DSP Capt. Robert M. Coupe Named Superintendent Of Delaware State Police

Today Governor Jack A. Markell joined Lewis D. Schiliro, Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, to announce the appointment of Captain Robert M. Coupe as Superintendent of the Delaware State Police.

Col. Coupe, 46, assumes command of the State’s largest police agency following the retirement of Col. Thomas F. MacLeish. Col. Coupe, a 24-year veteran of the State Police, most recently served as the Troop 2 Criminal Investigative Unit Commander since May 2006.

“The Delaware State Police is an exceptionally good law enforcement agency. Robert Coupe has the type of leadership style and wealth of experience to put himself in the shoes of the troopers he commands and the Delawareans he serves,” Markell said. “Col. Coupe will bring great energy to this critical position, and not only is he up to the task of filling Col. MacLeish’s shoes, he is ready and able to make several strides forward in them.”

“Col. Coupe is a highly qualified and experienced leader who will honor the sacred trust bestowed upon him as the new leader of the Delaware State Police. I have full faith and confidence in his ability to lead the Delaware State Police and to serve the citizens of our State. His expansive knowledge of the organization and his commitment to the men and women of the Delaware State Police will provide leadership founded on integrity, compassion and justice,” said Sec. Schiliro.

“As with most service oriented careers the greatest challenge is to never lose sight of why you entered that career, never lose your passion for the mission, and never give up on the cause. As a Delaware State Trooper I have been blessed with working with some of the finest men and women who make up the civilian and sworn members of the Division,” said Col. Coupe. “Their commitment and dedication continue to inspire me to serve the citizens of this State. I graciously accept the responsibility of the Colonel’s position and pledge my commitment to serve with dignity and honor befitting the integrity of the Division.”

Col. Coupe joined the DSP ranks in 1985 and has served as Troop Commander, Internal Affairs Investigator, Homicide Detective, Training Officer at the DSP Training Academy and a member of the DSP Honor Guard Unit. In addition, Col. Coupe is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy—the West Point of law enforcement.

In 2001, Col. Coupe received the Exceptional Performance Award for his role in helping to create the DSP Pipes and Drums. He still performs with the band as a bagpiper. He also earned the Life Saving Award in 1996 for coming to the aid of a suicidal subject.

Col. Coupe, a St. Mark’s High School graduate, resides in Claymont with his wife, Pamela. He is the proud father of two children, Jocelyn and Tyler.