LEWES, Del. - Locals, local leaders, and law enforcement gathered this week for a community panel aimed at strengthening police transparency and addressing hate in the community.
The event, hosted by advocacy group Speak Out Against Hate, opened with comments from President Patty Maloney. She emphasized the importance of speaking up to hate in the community. “The worst thing could be is if someone felt that they were not able to report something,” Maloney said. “We want to make sure that is not the case.”
Rehoboth Beach Police Chief Keith Banks was among the panelists and highlighted the need for open communication. “We’re friends. We’re not enemies,” Banks said. “Come up and talk to us.”
He urged locals to get involved and share their concerns. “We don’t know all that information if they don’t come up and speak out,” Banks added.
Alicia Jones, a Lewes local, stressed the importance of involving families and schools. “It starts there at that level to bring it home,” Jones said.
The panel marked another step toward fostering trust and collaboration between police and the communities they serve.