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On Monday, Dec. 4, I presented a request to the Beaufort County Commissioners seeking 12 School Resource Officer positions for the upcoming 2024/25 budget year. I am committed to working with the boards to get deputies back in Beaufort County Public Schools by July of 2024.

I, along with the staff of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, have taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of our schools by doing school security checks, observing school transportation system, and completing school security assessments on every school in Beaufort County.

Additionally, I authorized the distribution of surplus radios to each school in Beaufort County which allows the principal of each school to communicate directly with the Sheriff’s Office in the event of an emergency. Deputies have daily contact with the schools and ensure the radios are operational and address any training needs with administrators. I have been in continuous contact with the Beaufort County School Board, attending meetings, and ensuring our commitment to keeping our schools safe.

The decision to place deputies back into the schools as the primary law enforcement agency is in the hands of the Beaufort County School Board and Beaufort County Commissioners. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office will continue to support our schools as they move towards a final decision.

Scott Hammonds serves as Beaufort County Sheriff.