The Delaware Capitol Police was founded as a three-man unit in 1965 to deter vandalism at the Legislative Hall, in Dover, Delaware. The unit was originally known as Capitol Security. Responsibilities were eventually expanded to cover other state-owned properties in Delaware while the unit remained unfunded (being maintained through donations and transfer of equipment from other law enforcement agencies). Officers initially received no formal training and were armed only with a nightstick, handcuffs and tear gas. In 1974, Delaware Director of Administrative Services Thomas Murray overhauled the organization, providing basic law-enforcement training. Having been sworn in as constables, the officers now had the power of arrest on state property. New equipment and uniforms were issued at this time and the organization became known as the Capitol Security Police. In 1980 the organization adopted its current name. Arrest powers were expanded statewide in 1982. Further changes in 1995 saw a redesign of the patch worn by officers and integration of communications systems with the Delaware State Police in order to improve response times to emergencies. In 2020 the Delaware Capitol Police patch was updated with a new design which is now worn by all Police personnel. Rank structure Duties The Delaware Capitol Police are a statewide law enforcement agency responsible for the security of all three branches of state government throughout the State of Delaware. Specifically, the Delaware Capitol Police provide services to Woodburn (Governor's Mansion), Legislative Hall, Capitol Complex (Legislative Mall), Supreme Court, Superior Court, Chancery Court, Court of Common Pleas and the Family Courts in all three counties, the Carvel State Building and over 80 state controlled facilities and/or properties in the greater Dover area. All Delaware Capitol Police officers are certified by the Delaware Council on Police Training and have statewide jurisdiction and arrest authority. Our officers take great pride in ensuring the safety and security of the Governor, state legislators, legislative staff, the Delaware Judiciary, state employees, citizens and visitors to the State of Delaware. We act in conjunction with other municipal, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure that the best possible service is provided. Operations The Delaware Capitol Police maintains police officers and security officers in all three of Delaware's counties servicing all three branches of state government. DCP headquarters is located within the Tatnall Building in Dover. The Delaware Capitol Police also maintains three explosive detection canine teams and 5 detectives. The