Career
Mullen began his life in New London, Connecticut, where after graduating from Central Connecticut State College (Bachelor of Science 1962) he served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957. He became a police officer in New London, before being appointed as a Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in 1962. Service with the Drug Enforcement Administration 1981-1985
In June 1981, Mullen was designated Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration. However, it was not until 21 January 1982 that President Ronald Reagan announced his intention to nominate Mullen as Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator, succeeding Peter Bensinger.
Mullen served in an acting capacity from July 1981 until he was confirmed by the United States. Senate on 30 September 1983 and sworn in as the Drug Enforcement Administration"s third Administrator on 10 November 1983.
He served until 1 March 1985. Mullen began his term at a time when the tremendous impact of drug abuse was being felt across the United States.
The problem was especially acute in southern Florida, where unprecedented levels of drug-related violence accompanied the cocaine transit routes of the Colombian cartels. lieutenant was clear to the Reagan Administration that United States. drug fighting agencies needed help.
During Mullen"s service at the Drug Enforcement Administration, the number of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agents jumped from 1,941 in 1980 to 2,234 in 1985.
This also saw the budget jump from $206.6 million in 1980 to $362.4 million in 1985. He made this policy official in a July 14 memo to Drug Enforcement Administration employees: "On policy, strategy and tactical levels, your cooperation with other agencies in all current and future Drug Enforcement Administration efforts is hereby ordered."
After retiring from Drug Enforcement Administration on 1 March 1985, Mullen became the director of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Commission in Uncasville, Connecticut at the Mohegan Sun Casino. He has since retired from that position.