On January 29, 2025, a 32-year-old unarmed man was shot by police on Wilmington’s East Side before being transferred to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, commonly known as Gander Hill Prison. The shooting, carried out by an officer with the formerly named “Safe Streets” team—also known as the Governor’s Task Force—has intensified ongoing concerns about police violence in Delaware and led to renewed demands for transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Incident Overview
The shooting took place near the intersection of 10th and Kirkwood Streets. Details surrounding the circumstances remain scarce, as authorities have yet to release body camera footage or a full account of what led to the use of force. The Governor’s Task Force, previously known as Safe Streets, has long been a controversial unit within Delaware law enforcement. Originally created to target violent crime, the task force has been criticized for its aggressive policing tactics, particularly in Wilmington’s predominantly Black and low-income neighborhoods.
Advocates Demand Transparency
This latest incident has fueled frustration among police reform advocates who have spent years calling for increased transparency in Delaware law enforcement—not just in relation to shootings but also regarding departmental policies and procedures. Delaware’s Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) has been a significant barrier to transparency, as it shields police disciplinary records from public scrutiny. Advocates argue that such protections make it nearly impossible to hold officers accountable for misconduct, including excessive force and wrongful shootings. Efforts to amend LEOBOR and allow public access to police misconduct records have been met with resistance from police unions and lawmakers hesitant to challenge law enforcement agencies.
Legislative Efforts and Challenges
In recent years, state legislators have introduced bills aimed at increasing police accountability. Proposals have included requiring departments to report officer misconduct—including excessive force, dishonesty, and harassment—to the state Criminal Justice Council. However, reform advocates argue that these measures do not go far enough in ensuring transparency and justice for victims of police violence.The American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware (ACLU-DE) has been vocal in pushing for comprehensive police reform, emphasizing the need for independent investigations into officer-involved shootings and the public disclosure of all law enforcement policies, particularly those related to use-of-force protocols.
A Call for Comprehensive Reform
The January 29 shooting in Wilmington underscores the urgent need for systemic change in Delaware’s policing practices. Advocates continue to push for:
• Immediate Release of Information: Prompt disclosure of details surrounding police-involved shootings, including body camera footage.
• Policy Transparency: Public access to law enforcement procedures, especially those governing the use of force.
• Independent Oversight: Establishment of external review boards to investigate police misconduct.
As the investigation into this shooting unfolds, community members and advocacy groups are closely watching the response from law enforcement and state officials. For many, this incident serves as yet another example of why Delaware must take meaningful steps toward greater police transparency and accountability.