K9 UNIT

The Scotland 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 and security of our Detention facility and community. K-9 teams work seven days a week and are available twenty four hours a day throughout the year. The Scotland County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit consist of three / Narcotic Detection Dogs.  Our three K-9 dogs are used on the Patrol, in the Detention Center and around the Courthouse. The duties of a K-9 team include responding to combative inmates, fights, searching for illegal drugs, and tracking escapees and missing persons. Each K-9 team is a member of the United States Law Enforcement Canine Association (USLECA). The USLECA provides certifications, training seminars, and guidelines for a standard level of training.  

The Scotland County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit conducts in-service training once a week for the K-9 teams. 

K-9 in-service training is conducted in the field throughout Scotland County. The K-9 unit provides a vital service to the Detention Facility with their special ability to provide services to increase the effectiveness of inmate control during riots and near riots situations and the detection and prevention of contraband within the facility. The unit also provides a high level of security for the well being of Scotland County citizens. 

The use of the Canine Unit in demonstrations, exhibitions, and special events opens lines of communication and understanding. The presence of the Canine Unit stimulates conversation and serves as a link between the officer and the community. There is also a significant psychological impact in the community given the presence of a Canine Deputy. The perception of increased security is readily apparent during peripheral conversations during demonstrations and special events.

Given the public perception and the tangible link established by the Canine Unit between the sheriff's office and the community, the Canine Deputy is expected to participate in demonstrations, special events, and other exhibitions. During these events, the Canine Deputy uses his/her dog to educate the community on its use; open a dialogue regarding canine operations and community expectations. The Canine Deputy is also expected to seize opportunities to use the dog to open communication lines and increase understanding and knowledge in the community on a daily basis.