In 1738 the title of the principal law officer of Beaufort County was changed from Provost Marshal to Sheriff, or High Sheriff. “Pursuant to late law,” Wm. Ormond was appointed as the first Sheriff of Beaufort County. Since then, court records indicate there have been eleven Sheriffs elected to the office, including Sheriff Scott Hammonds.

Beaufort County has observed significant changes in policing styles and law enforcement services over the past few decades. To remain proactive, the agency maintains a full service law enforcement agency that is divided into 7 divisions that include Patrol, Administration, Investigations, Telecommunications, Special Operations, Support Services and Detention.

If you have any historical photos of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office please contact us at 252-946-7111.

Content Source: Beaufort County: Two Centuries of Its History, Page 224: https://digital.lib.ecu.edu/16840