The Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit includes 8 handler and dog teams. Many of our K-9 teams are cross-trained to perform both generalist and narcotics detection functions. In addition to performing drug searches, they also can provide backup to deputies, locate suspects and victims, and find evidence at or near crime scenes

Generalist Police Dogs

Generalist police dog handlers and their partners attend a 12-week (480-hour) training course. At the course, the dog learns basic obedience and agility. Then, it is taught to locate and track human scent, to search areas and buildings for suspects or evidence, and to protect its handler. The handler learns to read and interpret the dog's body language and the noises the dog makes when it has discovered something and is on a track.

Narcotics Police Dogs

Narcotics police dog handlers and their partners attend a training course where the dog is trained to recognize and alert the handler to the presence narcotics.

Explosives Detection Dogs

Explosives detection dogs and their handlers are part of our bomb unit.