FROM THE CHIEF
On behalf of the hard working Officers of the Dover Police Department, I would like to thank you for visiting our website. The men and women of our agency are proud to serve a diverse and thriving city in the heart of Delaware. Within our website you will find useful and interesting information about our members, the department and the various services we provide to the citizens of Dover.
The Dover Police Department is an accredited law enforcement agency and the primary provider of law enforcement services in the State’s Capital. With an authorized strength of 101 officers, the Dover Police Department protects a city encompassing more than 40 square miles, nearly 40,000 residents, and an untold number of visitors each year. The Officers and Civilian staff work together to fulfill the organizational mission and handle over 40,000 calls for service each year.
The most valuable resource of the Dover Police Department is each individual employee. They are the most critical asset in the effort to meet our agency goals. But like any public safety organization, we cannot do it alone. We sorely need the ongoing commitment and active engagement of our citizen stakeholders. Through healthy community relationships, we will pursue a team-oriented approach to better serve the members of our community. We invite you to become involved with the Dover Police Department and assist us in solving crime as well as addressing quality of life issues. Our Officers desire to work more closely with community members in an effort to strengthen trust, improve safety and reduce crime in the City of Dover.
The Dover Police Department is always looking for enthusiastic, motivated, and energetic people of excellent character and integrity to join our agency. Policing is one of the most challenging; but also one of the most satisfying career choices available to anyone who truly wants to make a difference. If you would like to become a member of our family and be part of a top law enforcement organization as an officer, or member of the professional staff, please contact the department’s Planning and Training Unit.
We intend for this website to be an avenue in which the police department can be a resource, exercise transparency and keep citizens informed. I also encourage you to visit our website often, as well as our social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Chief Thomas A. Johnson, Jr.
Chief Johnson was sworn in as the 15th Chief of Police of the Dover Police Department on February 13th, 2020. Chief Johnson served with the Upper Darby Police Department from 1996 until his appointment. During his career he worked as a patrol officer and detective as he rose through the ranks to Captain where he ultimately served stints as the commanding officer of the Administration, Training and Detective Divisions. At the time of his departure, he was the UDPD Chief Hostage and Crisis Negotiator, the OIC of the Accident Investigation Unit, the Highway Patrol, and the Active Shooter Rescue Task Force as well as serving as the Director of the Eastern Delaware County DUI Task Force.
Prior to his law enforcement service, Chief Johnson served as a career paramedic and a volunteer firefighter in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. He has an Associate’s Degree in Emergency Management and Planning from Delaware County Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Administration from Neumann University, and a Master’s Degree in Law Enforcement and public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. He maintains an affiliation with Delaware County Community College, Bucks County Community College and Penn State University as an instructor in public safety topics.