Rehoboth Beach Police Department Earns State Accreditation
April 16, 2026
On April 14, the Rehoboth Beach Police Department was recognized for earning state accreditation from the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (DPAC). As part of the rigorous process, a team of DPAC assessors ensured all accreditation standards were met by completing comprehensive on-site inspections of the agency, reviewing its policies and procedures for compliance, and conducting interviews with department members.
The announcement comes from the Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST). Rehoboth Beach was one of four local departments to earn accreditation, in addition to the Clayton, Dewey and Harrington Police Departments.
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone in the City of Rehoboth Beach Police Department for earning this accreditation,” said Chief Keith Banks. “This achievement belongs to every officer and staff member. I want to give special recognition to Lieutenant Mark Sweet and Captain Jaime Riddle for leading this effort on behalf of our entire department. Our team consistently upholds the highest standards of professionalism and dedication, and they make the City proud every day.”
“This is well‑earned recognition for the Rehoboth Beach Police Department,” City Manager Taylour Tedder said. “Our city is in excellent hands with our dedicated officers and staff, and we are deeply grateful for their high level of service and commitment.”
PHOTO:
Rehoboth Beach Police Department: From left, Rehoboth Beach Mayor Stan Mills, POST Executive Director Sean E. Moriarty, Ed.D., Rehoboth Beach Police Chief Keith Banks, DSHS Secretary Joshua Bushweller, Lieutenant Mark Sweet and Assistant City Manager Evan Miller.
MORE INFORMATION
DPAC, formed in 2008, is committed to advancing law enforcement professionalism through the establishment of professional standards and the administration of formal mechanisms that enable Delaware Police agencies to be systematically measured, evaluated, and updated. Accreditation improves officer and public safety, addresses high-risk management issues, promotes operational efficiency through policy development, enhances agency reputation, attracts the best-qualified candidates for employment, and increases public trust and confidence.
House Bill 206 mandates that all police agencies be accredited by 2028, and each is currently proactively working towards state accreditation through the POST/DPAC section of the DSHS. Delaware police agencies range from 1 to 730 sworn officers. Several larger agencies receive national accreditation through The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®). While most of the small agencies do not have the funding or the personnel to participate in CALEA®, they can still achieve state accreditation. Currently, 72 percent of all Delaware police agencies are now accredited.
The Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST), a division of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), oversees standards and training for all police officers in Delaware. POST aims to improve the professionalism and behavior of officers by setting qualifications for recruits, education and training requirements, and training standards. POST advises the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (DPAC), provides guidelines for local oversight boards, and investigates potential officer misconduct relative to certification.
