Wilmington Police Force Size: 2022 BLS Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the City of Wilmington employs 205 police officers.

Context

• Jurisdiction: Wilmington, DE (pop. ~71,000) → ~2.9 officers/1,000 residents.
• National average: ~2.4/1,000 (varies by city size, crime rate, budget).
• Metro context: New Castle County Police (separate, ~400 officers) covers unincorporated areas.
• State Police: Delaware State Police (~650 troopers) handles highways, rural areas, specialty units.

Data Limitations

BLS counts "police and sheriff's patrol officers" (SOC 33-3051). Excludes: detectives, supervisors, dispatch, civilian staff, federal officers, campus police, transit police. Actual sworn+non-sworn personnel higher.

Current Verification

For latest authorized strength, vacancies, demographics: Wilmington Police Department (302-576-3600) or wilmingtonde.gov/police. Annual reports provide detailed breakdowns.