Police Chief Patrick Foley tells council Bethany Beach had five complaints in 2025; outlines promotions, audits and pursuit responses

Patrick Foley, Bethany Beach’s police chief, told the Town Council at its November meeting that the department logged five citizen complaints in 2025 and passed a state juvenile justice compliance audit.

Foley announced two personnel promotions: Sergeant Joshua Fulton was promoted from corporal and Grady Meredith advanced to patrolman first class, both effective Oct. 17. He said the department conducts regular reviews of training, pursuits, use‑of‑force incidents and community outreach.

Foley described vulnerability assessments his office performed with local congregations following national active‑shooter incidents. “We met with St. An’s on Oct. 14 and did a vulnerability assessment,” Foley said, and added that St. Martha’s on Maplewood Street received similar recommendations that the congregations have begun implementing.

On oversight, Foley said the Delaware Criminal Justice Council conducted a random audit focused on juvenile justice compliance; he reported the department “passed” after state reviewers examined logs, processing procedures and written directives.

Foley reviewed two pursuit incidents in 2025. One began as a seat‑belt enforcement stop that turned into a DUI and flight; the other originated outside Bethany Beach and resulted in a spike‑strip deployment, a surrender on the inlet bridge and no reported injuries. He described several uses‑of‑force entries during the year — including deploying a taser and displaying firearms during felony stops — and clarified that agency policy treats displaying a firearm or taser as a reportable use of force even if no shot is fired.

Foley recounted a high‑profile complaint tied to an Oct. 8 motorcycle BOLO and said body‑cam review and coordination with neighboring agencies found no excessive force by Bethany Beach officers. Foley said he later received a letter from State Rep. Ron Gray praising the professionalism of officers involved.

Foley explained the department’s complaint intake process through the Kalia public‑comment portal and the role of body‑camera and town surveillance footage in clearing allegations. He read a follow‑up message from one complainant who apologized after investigation: “I’m sorry. I was mad. I was just venting. The officer did nothing wrong. I’m actually going to pay the ticket,” Foley said, recounting the correspondence.

Council members asked whether the board could view body‑cam footage and requested comparative annual complaint statistics. Foley said criminal‑case confidentiality and privacy rules constrain public release in some cases and that the town would consult the Attorney General’s office about any possible public showing; he also said the department compiles more detailed year‑to‑year analyses for accreditation review.

The presentation closed with council members praising the officers and asking for a fuller trend comparison in next year’s annual report.

The council did not take policy action during the presentation; Foley’s report served as an informational update and the meeting moved on to other agenda items.