PRESS RELEASE: Wilmington City Council President Trippi Congo Seeks Community Members to Serve on the Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board
Friday, May 30, 2025
Wilmington City Council President Trippi Congo Seeks Community Members to Serve on the Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board
Nominations Now Open for City Residents in Education and Mental Health Fields.
Wilmington, DE – Wilmington City Council President Trippi Congo is actively seeking qualified individuals to serve on the newly established Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board (WCPAB). This transformative body was created in accordance with recent state legislation to strengthen transparency, trust, and collaboration between the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) and the communities it serves.
Interested individuals must be City of Wilmington residents and meet one of the following criteria:
• Be a professional in the education community
• Be a professional in the mental health treatment community, as defined by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Nominees should submit their CV or resume for consideration. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to justice, equity, and community empowerment.
About the Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board:
Established by Ordinance 24-063, and in compliance with 11 Del. C. § 8404 and House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 205, the Board is an independent civilian body housed within the Wilmington Police Department. It is composed of seven voting members, with three appointments made by the President of City Council and four by the Mayor with Council consent. The ordinance ensures that all voting members are civilians with no current or prior affiliations with law enforcement.
The Board will serve as a critical advisory body to WPD, offering insight and community perspective on:
• Police training and policy development
• Use of force and misconduct complaint procedures (within legal limits)
• Crime prevention strategies
• Community outreach efforts
Additionally, the Board will hold public forums to gather resident input and analyze policing data to develop recommendations that enhance public safety and police-community relations.
Members must complete 20 hours of community training with WPD within their first year of service, which may include ride-alongs or participation in a Citizens’ Police Academy. Voting members will receive $100 compensation per meeting.
Board Representation and Community Voice:
The ordinance encourages a diverse and representative Board, including:
• Individuals impacted by or closely connected to the criminal justice system
• Faith leaders with experience in justice-related ministry
• Advocates for civil rights and criminal justice reform
• Professionals in education and mental health
• General community members committed to equity and justice
“This is a call to action for compassionate, civic-minded residents who want to be part of real change,” said Council President Trippi Congo. “The Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board will serve as a powerful platform for community voices, helping shape a safer, more equitable Wilmington for everyone.”
Submit Your Nomination:
Interested individuals should submit their resume or CV via email to: easimmons@wilmingtonde.gov with the Subject Line: WCPAB Nomination – [Your Name]
The full ordinance and Board structure can be reviewed here:
Ordinance 24-063 – Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board
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MEDIA CONTACT:Yesenia TaverasDirector of Communications, Wilmington City CouncilOffice: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.govCity Council Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com