Does Long Neck Need A Police Department?
October 19th, 2007 by Joe CiccantiA WGMD listener who lives in Long Neck had expressed concern this week about the increase in crime in the Long Neck area (this is Route 24 between Route 113 in Millsboro and Route One in Rehoboth). She said the area is notorious for sex offenders, particularly in areas where there is private property. She says that there are families living near the woods, and that last year some guy just sat in a tree on the property. This week she saw several unmarked cop cars as if there was some drug bust going on, or as if they were looking for someone. She was worried because it could have been a child predator on the loose putting the children in danger. It turns out that there was a reported burglary that was later unfounded. Corporal Barnett of the State Police this week said this about the Long Neck area:
“Long Neck is a busy area, and we handle several complaints there on a daily basis.”
The caller stressed that Long Neck needs to have their own police department. Maybe you live in Long Neck, and like this woman, you are fed up with the crime that seems to be on the increase. Of course Long Neck is not the only town dealing with sex offenders, home invasions, robberies, and drug-related crimes. But do you feel like there aren’t enough cops in Long Neck, or an ongoing police presence covering the area? Perhaps they need to have a police station near some of these private properties? Of course funding is always an issue. So time will tell.
October 19th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Why not start a County Police Dept. then let the Delaware Troopers do what they do best- bust DUI’s.- Long Neck is not even an incorporated Town, so its a little premature to talk about a Police Department- If you live in Long Neck you might as well be in the wild west, with the police Response time from Troopers- get a scanner- it’s scary. ( and a gun to protect yourself)
October 19th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Dear Maria,
Could you please get some pictures of the mysterious “families living near the woods” I find it hard to believe.Oh yeah, and if you get a picture of the guy who sat in the tree- that would be cool too!
P.S. Maria- be careful! There may be some LONGNECKERS in dem dare woods!
October 20th, 2007 at 9:44 am
amish electrician - What does that even mean anyway? Its like saying “Jumbo Shrimp” an oxymoron, I believe they are called. Anyway, I am a “Longnecker” and a concerned parent and it would behoove us to have police presence more than we do. We have town watch in this area, and I actively participate, but much like the security in our community, there is little to no actual “authority” to enforce any laws, so we are a mute point at best and the tweens and teens thrive on that knowledge.
Id be willing to always pay a little more for peace of mind and the knowledge that my child can walk to the bus stop without fear of the “boogeyman” in a predators clothing. How about you amish? and there are those of us who live in “dem dare woods” so Id be real careful about spouting knowledge you are clueless to prove. So I agree with that caller and hope that the powers that be come to realize that there are real issues and real changes that can be done to protect our families in Long Neck, instead of everyone beating a dead horse about lot rent issues, of course, this is an important issue for us all, but the reality of it is, this is their playground and the landowners at least for now can do what they want with their bat and ball, so lets put our efforts into making the other important changes that are more doable at the moment and will protect things more precious than a home, we cant replace our children and our residents.
Again, Just my 2 cents.
October 20th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Another gal from the big city who moves to a little town near the beach and wants a big police department to protect everybody. And just why are you picking on Mr. Amish? Maybe the guy in the tree likes it up there–ever think of that? Maybe he comes from the Colorado Mountains and does not like being at sea level !!!!!!!
October 21st, 2007 at 11:05 am
I just want proof of “families living near the woods” and the guy in the tree. Potnetgal- is it other “Longneckers” you fear?- I have a funny feeling that once you get out that geographical area- Sussex Co. is rather a safe place to live. But how can you get a Police Dept. if you are not even incorporated? So talk of a Longneck Police Force is ridiculous. Where is Bob Reed when we need him?
October 21st, 2007 at 11:12 am
bucksmom,
Not even close, and I dont recall asking for “a big police department” but perhaps a little more patrol than usual would be nice, do we not deserve the same protection that say, Seaford or Georgetown receives? Of course if that is your attitude towards the protection of our residents and our children, I am glad you are not a “Longnecker”
If your cavalier attitude is indicitive of the town you live in, I am glad I live at the beach. And I hope Buck has someone looking out for him other than you.
October 21st, 2007 at 2:25 pm
I say deploy the National Guard to the area. A couple of tanks, one or two flame throwers, ground to air missles, I think that should cover it nicely.
October 21st, 2007 at 2:58 pm
It sounds to me like you are related to the new afternoon radio host–you seem to take everything the wrong way. I am definitely glad I am not a “longnecker”. I live in a town that does not even have a post office and love it. However, I am much closer to the beach than you are, Ms. Potsnetgal. Also very kind of you to care, but please do not worry about Buckingham, he is very well taken care of and I do not need the help of some police force to take care of him.
October 21st, 2007 at 4:32 pm
RonR. hope that will cover all of it. I hope your comments are appreciated, because I surely do agree with you. Maybe, just maybe, Short”s Marine will throw in a couple of submarines also to protect the area.
October 21st, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Write a letter to Dick Cheney. He’ll take care of the problem!
October 21st, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Maybe all the “Longneckers” can chip in and hire Blackwater- I think soon they will have a lot of free time on their hands.
Just a thought- If Delaware elected a Governor who doesn’t have a High School diploma, I’m sure we could find someone qualified to be MAYOR OF LONGNECK.
October 22nd, 2007 at 10:10 am
Don’t insult the people of Long Neck - I was a Long Necker for 25 years and will always be one at heart. Some of the comments that I have read have be very insulting and some very eye-opening. Long Neck is not incorporated, that is correct but we pay taxes like everyone else. Lot rent is pretty darn expensive too so why shouldn’t we get a state police sub-station on Long Neck Road?? Some people make Long Neckers sound like we are toothless and stupid. Guess what?? We’re not. Most of the people who live on Long Neck now were not born here - they moved here from other states. Is is true that crime has increased in the area - maybe people should be paying more attention to their children and grandchildren. I feel that everybody has the right to feel safe in their community, any community, anywhere and everywhere. My family has been here since 1976 - for the first time ever, our golf cart was stolen. Ride around the neighborhoods sometime - you will see that most people now have to have their golf carts, etc. chained to their porches because teenagers come by and steal them. Yes, I do feel Long Neck needs more Police protection - simply because I work hard for the things I have and I feel it’s my right to keep those things. Maybe if the state police were patrolling the area more, people would think twice about swiping someone’s golf cart or wave runner. The crime rate on Long Neck is not like in a big city, but let’s get real here, those statistics are changing everyday. Not every city started with a high crime rate-they worked their way up
October 22nd, 2007 at 10:19 am
For backwoods people we have restuarants, doctors offices, a great blue ribbon school, gas stations, post offices, fire house, banks, grocery stores, and I almost forgot the most important point of all, a community of caring, friendly, concerned and we even have some college educated residents living in “dem dare woods” so I imagine being a “longnecker” has its perks and advantages and we are devoid of ignorant townies. So maybe we are not an “incorporated town” but if it means NOT being of the mind of those who posted before me, I am glad to be here.
P.S. to bucksmom, when I stand out on my deck, our private beach is just three steps away, so I guess its just a matter of perspective as to who is closer to the beach. Also devoid of people without empathy.
And, THATS MY FINAL ANSWER ON THIS SUBJECT. Enjoy your beach and the tourists that adorn it.
October 22nd, 2007 at 1:01 pm
I live in the Long Neck area and while I’m on the fence about a police station perhaps better and more frequent police presence would work. Not having personal experience of needing police it’s probably a safe bet that it does take some time for a patrol car to arrive (seen once at the shopping centre when police were called for some disruption or other and it apparently took forty-five minutes for any to appear).
I see you are done with the subject, potnetgal…but while I agree we are comfortably serviced in this area with all you listed, IS there a post office in the area or were you talking about “Going Postal”. We’ve lived in the area about ten years and always gone to Millsboro USPS so a branch post office with all services would be a boon. If there is one, would you let me know?
October 22nd, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Nancy,
The Mail Stop next to the Food Lion at 24 and Long neck Rd is where you can do all the things you can do at the Millsboro Post Office and they offer other services as well. I never use the Millsboro Post Office anymore and they are closer to home. They even offer post office boxes, shipping from several carriers, you can drop your mail off there, all the amenities of the USPS post office with less travel.
October 22nd, 2007 at 3:01 pm
How bout a combination post office and coffee shop. That could work. “The First Class Coffee Cafe”.
October 22nd, 2007 at 6:54 pm
OR, a combination police station and coffee shop. That could be called
“Cop of Coffee Cafe”
October 22nd, 2007 at 8:18 pm
POTNETSGAL: I am very glad that you are happy in your community. I never said that there was any reason for you not to feel that way. I have friends that I work with that live there and they are very nice people and I get along with them fabulously. However, Sussex County is very diversified in its’ residents and thoughts and all most of the posters were trying to do is to let you know that you are not the only community without police protection. We tried to make light of it and you got your feelings hurt because of our comments. There is only one Sussex County, only one Delaware State Police organization and they cannot single out “special” areas to protect and serve. That is all we were trying to get said. Have a wonderful day and I will be taking very good care of Buckingham. Thanks for caring. He is 80 years old. I still would love to see a picture of the “guy in the tree”. Perhaps Maria could take pictures for you. THIS IS MY FINAL ANSWER. (MAYBE)????????
October 22nd, 2007 at 10:37 pm
“…do we not deserve the same protection that say, Seaford or Georgetown receives? ”
Indeed, you are entitled to protection. All the protection you can afford. The blaring difference between those towns and the unincorporated area of Longneck is that they pay town taxes and hire their own police.
“…we have restuarants, doctors offices, a great blue ribbon school, gas stations, post offices, fire house, banks, grocery stores, and I almost forgot the most important point of all, a community of caring, friendly, concerned and we even have some college educated residents living in “dem dare woodsâ€
Sounds like you already have the components (and issues) of a town, yet lack the ambition to become one.
“…so I imagine being a “longnecker†has its perks and advantages and we are devoid of ignorant townies. So maybe we are not an “incorporated town ”
It would seem the only thing lacking to achieve that status, is that you aren’t a town. “Educated residents” are optional. Just look at Dewey.
Perhaps you could get Sussex County to step up to the plate to provide some extra protection, instead of being little more than a self-perpetuating governmental entity. Wait! They are already throwing wads of your tax dollars at the State Police for ‘extra’ protection.
After growing up in a small town in Sussex, and living for 9 years in the Longneck area before moving out in the sticks, I’ll take my chances with the slow State police response, and am willing to take responsibility for the safety of my family.
October 22nd, 2007 at 10:56 pm
“Long Neck is not incorporated, that is correct but we pay taxes like everyone else. ”
So do I, and lots of it.
“Lot rent is pretty darn expensive too so why shouldn’t we get a state police sub-station on Long Neck Road??”
Unless you are paying your “lot rent” to the County or State, you shouldn’t expect any more service than any other taxpayer.
“Most of the people who live on Long Neck now were not born here - they moved here from other states.”
As a lifelong resident of Sussex County, I quickly came to the realization that this isn’t necessarily an automatic enhancement to any community.
Keep an eye on that golf cart.
October 23rd, 2007 at 6:43 am
Maybe LongNeck can do what the city of Philadelphia- create a “CALL TO ACTION” and have 10,000 black men patrol the streets of LongNeck.
October 23rd, 2007 at 6:49 am
Do Longneckers have a Liberry, or amblance service?
Way back in the day- the City of Rehoboth (and later Lewes) was populated by transients from the Wash. DC suburbs, including No. Virginia and influential areas of Maryland. At the same time LongNeck was was infiltrated by folks from BaltyMoore and Pennsylvania. As a result you reap what you sow.
October 23rd, 2007 at 7:14 am
Realist–thanks for your input as I agree with each of your points wholeheartedly.
October 23rd, 2007 at 11:35 am
It’s been my experience that law enforcement patrol assignments are rarely random. Police supervisors usually assign personnel and resources based on crime patterns. It maybe possible for a community group such as Town Watch could meet with the Troop commander and make their case for additional patrols. A new police department would be an expensive item that would ultimately have to be paid for by higher taxes.
October 23rd, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Then, Stats, I guess the question becomes, “What price is protection worth?”, unless we can recommend an all volunteer police department…now there’s a concept to explore.
October 23rd, 2007 at 10:55 pm
Profiling, AE??
October 24th, 2007 at 6:59 am
Here are my solutions for the LongNeck problems:
1. Report EVERY crime, no matter how petty it is to the State Police and demand they take action- It’s a quality of life issue- why should you suffer because the State is inadequately protecting you- The Government , including DSP, work for you- You dictate how they should be run.
2. Start a roving patrol of volunteers. Every morning the old Geezers from Long Neck clog up the Medical centers getting their bloodwork done- Make it mandatory that if you have a Bloodwork appointment you get up two hours earlier and get your flashlight and golfcart and patrol the area. Those who don’t have bloodwork appointments can patrol the night hours- We can get them all jacked up on caffeine by offering free coffee in the lobby of Food Lion.
3. Complain to Tunnel- see where that gets ya.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:37 am
Oh, no! Forget coffee in the lobby of Food Lion…spring a couple of bucks and head straight for Mountain Mudd, get a breve double…or triple. Set you up for the entire watch, morning, afternoon and night.
October 24th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Amish: I think you are quite entertaining–right along there with RonR. Keep up the good work guys ….. I especially like #2 suggestion, makes sense to me. However, I am sure my lady friend, the gal, will blame me for your posts !!!!!!!
October 24th, 2007 at 10:03 am
If there was a law on the books for being ignorant and rude, amish, by far the DSP would take up what little time is spent here in Long Neck throwing you in handcuffs.
I cannot believe that more Longneckers have not come forward to defend us against you. Can you make a point about anything without “profiling”? Shame on you for being our neighbor here in Sussex County and thank god we do not have to depend on you coming forward to defend us from men in trees and stupidity, it would be like closing the door after the horse has left the barn.
At least Tunnell provides us with some security patrols who can at least get us to the DSP no matter how long the wait time is. I wish a better neighbor for you and your town then you have been to us Longneckers.
AND THAT IS MY FINAL ANSWER
October 24th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
You tell em potnetgal!!! I will defend you to the death, but give me a few hours to get down there, and allow for rush hour traffic, weather conditions, back up at the toll booths, but I’ll be there!
October 24th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
POTSNETGAL- Let me just clarify a few things— my original post was more a commentary on how ridiculous the blog topic was, and was written.
1. There will be no such thing as a LongNEck Police Department until LongNeck is a town.
2.”She says that there are families living near the woods, and that last year some guy just sat in a tree on the property. ” This is a ridiculous statement- what the heck does it mean? Obviously Joe Ciccanti has a pen for radio. Are they living under trees? in tents in the woods? in houses in the woods? treehouses? WHAT????
My second post was a commentary , and a running joke about the pictures Maria always posts- like the time she posted 15 pictures of the breakfast table of the First Lady- at least Maria has a sense of humour- I’m kinda concerned she hasn’t chimed in- Did she venture into the woods to get those pictures?
I have made other posts about the blog authors- like when Jarred Morris let it slip out on the Radio that his Mom was taking him to a Justin Timberlake concert. Or his involvement in the ‘GIRLS GONE WILD” fiasco.
I commented in the past how Bill Colley’s ramblings mirror the writing style of Dave Frederick of the Cape Gazette- both are impossible to comprehend and make me realize how a person with ADD must feel when reading.
And Dan Gaffey- of course I can’t say anything negative about him- he’s perfect- just ask him.
As far as profiling- what does that mean? If you mean I am prejudice in opinions- maybe I am- prejudices are what keep you safe. Do you slow down when you see a yellow light?- you prejudged- Do you think twice about sending your children out alone? - you prejudged- Do you trust the known sex offenders that may live in your area? you prejudged. Do you cross the street when you see a group of hoodlum looking tweens and teens in front of you? you prejudged. As far as profiling: yes there is a difference between people from Dundalk and Chevy Chase.
POTSNETGAL- please do not engage in a battle of wits,…. for you my darling are unarmed!
That is not my final answer.
Put pressure of the Government including the DSP who work for you to solve the crime problem.. I believe the voters of Sussex County made it loud in clear when they elected Swanson for Sheriff that a Sheriff with Police powers is not wanted, and I feel thats a shame because there are a lot of citizens not getting adequate protection. The final answer may be self reliance.
October 24th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
amish electrician aka jumbo shrimp oxymoron: Sounds like our ‘gal” is upset with you. You had just better be watching out for all them longneckers who are going to come after you. Take care …Keep in touch!!!
October 25th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Buckmom and Potsnetgal, I would like to respond, but it seems as if my latests posts have gone missing. Oh well- guess I’ll go play somewhere else. I take it the hosts of the blog can’t take criticism.