About Us: Undersheriffs/Chiefs

Bureau of Law Enforcement

Undersheriff John F. Dempsey

After graduating from Madison High School, Undersheriff Dempsey enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon discharge, he joined the Madison Police Department. Two years into his stint as a patrolman, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office sought Dempsey out and offered him the opportunity to join its ranks as an undercover narcotics detective. During his 23-year career with the Prosecutor’s Office, Dempsey served in many different capacities, ultimately rising to the rank of deputy chief before departing for the Sheriff’s Office. Now in his 20th year as undersheriff in charge of the Bureau of Law Enforcement, Dempsey has proven himself as a strong manager and leader.

Undersheriff Dempsey has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in business. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is certified as a New Jersey Public Manager. He resides in Morris Township with his wife Denise.

Chief Carol A. Ackerman

Chief Carol A. Ackerman began her career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 1988. On December 30, 2008, she was sworn in as chief sheriff’s officer, becoming only the third officer to hold this rank since the inception of the Sheriff’s Office in 1739.

Chief Ackerman’s professional career included assignments in the Criminal Investigations section where she received court certification as an expert in handwriting analysis and fingerprint comparison. As the Sheriff’s Office accreditation manager, she led the agency to become the first sheriff’s office in New Jersey to receive national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.

In 2003, Carol was promoted to lieutenant and served as division commander for Protective Services. In 2007, she was promoted to captain where she supervised Protective Services and the Administration divisions.

A graduate of the County College of Morris, the FBI National Academy and certified as a New Jersey Public Manager, Chief Ackerman resides in Roxbury with her husband Steve and two daughters, Alexis and Andie.

Bureau of Corrections

Undersheriff John Kowalski

Undersheriff John Kowalski’s career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office began in March of 1989. John rose through the ranks in the Bureau of Corrections, being promoted to sergeant in September 2001, lieutenant in October 2002, captain in January 2012 and undersheriff in December 2012.

Throughout John’s career, his work has been vital to our Public Archives and Records Infrastructure Support Grant Program (PARIS) and he has served as our tactical baton instructor and correctional emergency response unit commander from 2003 to 2006.

John’s experience has also been an essential part of complying with the American Jail Association’s policies and procedures. John also has background and training as a first responder, and has trained in courses such as St. Clare’s Mental Health Issues of the Incarcerated, Budgeting for Law Enforcement Agencies as well as Ethics for Police Executives.

John’s vast career duties have included the supervision of the drafting and implementation of our policies and procedures in the areas of inspectional services, training, food service, records, quartermaster and medical department. He also plays an integral role in both our jail accreditation and medical accreditation from the American Correctional Association and National Commission of Correctional Health Care. In addition, John has also been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the jail facility.

Undersheriff Kowalski attended Morris Hills High School in Rockaway. In 2004, he attended Law Enforcement Command School and in 2005, he received his certification as a certified public manager from Fairleigh Dickinson University. John resides in Panther Valley with his fiancée and three children.