Scott Hammonds

2025 • Brought the DARE program back into Beaufort County Schools with two newly certified DARE instructors. Through engaging lessons and open conversations, DARE empowers students with the knowledge and skills they need to make safe and responsible choices — both in and out of the classroom. • Enhanced our K-9 program with the addition of a third full-service patrol K9 unit, led by a skilled handler. This further enhances our abilities of community safety through proactive policing. • Created a Marine Patrol Unit, enhancing the agencies search and rescue capabilities on the waterways of Beaufort County. The vessel was purchased through a grant, facilitated by State Senators Jim Perry and Bob Brinson. Crew members are certified through the U.S. Coast Guard approved BOSAR (Boat Operator Search and Rescue) training. • Expanded the Drone Team by adding three additional FAA Part 107 Certified drone pilots. This increases capabilities and ensures drone operators are available when they are needed and they have the support of additional drone operators during an operation. 2024 • Enhanced our law enforcement capabilities with the introduction of two full-service patrol K9 units, each led by skilled handlers. This strategic move, funded through equitable sharing initiatives, bolsters our commitment to community safety and proactive policing. • Underwent a comprehensive overhaul of our 911 Communications Center, incorporating cutting-edge technology and ergonomic design to streamline emergency response operations. This transformation ensures swift and efficient handling of critical calls, maximizing our ability to safeguard the community during times of need. • Stats • Over 98,700 calls received through the Sheriff’s Communication Center. • Deputies responded to over 11,700 calls for service. • 462 felony cases were investigated by deputies. • BCSO personnel have cumulatively completed over 1,500 hours of training • The detention center processed and housed over 1,623 inmates with an average daily population of 58. 2023 • Implemented enticing salary boosts to match and surpass those offered by neighboring agencies, we've successfully cultivated an environment where top-tier talent chooses to stay and thrive with us. • Elevated community engagement through dynamic monthly town hall gatherings spanning the county, offering residents invaluable face-to-face interactions with Sheriff Hammonds and our esteemed command staff, empowering them to voice concerns, share insights, and foster stronger ties with law enforcement. • Implemented upgrades and renovations to our Jail Control Room aimed at improving efficiency. These enhancements provide our team with better tools and a more functional workspace to ensure effective oversight within our facilities. • Boosted operational efficiency by mandating investigator response to all overdose deaths and structure fires, ensuring thorough investigation and timely resolution of critical incidents. • Launched the ACE of Hearts initiative, prioritizing support and protection for our most vulnerable populations: Animals, Children, and the Elderly. This comprehensive program underscores our dedication to safeguarding those who need it most and fostering a compassionate community. • Enactment of the 10-90 program which requires all sworn personnel to stop at schools and conduct a security check during their tour of duty. Deputies also follow the buses during their Patrol Shifts to ensure students safety. • Enhanced the visibility of the Sheriff’s Office by changing patrol vehicle color schemes. • Added responsiveness by supplying Viper portable radios to every school including private schools along with training the school staff in their use. • Worked extensively with the BOC and the BOE to return deputies as SROs into all county schools. • Establishment of the Sheriff’s Response Team (SRT) consisting of members who passed a rigorous selection process. Team members are issued specialized equipment and advanced training to respond to any high-risk situations. • Created a Sheriff’s Sub Station in the Town of Aurora’s vacant police department building. This was with the assistance and request of the citizens and local government of Aurora and the Richland Township. • Coordinated with Senator Perry and Representative Kidwell to secure funding for a vessel to aid in public safety on the miles of rivers, and tributaries within Beaufort County. • Integration of Beaufort County Emergency Management and Washington Fire and EMS into Communications 911 CAD and Mapping software to enhance emergency response by all first responders. Which also cuts dispatch times for 911 when mutual aid is necessary. • Established a dedicated community watch liaison, to help community watch organizations create and grow their organizations. • Rolled out the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office app, this has increased communication to the public and offers real time safety updates around the county. As well as implementing a new tip system that is sent directly to the Sheriff’s Office. • Stats 2023 • Over 25,000 calls received through the Sheriff’s Communication Center. • Deputies responded to over 11,000 calls for service. • 400 felony cases were investigated by deputies. • BCSO personnel have cumulatively completed over 3,900 hours of training (2023) • The detention center processed and housed over 1100 inmates during 2023 with an average daily population of 60. • We will continue to develop positive relationships with our federal, state, and local law Enforcement partners. 2022 • Scott Hammonds elected Sheriff of Beaufort County.