If you’re looking for a career in law enforcement, Delaware is the place to be.
The state has five sheriff’s offices and police departments that made the list of best places to work in the country.
These agencies offer competitive salaries, great benefits, and plenty of opportunities for advancement.
Police job seekers will find that these agencies have a low cost of living, which makes it easier to save for the future.
Table of Contents
ToggleAbout Law Enforcement Jobs in Delaware
Before we take a look at the best sheriff’s offices and police departments in Delaware, let’s take a quick look at the law enforcement landscape in the state.
There are currently over 1,800 police officers working in Delaware.
The majority of these officers are employed by the state’s five sheriff’s offices and police departments.
Sheriff’s Offices: There are five sheriff’s offices in Delaware, which are responsible for patrolling unincorporated areas of the state.
The largest sheriff’s office is the New Castle County Sheriff’s Office, which employs over 550 officers.
Police Departments: There are 21 police departments in Delaware, and the largest is the Wilmington Police Department, which employs over 350 officers.
Most law enforcement jobs in Delaware are with sheriff’s offices and police departments.
However, there are also a few federal law enforcement agencies located in the state, including:
- -The United States Secret Service
- -The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- -The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- -The United States Marshals Service
If you’re looking for a career in law enforcement, there are plenty of opportunities in Delaware.
The Top 6 Police Department Agencies in Delaware
Now that we’ve taken a look at the law enforcement landscape in Delaware, let’s take a closer look at the top five police department agencies in the state.
These agencies offer great career opportunities and a low cost of living.
Here are the top five police departments in Delaware:
1. Wilmington Police Department
The Wilmington Police Department is the largest police department in Delaware.
With a population of over 71,000 people, the WPD is responsible for providing law enforcement services to the city of Wilmington and its suburbs.
The department employs over 350 officers and has a wide variety of specialized units, including:
- -The mounted patrol unit
- -The K-9 unit (which employs police dogs)
- -The bicycle patrol unit
- -The DUI enforcement unit
- -The narcotics and vice squad
In addition to its regular police force, the WPD also has a SWAT team that is capable of handling high-risk situations.
If you’re looking for a career in law enforcement, the Wilmington Police Department is a great place to start.
2. New Castle County Sheriff’s Office
The New Castle County Sheriff’s Office is the largest sheriff’s office in Delaware.
With a population of over 550,000 people, the NCSO is responsible for patrolling the unincorporated areas of New Castle County.
The NCSO employs over 550 officers and has a wide variety of specialized units, including:
- -The fugitive task force
- -school resource officer program
- -The gang unit
- -The narcotics unit
In addition to these specialized units, the NCSO also has a K-9 unit and a mounted patrol.
The New Castle County Sheriff’s Office is considered to be one of the best sheriff’s offices in Delaware.
It offers its employees competitive salaries, great benefits, and plenty of opportunities for career advancement.
3. Newark Police Department
The Newark Police Department is the largest police department in Delaware.
With a population of over 31,000 people, the Newark Police Department is responsible for law enforcement and public safety in the city of Newark.
The top attractions in Newark include the University of Delaware, White Clay Creek State Park, and Iron Hill Brewery.
The Newark Police Department offers a variety of career opportunities for police officers including patrol officer, detectives, K-9 unit officers, crime scene technicians, and more.
In addition to a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, the Newark Police Department also offers a variety of career advancement opportunities.
The cost of living in Newark is also very affordable, making it a desirable place to live and work for police officers.
4. Dover Police Department
The Dover Police Department is the second-largest police department in Delaware.
With a population of over 37,000 people, the Dover Police Department is responsible for law enforcement and public safety in the city of Dover.
The top attractions in Dover include the Delaware State Capitol, Legislative Hall, and Biggs Museum of American Art.
The Dover Police Department offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
The Dover Police Department also offers excellent career advancement opportunities.
Dover is a great place to live and work, and the Dover Police Department is one of the best police departments in Delaware.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding law enforcement career, the Dover Police Department is the place for you.
5. Seaford Police Department
The Seaford Police Department is the smallest police department in Delaware.
With a population of just over 7000 people, the Seaford Police Department is responsible for law enforcement and public safety in the city of Seaford.
The top attractions in Seaford include Nanticoke River Wildlife Area, Trap Pond State Park, and Seaford Museum.
The Seaford Police Department offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, vacation time, and sick leave.
The cost of living in Seaford is relatively low, making it a desirable place to live for
police officers.
6. Delaware State Police
The Delaware State Police is the largest law enforcement agency in Delaware.
With over 800 employees, the Delaware State Police is responsible for law enforcement and public safety throughout the state of Delaware.
The Delaware State Police has a wide variety of career opportunities, including positions in law enforcement, criminal investigation, forensic science, information technology, and more.
The Delaware State Police is an excellent place to work for police job seekers looking for a challenging and rewarding career.
FAQ About Police Jobs in Delaware
Below are some frequently asked questions about police jobs in Delaware.
Can I become a police officer in Delaware without a college degree?
Yes, you can become a police officer in Delaware without a college degree. However, some law enforcement agencies in Delaware require their officers to have at least an associate’s degree.
What are the age requirements for becoming a police officer in Delaware?
The minimum age requirement to become a police officer in Delaware is 21 years old. There is no maximum age limit for police officers in Delaware.
What are the physical requirements for becoming a police officer in Delaware?
The physical requirements for becoming a police officer in Delaware vary from agency to agency.
However, most law enforcement agencies require their officers to be physically fit and able to pass a fitness test.
What is the salary for police officers in Delaware?
The salary for police officers in Delaware varies from agency to agency. However, most law enforcement agencies in Delaware offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.
Are there any job openings for police officers in Delaware?
Yes, there are many job openings for police officers in Delaware. The majority of law enforcement agencies in Delaware are always looking for qualified police officers.
How can I get a job as a police officer in Delaware?
The best way to get a job as a police officer in Delaware is to apply with the law enforcement agency of your choice. Most law enforcement agencies accept online applications.
How much does it cost to live in Delaware?
The cost of living in Delaware varies depending on the city you live in. However, the cost of living in most cities in Delaware is relatively low compared to other states.
How much do police officers in Delaware make?
The salary for police officers in Delaware varies from agency to agency. However, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, police officers in Delaware make an average annual salary of $77K.
What is the job outlook for police officers in Delaware?
The job outlook for police officers in Delaware is excellent. There are many job openings for police officers in Delaware, and the majority of law enforcement agencies are always looking for qualified candidates.
What are the job duties of a police officer in Delaware?
The job duties of a police officer vary depending on the department you work for. However, common job duties of a police officer include patrolling the streets, responding to calls for service, investigating crimes, and enforcing the law.
What are the requirements to become a sheriff’s deputy in Delaware?
The requirements to become a sheriff’s deputy in Delaware vary from agency to agency. However, most sheriff’s departments in Delaware require their deputies to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license.