopen Hotel	Town of Rehoboth Beach	Olive Avenue


Park Avenue	Rehoboth Avenue - Bellhaven Hotel	Baltimore Avenue


Carlton Hotel	Beach - North to Horn's Pier	Boardwalk - South


Boardwalk - North	Rehoboth Avenue - West	Boardwalk - South


Carlton Hotel	Rehoboth Canal Draw Bridge	Royalton Hotel


Beach - North	Silver Lake Bridge	Rehoboth Avenue - East


Boardwalk - North	Aerial View of Rehoboth Avenue - West	Bayard Avenue


Boardwalk - North	Rehoboth Bandstand	Silver Lake Bridge


Columbia Avenue	Boardwalk - North	Shaw Park


Belhaven Hotel	Henlopen Hotel	Shaw Park