About Us

Bureau of Law Enforcement

Undersheriff: John F. Dempsey
Chief: Carol A. Ackerman

The duties which come under the auspices of the Bureau of Law Enforcement—many of which are directly and specifically mandated by New Jersey law—are as extensive as they are varied. For example, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office provides courthouse security, transports inmates admitted or sentenced to other county or state institutions, serves process papers and domestic violence temporary restraining orders, and handles foreclosures.

Sheriff’s officers have full police powers and in addition to the foregoing examples, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office operates a number of specialized units to support and augment municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. These include a crime scene unit, crime and photo labs, a K-9 Unit, a Bomb Squad, a Warrant Unit and an Emergency Response Unit which handles everything from hostage situations to search and rescue work.

Divisions within the Bureau of Law Enforcement

Administration Division

As its name indicates, the Division oversees the day-to-day administrative operations of the Bureau. This includes the development of all rules, regulations and policies, management of the computer system, agency training, internal affairs and coordination of supplemental services to outside agencies.

Legal Services Division

The Legal Services Division is responsible for the service and enforcement of legal documents. This includes everything from Summons and Complaints to writs, subpoenas and temporary restraining orders (TROs) issued by the Superior Court as a result of domestic violence. Officers also apprehend wanted individuals whose warrants are issued by Superior Court, as well as warrants received from other law enforcement agencies.

This Division is also involved with evictions, wage claims, levies, sales of impounded/abandoned vehicles and Sheriff’s sales.

Protective Services Division

The Protective Services Division’s primary responsibility is for the safety of all personnel, visitors, and individuals in custody, in and about the courthouse complex. The transportation of inmates to and from court, medical facilities, correctional institutions and other places as ordered by the courts or other lawful authority is also the responsibility of this Division.

Special Services Division

The Special Services Division is comprised of the following three units:

Crime/Photo Lab

The Crime and Photo Labs provide evidence processing for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies operating within Morris County. Some of the many services it provides include developing and printing photographic film, video enhancement and duplicating, fingerprint development, ballistics, tool mark comparisons, and serial number restoration.

K-9 Unit/Bomb Squad

This Unit is a specialized team of Sheriff’s officers who use highly trained dogs to perform services such as search and rescue operations, narcotics and arson detection and fugitive tracking. Working in tandem with the Bomb Squad, this unit also responds to explosive emergencies for purposes of bomb detection and disposal. When time permits, the K-9 Unit provides demonstrations, lectures and educational programs for school children as well as the general public.

Criminal Investigations

This Unit is multifaceted and provides expert personnel for a range of investigative procedures including crime scene processing, evidence collection and preservation, and fingerprint analysis.