ACPO Chief of County Investigators Daren J. Dooley retired July 31, 2019.

MAYS LANDING – ACPO staff said farewell on Wednesday, July 31 to Chief of County Detectives Daren J. Dooley, who retired after a 25-year career in law enforcement, 16 of those years as chief of detectives in the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. He is the longest tenured chief of county investigators in the state.

ACPO staff said goodbye to Chief Dooley with a retirement clap-out ceremony at the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office building on Wednesday afternoon.

Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner said Dooley set a “standard of excellence” all members of the agency should emulate.

“I want to personally thank him for his friendship and guidance over the past 2 ½ years of my term as prosecutor. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office would like to wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement. It is well earned,” Tyner said.

Dooley most recently commanded the Detective Division of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, which consists of investigations, litigation and administration.

Former Prosecutor Dooley Jeffrey S. Blitz promoted Dooley to chief in 2004. He served under former Atlantic County Prosecutors Theodore F.L. Housel, James P. McClain and Acting Prosecutor Diane M. Ruberton.

Dooley began his career in law enforcement in 1994, hired as an investigator in the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and worked in numerous units including litigation, financial crimes, major crimes, crimes against children, narcotics, administration, and as team leader of the emergency response team. He has held a variety of supervisory positions including sergeant, lieutenant and captain of county investigators, deputy chief and chief.

Dooley is a lifelong resident of Atlantic County. He is a graduate of Holy Spirit High School and holds a B.S. from Salisbury University, and a Master of Science degree in criminal justice administration from St. Joseph’s University. He is a graduate of the Atlantic County Police Academy and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Modified Basic Course for Investigators.

Dooley is also a graduate of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police West Point Command and Leadership Program and has served as an instructor for the program. Chief Dooley is a graduate of the 241st session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and has earned the designation of Certified Chief Law Enforcement Executive by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. He has also served as an instructor in the areas of firearms, chemical agents, officer survival, and interview and interrogation.

In addition to many memberships in professional law enforcement organizations, Dooley serves on various advisory boards, local community organizations and committees.