Scott Hammonds

Sheriff Scott Hammonds was raised in Beaufort County, where he spent his early childhood. He later graduated from Southern Nash High School in 1984. In 2009, he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Beaufort Community College and was honored to be included on the Dean's List.

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Sheriff Hammonds joined the North Carolina Army National Guard in 1985, eventually rising to the rank of Military Police First Sergeant. He later received the Long Leaf Pine Award for over thirty years of distinguished service.

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Sheriff Hammonds began his law enforcement career in 1993 as a part-time police officer in Chocowinity. In 1994, he became a part-time Deputy at the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Nelson Sheppard, a role he held until 1996. During this time, he also became a Senior Driver License Examiner before accepting a position with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) as a Size and Weight Law Enforcement Officer. In 2003, Hammonds joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), where he served for 16 years before retiring as a Sergeant.

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In 2022, Scott was elected Sheriff of Beaufort County. Since taking office, Sheriff Hammonds has implemented the A.C.E. of Hearts initiative, which aims to combat crime against our most vulnerable community members: animals, children, and the elderly. 
Additional improvements include the creation of a special operations division, which oversees narcotics enforcement, the Sheriff’s Response Team, and drone operations. The Sheriff’s Response Team will be deployed for high-risk situations, emergency responses within the community, and search and rescue missions. 
There has also been an upgrade of the camera system and a technology overhaul at the county detention center. Additionally, partnerships have been established with Beaufort County Schools to enhance safety and ensure a prompt response time from law enforcement officials.

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Sheriff Hammonds lives with his wife, Sarah, who works at the Administrative Office of the Courts in Beaufort County.

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Sheriff Hammonds is committed to delivering the highest level of service and protection to the more than 44,500 citizens of Beaufort County. He invites every citizen to engage with him as part of his open-door policy. For any inquiries or to speak with him, please contact his office at (252) 946-7111.