Matthew Downing — Instructor Profile

About Matthew Downing

Matthew Downing began his career in 2002 with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, serving in detention operations before transitioning to patrol. During his tenure, he served as a SWAT team member and Detective, gaining extensive experience in detention operations, patrol, tactical response, and criminal investigations.
In 2017, he joined the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office as a Detective and was promoted through the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant. After returning to patrol operations in 2023, he was promoted to Captain in 2024 and assigned as Operations Commander of the Hill-Finklea Detention Center.
He oversees the daily operations of a large detention facility housing more than 450 inmates and supervises approximately 100 detention deputies and civilian staff members. His responsibilities include detention operations, inmate safety and security, personnel management, emergency preparedness, and staff development. He is also an instructor with the agency, helping to guide and mold deputies on various topics.
He is a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA leadership program, earning the Trilogy Award, and the FBI Command College. Captain Downing holds both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice from Charleston Southern University and maintains active memberships in the South Carolina Jail Administrators Association and the American Jail Association.