Sheriff Scott Hammonds was raised in Beaufort County living his early childhood here, until later graduating from Southern Nash High School in 1984. A graduate of Beaufort Community College in 2009, with a Associate of Applied Sciences in Criminal Justice technology, as well as being a part of the Deans list.

Sheriff Hammonds joined the North Carolina Army National Guard in 1985, where he would go on to become a Military Police First Sergeant. Scott would later go on to receive the Long leaf pine award for 32 years of decorated service.

Sheriff Hammonds began his public law enforcement career in 1993 as a part time Chocowinity police officer. Scott then went on to become a part time Deputy here at the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Nelson Sheppard in 1994 until 1996. During this time he became a Senior Driver License Examiner, before taking a position with the the NCDMV as a Size and Weight Law Enforcement Officer. In 2003 Hammonds went on to join the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) were he served 16 years before retiring as a Sergeant.

In 2022 Scott was elected Sheriff of Beaufort County. Since being elected, Sheriff Hammonds has instituted the A.C.E. of Hearts initiative, which helps combat crime against our most vulnerable community members : Animals, Children, and Elderly. Additional improvements : include the creation of the 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 danger services, emergency response within the community, and search and rescue. As well as an upgraded camera system and technology overhaul in the county detention center. As well as partnering with the Beaufort County Schools to enhance safety and to ensure the greatest response time from Law Enforcement Officials.

Sheriff Hammonds lives with his wife Sarah, who is an employee of the Administrative office of the courts, here in Beaufort County.

Sheriff Hammonds vows to provide the highest level of service and protection to the 44,500 plus citizens of Beaufort County. Sheriff Hammonds extends an open invitation to every citizen to speak with him as part of his open door policy, contact his office at (252)946-7111.

Honors and Affiliations

  • Army National Guard Recruit, 1985
  • Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate, 1993,  North Carolina Justice Academy
  • 2009 Graduate of Beaufort Community College
  • 2009 Advance Law Enforcement Certificate through North Carolina Justice Department
  • North Carolina Highway Patrol First Line Supervisor Certified
  • North Carolina Highway Patrol Field Training Supervisor Certified
  • United States Air Force Honor Guard Certified
  • United States Coast Guard Captain License (OUPV) 6-pack, 2018
  • North Carolina Department of Justice Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate
  • Certified Advance Scuba Diving Certification with emergency response diver processes in Public Safety Role (Emergency Response Diving International)
  • Awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award by the Governor of North Carolina in 2017. This award is the highest honor the Governor can bestow to a citizen of North Carolina.
  • Military Leadership Course completion : Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non commissioned Officer common course, Advanced Non commissioned Officer Course, and First Sergeant Leadership Course.
  • Deployments: Operations Desert Storm 1991, Kosovo 2004, Iraq Freedom 2010-2011.
  • Awarded two Meritorious Service Medals while active in the National Guard.
  • Currently holds a General Instructor Certification with the North Carolina Justice Academy
  • Member of The Washington Rotary Club
  • Paul Harris Award Recipient. 2023
  • 2024 Graduate of Sheriff’s Institute
  • Appointed to the Southern Albemarle Association.