On July 1, 2020, Delaware State Police (DSP) Superintendent Colonel Nathaniel McQueen, Jr. announced his retirement. He begins serving as the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security July 13.

Colonel McQueen is the second-longest-serving Superintendent in the agency’s history, having served as DSP Superintendent since December 20, 2012.

Prior to joining the Delaware State Police in 1988, Colonel McQueen served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Holding true to the motto, “Semper Fidelis,” Colonel McQueen has remained loyal to what has been best for the citizens of and visitors to Delaware, as well as what has been best for the agency’s men and women, about whom he cares deeply.

Prior to becoming Superintendent, Colonel McQueen served in many leadership roles, including patrol Sergeant, detective Sergeant, Traffic Lieutenant, Criminal Lieutenant, Captain (Troop Commander) of Troops 9, 1, and 2. He promoted to the rank of Major for statewide operations, then New Castle County Operations, before being promoted to the rank of Colonel.

Colonel McQueen’s achievements include many items of direct service to the Delaware community. His accomplishments focus on improving the efficiency of business processes to advance public safety, and building transparency and trust.

As Superintendent, Colonel McQueen served on numerous boards and committees, including several executive councils. Their missions ranged from youth protection, criminal justice reform, combatting violence, domestic violence, and advisory boards for Delaware Tech Community College and Wilmington University.

Colonel McQueen holds his Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from Wilmington University and earned his Master of Science in Social Work from Delaware State University. Colonel McQueen is a graduate of the 209th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, the FBI National Executive Institute, and the Anti-Defamation League Counterterrorism Training.

Also extremely important to Colonel McQueen is his family with whom he resides in Bear, DE: his wife Freda S. McQueen, his son Nathaniel McQueen III, and his daughter Nayla J. McQueen.