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County council adopts amended Police Accountability Board rules after split vote
Summary
New Castle County Council amended and adopted Ordinance 26-002 to modify the Police Accountability Board’s reporting language and set an April 1 annual-report deadline; the measure passed 12-1 after debate over board independence.
New Castle County Council adopted Ordinance 26-002 on Feb. 3, 2026, amending the county code to modify the composition and reporting responsibilities of the Police Accountability Board.
The council approved a floor amendment that replaces the word “publish” with “submit” and specifies April 1 as the date when the board’s annual report must be filed with the council. Councilman Kaneko, a prime sponsor, said the change simply “tightens up the language” and aligns the ordinance with existing county code requirements. He said members of the Police Accountability Board reviewed and supported the amendment.
Opponents argued the amendment weakens the board’s independence. Councilman Street said the ordinance “defeats the purpose and intention of the accountability board,” arguing the change lets the executive branch lead a process that should be board-led. Street voted no; the roll call showed 12 members in favor and one opposed.
Sponsor Councilman Toole said the amendment and ordinance mirror state code provisions that permit local police oversight structures and that the language was reviewed in the Public Safety Committee and by board leadership. He noted Vice Chair Kevin Evans provided written approval to work with sponsors on the measure.
The council voted first on the floor amendment, which passed by roll call (12 yes, 1 no), and then adopted the ordinance as amended by the same margin. Council President Monique Williams Johns announced the ordinance’s adoption following the clerk’s tally.
The ordinance as adopted modifies chapter 2, article 5 of the New Castle County Code to adjust the board’s composition and responsibilities and to make the annual-report requirement explicit with the April 1 deadline.
Next steps: the ordinance will be codified in the county code and the board is required to submit its annual report to council on or before April 1 under the amended language.
