Alumnus Reflects on Four Decades of Protecting the Public

Joseph Dooley ’83 has served as chief of two police departments during his nearly 40-year career in law enforcement, which began while he was still an undergraduate student at the University of New Haven.

February 21, 2020

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Joseph Dooley ’83 was just seven years old when he realized he wanted to be a police officer when he grew up.

He still remembers when a police officer gave a presentation at his elementary school, something he calls a “defining moment” that made him realize he wanted to dedicate his life to criminal justice and public service.

As a student at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Dooley was a member of the Milford Police Explorer program, which enabled him to gain important experience and build relationships with professionals in the field who became mentors. He then enrolled at the University of New Haven as a criminal justice major.

“Attending the University of New Haven was clearly one of the best decisions I’ve made,” said Dooley, who earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. “The University provided an environment that connected me with those who were pursuing the same career goal and professors who taught theory and practical applications.”

As a student, Dooley worked as a part-time police dispatcher at the Orange, Conn. Police Department. Before long, he decided he wanted to become a federal agent. Since he would first need local or state law enforcement experience, he began taking local police exams.

"Attending the University of New Haven was clearly one of the best decisions I’ve made."Joseph Dooley ’83

In January 1981 – while still a student – he was accepted into the Milford Police Academy. He later accepted a position as a police officer with the Orange Police Department and was sworn in the following June.

Continuing his studies as a part-time student, Dooley graduated two years later. One of his favorite memories was taking a class with Dr. Henry C. Lee, a world-renowned forensic scientist and expert who founded the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science.

“His lectures were fascinating, and I knew I was learning from the best,” said Dooley, who attended the FBI National Academy’s 148th Session in 1987. “When I look back on those years, I feel very fortunate to have been instructed by Dr. Lee. He has been very helpful to me and to my departments during my career.”

Rising through the ranks, Dooley became chief of police in 2002. After leaving the Orange Police Department in 2006, Dooley accepted a position with Southern Connecticut State University’s police department, where he is now chief of police and director of public safety. He leads more than two dozen sworn officers, and he says his mission has remained the same. An active member of the community, Dooley is part of several professional organizations, including the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.

“The best part of my job is the ability to truly help people in need and, hopefully, improve the quality of life for the community,” said Dooley, who earned his MBA at Southern in 2010. “I truly believe it is very noble profession.”