July 14, 2026, 1:40 p.m. ET
- Wilmington Mayor John Carney hired the person who led a statewide program to run a new safety office in Wilmington.
- He hired John Cook, who directed Group Violence Intervention.
- Cook has 17 years in public service. The city said he has served almost 500 individuals at risk of violence.
Wilmington Mayor John Carney has his man to direct community safety initiatives in the city.
Carney announced John Cook as the director of the mayor’s Office of Community Safety on July 14. Cook led the state’s Group Violence Intervention program, which Carney spearheaded as Delaware’s governor in 2019. Cook has served more than 480 people through the program, the city’s announcement said.
“John Cook has years of on-the-ground experience serving Wilmington communities through group violence prevention work,” Carney said in the announcement. “His leadership and insight will be critical in effectively bringing together community partners and first responders, and in sustaining our whole-city approach to public safety.”
The Office of Community Safety aims to coordinate organizations that work on the ground to prevent and intervene in violence. It will address what Carney described as crime “hotspots” throughout the city. These street corners and city blocks include the Adams corridor in West Center City and the East Side’s Shearman Street, as examples.
Progress has been made, with 2025 having the least amount of homicides in decades – 20. So far in 2026, there have been five homicides and one fatal officer-involved shooting.
The office’s creation was announced in February, and its budget is about $654,000, according to Carney’s office.
Carney made the announcement as trust in public safety is tenuous after the police-involved shooting in Northeast Wilmington that killed 19-year-old Kadir Skinner, who was shot as he fled from police. Police said they recovered a loaded firearm from him, which they said he pointed toward a crowd. The incident is under investigation by the state Department of Justice and city agencies.
In the July 14 announcement, Cook said public safety is built on trust, collaboration and a “shared commitment to our community.”
“I am honored to serve as Wilmington’s Director of Community Safety and look forward to working alongside residents, community organizations, first responders, and our government partners to build on the important work already underway,” Cook said in the announcement. “Together, we can create safer neighborhoods and expand opportunities for every resident.”
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos welcomed Cook in the announcement, saying he looks forward to working with him in this new role.
“Having worked closely with John Cook through his leadership of the Group Violence Intervention program, I have had the chance to witness firsthand his commitment and passion around preventing violence and uplifting our community,” he said.
Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com.
