Our canines (K9s) are a crowd favorite and usually steal the hearts of adults and children as they participate in dozens of public demonstrations every year. However, these patrol dogs are trained to assist on every uniform patrol shift.

They are trained to locate, follow and alert on fresh human scent, which includes suspects who have walked, or run away from crime scenes or who have barricaded themselves in a building or house. The canines are also trained to protect the handler and to hold a violent or dangerous person from escaping. The K-9 team handlers are on-call 24 hours a day and train weekly to maintain proficiency. Prior to being deployed as a canine team, each handler and canine must complete handlers training and pass the Eastern State Working Dog Standard.

The Rockingham County Sheriff’s K-9 includes both imported and American breeds. Drug forfeiture monies pay for these dogs. Often, they are called upon to assist other law enforcement agencies within the area and have been responsible for some amazing narcotics finds. These K9s and their two legged partners train weekly to stay at the top of their game.