CHIEF OF POLICE

Jonathan Delaney

Chief Jonathan Delaney started his law enforcement career with the Dover Police Department on January 1, 2009. Prior to being hired, he attended and graduated as an Alternate Route recruit from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in 2008. While attending the police academy, he was also simultaneously listed on the civil service list for the Town of Dover, which he was successfully hired from.

Chief Delaney holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Public Administration from Centenary University, a Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies from Montclair State University and an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the County College of Morris. Prior to attending college, he grew up in the Town of Dover and graduated from the Dover Public School system.  Upon graduating, he also volunteered his time as a recreation soccer coach to the local youth.

During his law enforcement career, Chief Delaney was promoted through the ranks and served as a Police Officer, Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant, Police Captain, and Deputy Chief of Police. During this time he was also a certified Field Training Officer, Juvenile Officer, and Accredtiation Manager.  

In 2018 he was nominated by his peers and awarded the “Officer of the Year” award for exceptional service to the community and police department. At the beginning of 2020, he was designated as the Officer-in-Charge of the Dover Police Department overseeing the day-to-day operations. After being in charge for over a year, he was officially promoted to the rank of "Chief of Police" in April of 2021.  

 Throughout his career, Chief Delaney has earned numerous designations including being awarded the designation of Accredited Chief Executive (A.C.E.) by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police and the designation of Certified Public Manager (C.P.M.) from the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.

Chief Delaney has also successfully completed numerous advanced leadership training programs including the West Point Command & Leadership Academy, the prestigious Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC #480) and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association trilogy program to name a few.  

Chief Delaney currently serves on the Executive Board for the Morris County Police Chiefs Association. He is also an active and vocal participant in the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Dover Rotary Club,  and many more.

He is also the proud father of three daughters and a dedicated family man.

Chief Delaney is a proponent of Community Outreach initiatives and has instituted numerous programs and events including the annual Dover Night Out, the Junior Police Academy, the Walk & Talk Initiative,  an Internship program, Coffee with Cops, Prescription Drop Box, community education programs for residents and more.