Chief Dougherty worked his way up the ranks, serving in multiple capacities along the way, a journey that has garnered the respect of the organization and community he loves. Along the way, Chief Dougherty served in the Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Crime Prevention, Police Training and Personnel, and the Internal Affairs Divisions. Additional service includes Keith’s tenure as a member of the Baytown SWAT Team during which he graduated from the FBI Sniper School as an experienced Sharpshooter. Chief Dougherty is also a state certified Police Instructor, Polygraph Examiner and Hypnotist.
Having served effectively in every rank, Chief Dougherty gained a clear vision of the needs of the organization that enabled him to lead the department into the 21st century. In May of 2008, Chief Dougherty was officially sworn in as Chief of Police for the Baytown Police Department and has served in that capacity for the past 13 years, making him the longest serving Police Chief in the Department’s history.
Chief Dougherty has led the Baytown Police Department with great honor and distinction. A visionary by nature, he led the Department to the forefront of technology, including the implementation of in-car computers and cameras, tasers, and body worn cameras. Under his leadership, the Baytown Police Department has been recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police as an agency that operates at the highest internationally recognized industry standards. He created a culture with a focus on community engagement and officer training. A true “working chief,” Keith routinely patrolled the streets and was often seen backing up officers on calls or rolling through the community interacting with citizens.
A tireless advocate for training, Chief Dougherty himself never stopped learning, earning a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the American Military University. He also graduated from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Unit Commanders Academy, as well as the 226th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
Chief Dougherty gave back to the community by serving as an Adjunct Professor with Lee College, President of the Lee College Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, Board member of the Child Advocacy for at Risk Children, board member for Community in Schools with Goose Creek Consolidated School District, and as a member of the Team in Training Cycle Group. In his “spare time,” he helped raise money for Leukemia research. In the 1980s, Chief Dougherty began what is now known as The Blue Santa Program, pooling money with a handful of other officers to buy underprivileged children gifts for Christmas. He donated time as a soccer referee, soccer coach, basketball coach, baseball coach and started Troop 44 of the Boy Scouts of America which would eventually merge with Troop 93.
“Beyond the great friendship he extended to me, Keith has been to me an example of leadership, kindness, and professionalism,” said City Manager Rick Davis. “The entire community is better because he came to Baytown, and his legacy and imprint on our community are secured. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to this fine man.”
Chief Dougherty has served in many leadership roles throughout his 40-year career, including President of the Baytown Municipal Police Association, President of the Houston Area Police Chief Association, Director of the Houston Area Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, President of the Texas Chapter of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, and President of The Texas Association of Investigative Hypnosis.
Chief Dougherty’s leadership will be greatly missed by all who served with and under him throughout the years as he now ventures into the next chapter of his life. City Manager Rick Davis has announced the appointment of Assistant Chief Mike Holden as Interim Chief, effective February 1, 2021. The City will engage this year in a national search for Chief Dougherty’s permanent successor.
“I appreciate the dedicated service Chief Dougherty has performed throughout this career while serving our community,” said Mayor Brandon Capetillo. “I wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.
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