Small Town News

Businesses donate money for additional police officers in Dewey

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Three Dewey Beach businesses are again combining their resources to provide the town with $6, 000 to pay for 10 extra uniformed police officers in police vehicles from Friday through Sunday night over Memorial Day weekend, when the town's offseason population of slightly over 1, 000 soars to more than 35, 000.

"The additional police presence sets the tone for our guests to have fun while remaining peaceful in our town and respecting our neighbors," said The Starboard owner Steve "Monty" Montgomery.

In light of the outstanding success of their 2010 venture, Dewey

Beach Police Chief Sam Mackert says he is grateful that the businesses have again stepped up to the plate to provide assistance to the town.

"The difference last year was amazing," Mackert said. "The additional police visibility decreases the complaint load. Last year we did not have one felony assault, one robbery or one reported sexual assault over die entire Memorial Day Weekend."

Sgt. Cliff Dempsey, public information officer, said Memorial weekend 2010 was the most orderly in more than a decade.

Mackert confirmed his officers' impressions with Delaware state crime report and arrest data

that established a 46 percent decrease in Memorial Day weekend arrests from 2009 to 2010. Total complaints handled by the police department dropped from 166 in 2009 to 98 in 2010, a decrease of 68 complaints.

The additional officers will be drawn from other Delaware jurisdictions that in 2010 included Georgetown, Milford and Fen-wick Island. The businesses will also be providing dinners for the additional officers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"Our message is the same it has always been," said Montgomery. "Have fun, leave quiedy and please respect our neighbors."





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