New Castle County Police Accountability Board holds first official meeting, adopts monthly schedule

The New Castle County Police Accountability Board held its first official meeting on March 31, 2026, at the Government Center in New Castle, where members set meeting procedures, confirmed committee roles and unanimously adopted a regular monthly meeting schedule.

Chair Kevin Evans opened the session at 6:02 p.m. and emphasized the importance of the Board’s work in strengthening police-community relations. County Executive Marcus Henry urged the Board to prioritize transparency and public engagement, and Public Safety Director Elmer Setting and Col. James Leonard, chief of police, committed the department to collaboration and responsiveness. Setting noted the department’s early adoption of body-worn cameras as part of accountability efforts.

The Board reviewed its advisory role under state law and county ordinance, clarifying that it will recommend policy improvements and support outreach but will not conduct independent investigations. Assistant County Attorney Lisa Minutola briefed members on Freedom of Information Act requirements and public-access expectations for meetings and records.

Members introduced themselves and summarized relevant backgrounds, including experience in government, education, social work, ministry, intelligence and community advocacy. Staff liaison Art Lee and legal counsel Lisa Minutola described onboarding steps; members were instructed to complete paperwork to obtain County email accounts and access to the Board’s document repository for official communications.

The Board approved two formal items: the minutes from the Feb. 24, 2026 meeting and a motion to hold regular meetings on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The motion to adopt the meeting schedule was moved by Dr. Jenna DiEleuterio, seconded by Matthew Kelly, and carried unanimously. The next meeting was scheduled for April 21, 2026, with an anticipated location at the Route 9 Library pending confirmation.

The Board confirmed that the Research Committee and Public Outreach Committee will remain active and that the Education Committee will be discontinued; a bylaws review process will continue as needed. Members reviewed the recently submitted annual report and were encouraged to use it as the foundation for future work. Members were also informed that a Vice Chair would be selected at a future meeting and that compensation for attendance will be available after required onboarding is completed (amount not specified).

There was no public comment during the allotted period. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of Feb. 24, 2026 minutes: Moved by Ken Woods; Seconded by Pastor Chris Curry; Vote: unanimous in favor. - Adoption of regular meetings (third Thursday each month at 6:00 p.m.): Moved by Dr. Jenna DiEleuterio; Seconded by Matthew Kelly; Vote: unanimous in favor.

The Board plans to reconvene on April 21, 2026, pending confirmation of the meeting location.