Sergeant Sean Hammett lives by the motto "Work hard and be nice to people," not just as a quote above his desk but as a personal mission at the Venice Police Department. In his role as the community outreach officer, Hammett touches the lives of diverse citizens, from young students to elderly residents in assisted living facilities and families in need, with his dedicated kindness.
“I feel like I’m blessed in the opportunity (because) it’s everything I love to do,” said Hammett, who coordinates and assists with programs such as "Classroom and Cops," “Blue Santa,” "Homeless Outreach," “Shop with a Cop,” "Employee Wellness," and the “Venice Shark Tooth Fishing Tournament.” Additionally, he actively engages with the community by riding around the city on his bike, addressing calls for assistance, and encountering people in need on a daily basis.
His extensive network and commitment enable him to connect individuals with the necessary services, resources, and donations to improve their quality of life. For instance, Miss Moyer–an elderly woman who transitioned from the streets to an assisted living facility–recently had her walker stolen. Through his efforts, the local Goodwill and Salvation Army provided needed bedding and clothing, while HEARTIS of Venice donated another walker.
Despite the challenging situations he encounters, including homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues, Hammett remains unfazed. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and rapport with each client, recognizing that it takes time to overcome past experiences with law enforcement or case managers.
Addressing the housing shortage in Sarasota County poses a significant challenge, but Hammett, together with Suncoast Partnership Case Manager Kasey Ledford, persistently seek innovative solutions, including reuniting individuals with their families and facilitating relocation to other states when necessary. Despite the few victories, Hammett finds fulfillment in the daily rewards of engaging with people and making a positive impact in their lives. “The victories in these things may be few, but I get rewards every day when I’m out there, talking with people,” he said.
Hammett's career trajectory reflects a journey of growth and commitment to public service. Starting in law enforcement in Georgia, he progressed from working in a jail to patrolling the streets and eventually becoming a detective specializing in child crimes. “No one else really wanted to investigate those. But I felt you could really make a difference. You are typically making a situation better for the child by taking them out of what is usually a horrendous situation, and you’re putting those criminals away,” he explained.
His move to Southwest Florida allowed him to pursue his passion for community policing and ultimately led him to Venice, where he found fulfillment in serving a diverse community near the beach.
Hammett's personal experiences, including living in Europe during his early years, the early loss of his father to a car accident, and the tragic loss of his younger brother to a fentanyl overdose in 2020, have shaped his empathetic approach to his work. He understands firsthand the impact of substance abuse on families, driving his dedication to helping others navigate similar challenges.
As Hammett continues his role as a staff sergeant overseeing community outreach, his empathy and dedication remain unwavering, ensuring that he continues to make a positive difference in the lives of those he serves.
As someone who daily reaches out to the Venice community, Hammett also is hoping that the community help give back. To that end, he is very proud of a just-completed effort to simplify donations to the community outreach programs he oversees. “To donate to our programs scan the QR code in the ad on page X,” he explained. The web page venicegov.com/government/police/community-programs will appear, where donations are now accepted even by credit card. Hammett explained, “A lot of people don’t know about our programs and this platform provides the opportunity to become more informed and, if so inclined, to make a donation.”
A Look at Venice Police Department Community Outreach Programs
- Classroom and Cops: Empowering youth through 'ADVANCE' program, fostering resilience and positive choices.
- Blue Santa: Spreading holiday cheer with toys and grocery support for local families.
- Shop with a Cop: Empowering youth with essential supplies and positive connections.
- Venice Shark Tooth Fishing Tournament: Uniting athletes with disabilities for camaraderie and adventure.
- Employee Wellness: Holistic wellness approach supports officers' mental, physical, and emotional health.
I get rewards every day when I’m out there talking with people.