The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is proud to provide a K-9 Unit to serve as a useful tool in protecting lives and aiding in the safety of our community.  K-9 teams work seven days a week and are available twenty-four hours a day throughout the year.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit consists of four Patrol/Narcotic Detection Dog teams assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division.  The K-9 Unit assists and supports uniformed patrol officer while patrolling New Hanover County.  The duties of a K-9 team include responding to alarms, armed robberies, fleeing suspects and response to illegal drugs, weapons, or high incident calls for service.  In addition, through a screening of the Sheriff, the K-9 Unit conducts public demonstrations within our school system and correctional facilities.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office utilizes the German shepherd breed as working dogs.  Currently, all of our dogs are imported from the Slovak Republic in Europe .  Each dog is screened and selected based on the dogs prey and defense drive, keen sense of smell, and genetic line.

Each K-9 team is a member of the United States Police Canine Association.  The U.S.P.C.A. provides certifications, training seminars, and guidelines for a standard level of training. (www.uspcak9.com)

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit conducts in-service training once a week for the K-9 teams.  The training is often conducted at the five acre Sheriff’s Office K-9 Facility, which is set up based on the U.S.P.C.A. standards.  Other K-9 in-service training is conducted in the field throughout New Hanover County