Functions of the K9 Teams

– Narcotics- These K9 teams are used to detect narcotics, such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. During certification they were trained in vehicles, buildings, and outside searches.

– Tracking/Trailing- The K9 teams are also trained to track fleeing/hidden suspects. They also have the capability to be used for tracking potential missing individuals, such as elderly and juveniles, that have wandered off from their residences.

– Article Search- The K9 teams have the capacity to be used to search areas for articles that contain human scent. This can be used to locate potential evidence at crime scenes or discarded evidence by fleeing suspects.

– Building Search- The K9 teams can be used to search a building for potential hidden suspects to mitigate some potential danger to deputies when attempting to clear unknown space within a building or area.

– Apprehension- The K9 teams have been trained and have the capability to apprehend violent and dangerous suspects.

– Obedience- Through all these facets the K9 teams need to be able to be controlled and obedient. The K9 teams constantly train in obedience exercises from common commands, such as sits and downs to distance control through hand signals.

K9 Mya is a Belgian Malinois. She was imported from the Czech Republic. After she was selected by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, she and her handler began a Basic Patrol/Narcotics course through Orchard Knoll K9 located in Angier, NC. This course was a 14 week long course with 656 training hours. During this course, K9 Mya and her handler learned and trained in narcotics, tracking/trailing, article search, building search, apprehension, and obedience. They are also currently certified in narcotics, trailing, and article search through the International Police Work Dog Association. K9 Mya is a high energy dog that has a high ball drive and enjoys fetch during her free time.

K9 Rocky is a two year old Malinois. He was imported from Holland and brought to the United States to train as a working dog. K9 Rocky and his handler attended a Basic Patrol/Narcotics course through Orchard Knoll K9 located in Angier, NC. This 12 week course consisted of 600 training hours. During this course, K9 Rocky and his handler trained in Tracking/Trailing, Narcotics Detection, Article Searches, Criminal Apprehension, and Obedience. K9 Rocky is full of energy and an extremely work oriented K9. On his days off he can be found playing fetch with his handler or begging for treats.