By Stefanie Jackson
David Doughty Jr. is seeking a third term as Northampton County sheriff. His career with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office has spanned 25 years to date, beginning in 1994 when he became a jail deputy.
Doughty was promoted in 1996 to patrol deputy and in 1998 to criminal investigator. He was chief deputy from 2002 through 2010. Doughty was appointed sheriff Jan. 1, 2011, following the retirement of Sheriff Jack Robbins.
Doughty’s recent achievements include Project Lifesaver, which is used to locate individuals who are prone to wandering due to cognitive disorders.
Tip 411 enables citizens to send law enforcement anonymous tips during non-emergency situations using any device with cellular or internet service.
InForce 911, launched in partnership with Northampton County Public Schools, allows school staff using a desktop or laptop computer, tablet, or other mobile device to send law enforcement an emergency alert of an intruder or other active threat on school grounds.
The sheriff’s office is currently developing the Offender Re-Entry Program at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail. The program will assist eligible offenders to gain the skills they need to be successful citizens upon release. It is expected to launch this summer.
Doughty credits his staff with managing the programs available through the sheriff’s office. “Since being elected sheriff in 2011, I can reflect on the many things that we have accomplished as a department. This success is because of the hard work of my staff and the strong support we receive from the citizens.”
He commended his staff for pursuing additional education and training opportunities. “This provides a better service to our citizens.”
During his career, Doughty has earned law enforcement certifications in crime scene photography and evidence collection, homicide investigation, interviewing and interrogation, basic radar training, general instructor and firearms instructor training, Glock Armorers certification, and Sheriff’s Compensation Board training.
Doughty is a member of the Cape Charles Lions Club, Cape Charles Rotary Club, American Legion Post 56, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 62, Cheriton Volunteer Fire Company, and Cheriton Baptist Church.
He serves on the Eastern Shore Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board, Randy Custis Memorial Fund Board, Eastern Shore of Virginia 911 Commission, Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Eastern Shore Regional Jail Board. He is on the Virginia Sheriff’s Association By-Laws Committee and has served as its Region 10 director.
Doughty directs Region 13 of the Virginia Special Olympics Torch Run and has headed the Sheriff’s Office Charity Golf Tournament that raised thousands of dollars for the Riverside Hospice Fund and Randy Custis Memorial Fund in the past 17 years.
Doughty graduated from Northampton High School in 1989 and received his associate’s degree from Virginia Tech in 1991. He is married to longtime Northampton teacher Cathryn Doughty and is the son of Peggy and Paul Rogers, of Cape Charles, and the late David Doughty Sr., of Willis Wharf.
“I would like the citizens to know that we as a department will continue to work on our relationship with you and will be there for you in your time of need. Your support is a big part of how we are able to provide a safe place to live, work, play, and raise our families,” Doughty said.
“I would like to personally thank you for your support, past and future.”