Dougil returns to GHPD after demotion, suspension

Decision comes after two-month internal investigation

Nate Hulings

of the Gateway

A patrol officer who was acquitted of felony perjury charges was reinstated Monday to the Gig Harbor Police Department.

Matthew Dougil waited out a two-month internal investigation following the end of his August trial before he returned to work under the condition of a four-week suspension and demotion. Dougil, who was formerly a sergeant for the department, returned as an officer.

During the course of the internal investigation, headed by an investigator from the Puyallup Police Department, Dougil admitted to violating several department policies.

Once the investigation ended, Gig Harbor Police Chief Mike Davis and Dougil reached an agreement for demotion.

“I believe the disciplinary actions we are taking related to Officer Dougil are in the best interests of fully restoring confidence in law enforcement in our community,” Davis said in a statement. “I have complete confidence in Officer Dougil and his ability to transition back to work and serve the citizens of our community faithfully and diligently.”

Dan Welch, guild president, also addressed the decision.

“Officer Dougil, with the best interests of the department in mind, took responsibility for his actions and accepted the discipline in order for the department to get back to the business of serving our citizens,” he said in a statement.

In August, a jury found Dougil not guilty of two counts of felony perjury charges and one misdemeanor count of making a false or misleading statement to a public official.

The events leading to Dougil’s acquittal began in 2006, when the sergeant began a drug investigation in Gig Harbor. By the time criminal charges were filed in 2008, the Pierce County Prosecutor alleged that Dougil did not allow a subordinate officer to complete routine searches of a car used by a confidential informant prior to two separate marijuana buys. Reports filed by Dougil said the searches were completed.

Dougil was put on paid administrative leave after the trial.

Reach Reporter Nate Hulings at 253-853-9243 or by e-mail at nate.hulings@gateline.com.