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Sunbury police report: DTU missions, radar‑sign deployments, patrol staffing increases and grant for body cameras
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Summary
Police officers summarized 2025 operations: Morgan Lawbacher outlined about 32 DTU missions and event responses, officers described a four‑sign radar program and patrol reported higher calls and traffic stops; city received a $43,000 body‑worn camera grant and noted equipment updates.
Sunbury police presented division highlights at the March 4 meeting, including tactical team activity, traffic‑safety tools and patrol staffing updates.
Officer Morgan Lawbacher described the Delaware Tactical Unit (DTU), a multi‑jurisdiction tactical team that conducted roughly 32 missions in 2025 and provided quick reaction force and overwatch at large events. Lawbacher said monthly team training averages about 16 hours and that DTU membership helps bring advanced tactics and training back to Sunbury patrol staff.
Lawbacher also reviewed the radar‑sign program: the city has four sign faces deployed based on complaint data, officers rotate sign locations, and staff pull sign data monthly for council review. Future improvements discussed include solar‑panel signs to reduce battery changes and better internal dissemination of sign data.
Sergeant Chris Meach (patrol) said the department now has 13 full‑time and three part‑time patrol officers and recently hired three full‑time officers. He reported calls for service increased by roughly 1,007 compared with 2024, traffic stops increased by about 625 and crashes were up by 20. Meach highlighted FTO certification and ongoing training including active‑shooter and CIT programs.
Equipment and grants: presenters noted new med kits and a state‑required breath‑testing machine; an officer quoted an equipment figure of about $14,000 for the device while another speaker offered a higher estimate before it was corrected. City Manager Hennessy reported the city has been awarded a $43,000 grant for body‑worn cameras; a vest grant application was also pending with a small match required.
Officers emphasized community engagement events and interagency training as important to coordinated responses at large events and to public safety in a growing city.
