St. Augustine Police Chief Jennifer Michaux has announced she will retire next month, concluding a 30-year tenure with the St. Augustine Police Department.
Michaux joined the force in 1995 and advanced through a wide range of roles, including Training Sergeant, Internal Affairs Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Commander, and Administration Commander.
Her background also includes work as a traffic homicide investigator, defensive tactics instructor, and field training officer. She was also instrumental in launching SAPD’s accreditation initiative before taking the department’s top role.
In 2021, under then–City Manager John Regan, Michaux made history as the first woman appointed to lead the city’s police department.
During her four years at the helm, she oversaw changes aimed at improving public safety and internal operations, including the consolidation of dispatch services with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
She also spearheaded a downtown bike unit, expanded foot patrols in the historic district, and introduced the department’s first nightlife manager to address late-night quality-of-life concerns.
City Manager David Birchim praised Michaux’s long-standing service to St. Augustine.
“Chief Michaux has served our community for 30 years with dedication and commitment to protecting our residents, business owners and visitors, keeping order in the Historic Downtown district, and maintaining a strong department with dedicated officers and staff.” Birchim said. “We wish Chief Michaux the very best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Michaux expressed gratitude for her three decades with the department, calling the opportunity to serve “a true honor” and voicing confidence in SAPD’s continued success.
Michaux holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Flagler College, is a graduate of the Florida Leadership Academy, and is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served as a Petty Officer and loadmaster.
