Wilmington – Big changes are coming to the Wilmington Police Department. As part of his reorganization plan, Wilmington Police Chief (WPD), Robert Tracy, today announced several changes to the department’s leadership structure.
Since his appointment as Chief of Police by Mayor Mike Purzycki in April 2017, Tracy has been gradually changing police culture within the department through organizational discipline, organizational accountability, and organizational communication, according to a statement released by his office.
Tracy said a big part of that change has been in the department’s police culture. Most police agencies still conduct themselves on the mindset where their daily successes are not being applauded, “Great leadership is about acknowledging the accomplishments of the men and women in our department…”, added Tracy.
He went on to say “We are now celebrating all the good things that our officers do on a daily basis, whether it is solving crimes, strengthening our partnership and building a trusting relationship with the community, improving our training program and departmental policies, helping a fellow officer, or making a positive impact on the life of a young person.”
“Everything we do matters. It all matters! By instilling proven crime fighting and prevention strategies through intelligence-led policing, evidence-based policing, and community engagement to all of our officers, we are now headed in the right direction toward the path of long-term sustainable success.”
Tracey’s office said that on Friday, January 26, veteran police officer Inspector Clayton Smith stepped down as Inspector of Investigative Operations and will retire from the department after 34 years. Chief Tracy, today, thanked the Inspector for his outstanding service and wished him well with future endeavors, according to a WPD Spokeswoman.
Shortly after Smith stepped down Tracy appointed Charles Emory Jr. as the new Inspector of Uniformed Operations. Emory, a 22-year veteran of the department was promoted to the rank of Captain in November 2017 and has served as the Commanding Officer in the Uniformed Services Division. Prior to being promoted to Captain, Emory was the Lieutenant in the Uniformed Services Division and the Human Resources Division.
“Inspector Emory has outstanding leadership qualities and professional skills that will certainly contribute to the continued success of our department in keeping our citizens and their property safe. He is a valuable asset to the department and I welcome him to his new role as the Inspector of Uniformed Operations,” said Chief Tracy.
In addition to Emory, several other officers were also promoted as Tracy continues to build his leadership team.
Inspector Cecilia Ashe, who was appointed to Inspector of Uniformed Operations in June 2017, will assume responsibility as Inspector of Investigative Operations.
Wilfredo Campos, a 21-year veteran of the department, was promoted to the rank of Captain. Captain Campos will serve as a commanding officer in the Uniformed Services Division and will be assigned to Sector 3.
Andrea Janvier, also a 21-year veteran of the department, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Janvier will serve as the Lieutenant in the Human Resources Division where she currently manages the department’s police academy.
Johnny Saunders, a 19-year veteran of the department, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeant Saunders will serve as a first line supervisor in the Uniformed Services Division, B Platoon.
Further promotions, which will take effect on February 3, include the following officers:
Anthony Bowers, an 18-year veteran of the department, is promoted to the rank of Captain. Bowers will serve as a commanding officer in the Uniformed Services Division and will be assigned to Sector 2, Center City.
David Rosenblum, also an 18-year veteran with the department, is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Rosenblum will serve as the Lieutenant in the Uniformed Services Division, D Platoon.
Monet Cintron, a 7-year veteran with the department, is promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Cintron will serve as a first line supervisor in the Uniformed Services Division, E Platoon.
Chief Robert J. Tracy says, “The newly promoted officers bring years of experience to the department. As the department grows and continues to operate as a professional police agency it is only natural with growth comes change.”