Newark Police Department

On June 15, 1867, the Town of Newark, Delaware appointed Jesse Russell as town bailiff after residents complained about disorder, and the Newark Police Department counts that appointment as its beginning; the bailiff was paid half of the fines he collected until a $30 yearly salary took over in 1875. Today the department has held CALEA accreditation since 1997 and takes part in its advanced law enforcement and communications programs. Its own Communications Center is the 911 answering point for the city limits, taking emergency and non-emergency calls around the clock, handling after-hours utility emergencies, monitoring city cameras, managing warrants and passing fire and medical calls to the New Castle County Fireboard. In the Special Enforcement Division, Traffic Unit officers are trained collision reconstructionists who investigate serious and fatal crashes and plan traffic control for large events, alongside a Special Operations Unit with K-9 officers and the city's animal control officer. Crime analysts, criminal and special investigations units and a victim services coordinator support casework. SWAT and crisis negotiation teams handle critical incidents. High schoolers can join a Public Safety Explorer Post run jointly with Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company, and adults can attend a spring Citizens' Police Academy.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Newark city, DE has an estimated population of 30,309.