My motivation for seeking this esteemed position is fairly simple. I have been blessed with amazing opportunities to serve in various law enforcement leadership roles over the past three decades, and I want to use my experience and enthusiasm to give back to our great association. Since I have not had the opportunity to meet all of our members personally, please allow me to introduce myself.
I was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. My father and two of my five older brothers served with distinction during their law enforcement careers. My father retired as a lieutenant with Wilmington Police Department (WPD) after a 20-year career. My brother Tim retired as Special Agent in Charge with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration after a more than thirty year career. My brother Jim retired from WPD after 29 years and is currently a Delaware Capitol Police Officer. I spent most of my developmental years dreaming of following in their footsteps.
When I turned 21 years old, I achieved my life-long goal of becoming a police officer after I was appointed as a trooper with the Delaware State Police. While working as a patrol trooper, I received numerous awards, including being recognized as Co-Trooper of the Year. Prior to engaging in the promotional and leadership track, I also held assignments within the Criminal Investigative Unit (CIU) and as a member of the Special Operations Response Team. Upon being promoted to the rank of sergeant, I was assigned to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, as a full-time Task Force Officer. As a patrol lieutenant, I had the opportunity to develop strong partnerships with retail merchants and created the first Delaware State Police Retail Theft Unit. As a CIU lieutenant, I was selected to assist with a major reorganization plan to consolidate all criminal investigative units for New Castle County under one command. As a captain and Troop Commander, I spearheaded a collaborative effort to address citizen concerns about declining quality of life issues in the troop area, caused by drug abuse. In addition, I had the honor of serving as the Division’s primary liaison to the United States Secret Service for all of Vice President Biden’s motorcades within the state.
After a proud 22-year career with the DSP, I was selected to lead the University of Delaware Police Department (UDPD) as Chief of Police. The University is a major research institution, with state-of-the-art facilities, distinguished faculty and an international footprint. The Department of Public Safety became a sworn police agency in 1988, but the officers were unarmed until 2008. I created a strategic and organizational development plan to begin the process of transitioning the department into a dynamic leader in campus law enforcement. The planning process included the creation of the first UDPD Critical Incident Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Community Resource Unit, K-9 Unit, police EMT program, patrol rifle program, less lethal program, and career development programs for police, dispatch and security, as well as a multiyear succession plan. During my tenure over the past thirteen years, technology was embraced, community policing initiatives were implemented and innovative crime reduction strategies were executed to enhance safety and decrease Part I crime by nearly 60%. I also led the department through our first four Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) reaccreditation processes for law enforcement and our first CALEA accreditation for public safety communications.
One of the things that I enjoy most at this point in my career is association work to enhance the law enforcement profession. I currently serve the IACP as North Atlantic regional vice chair for the University and College Police Section, as well as an appointed member of the firearms committee. I also serve the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) as immediate past president and the Delaware Association of Chiefs of Police (DAPC) as chairman. In my role as chairman for the DAPC, I have been actively involved in police reform issues, and I am currently working to develop a state-wide body-worn camera program and video evidence repository.
I understand the significance of selecting the right leader for this critically important position and the magnitude of what is at stake. I possess a unique combination of experience, knowledge, and a collaborative mindset that will be beneficial considering the diverse needs of our membership.
I look forward to participating in the election process and if successful, facing the challenges ahead to advance the mission of our outstanding organization.
I look forward to seeing you in San Diego.
Sincerely,
Patrick A. Ogden
Experience
Chief Patrick Ogden has over 33 years of law enforcement experience and has earned a reputation as a true leader in his community.
Delaware State Trooper
- Captain (April 2007 – October 2009)
- Lieutenant (June 2000 – April 2007)
- Sergeant (May 1998 – June 2000)
- Corporal Grade 1 (September 1995 – May 1998)
Associate Vice President and Chief of Police
- Associate Vice President and Chief of Police (January 2020 – Present)
- Chief of Police (October 2009 – December 2019)