In his position as Police Chief, Matthew Doughney is responsible for providing the overall leadership and management of the Police Department. The Police Chief ensures the highest level of professionalism of police service which is responsive to the concerns and expectations of the community. He is also responsible for the management functions of controlling, planning, organizing, supervising, and staffing for the department.
Matthew P. Doughney was sworn in as the Flagler Beach Police Department’s Captain on November 4, 2013. Born in Rockville Centre, New York, he is a 3rd generation Police Officer and a veteran of the United States Air Force; having served in Louisiana, Belgium and North Dakota.
Chief Doughney progressed through the ranks of the Daytona Beach Police Department, retiring as a Police Captain in May 2008, culminating a nineteen plus year career. While at the Daytona Beach Police Department Chief Doughney received the 2000 Bernard Schneider Award (Officer of the Year), 2000 Elks Club Volusia County Officer of the Year and the 2000 Florida Police Chiefs Association Officer of the Year – 1st Runner Up. Chief Doughney served as the Chief of Police for the City of Avon Park, Florida between May 2008 and March 2010 and he worked with troubled youth at Stewart-Marchman-Act Corporation from August 2010 through November 2013.
Chief Doughney is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of the 108th Administrative Officers Course held at the University of Louisville and is the recipient of the schools B. Edward Campbell award for leadership.
Chief Doughney is a member of Volusia/Flagler Police Chiefs Association, he enjoys patrolling our City on his police bicycle or police motorcycle.
Responsibilities of the Police Chief
- Directs, plans, and coordinates the enforcement of the penal divisions of the City Charter
- Is responsible for testifying before the Mayor and the City Commissioners
- During a state of emergency, such as a natural disaster in the city, the Police Chief, along with other city leaders, assumes a leadership role in planning, coordinating and directing all activities aimed at returning conditions to normal.
- Has the responsibility and authority for the management direction and control of the operations and administration of the department and to provide efficient and effective police service to the citizens of Flagler Beach.