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K-9 Unit

Our specialized K-9 Unit plays an important role in law enforcement by combining highly trained dogs with experienced handlers to enhance public safety across Orange County.

Our Team

 

  • Two full-time K-9 handlers

  • Available 24/7 for emergency response

  • Members of Special Response Team (SRT)
     

Specialized Services
 

Our handler-canine teams provide:

  • Narcotics detection

  • Suspect tracking and apprehension

  • Searches for missing children and cognitively impaired individuals

  • Evidence recovery

  • Building searches

  • Security sweeps

  • Support for detention facility operations

 

Advanced Training
 

Each K-9 team undergoes rigorous training in:

  • Obedience and control

  • Article and evidence detection

  • Narcotics identification

  • Human tracking

  • Search techniques

  • Missing person location

  • International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA) certified
     

Our K-9 Unit regularly assists surrounding law enforcement agencies and responds to calls throughout Orange County, providing critical support for complex operations and emergency situations.

 

Scroll down to learn more about our canines and to see a gallery of photos.

k-9
officerRIO

K-9 Officer Rio

is a 15 month old

Belgian Malanois.

Rio was born in the Czech Republic and is a smart and energetic dog.

K-9 officer Rio and handler
K-9 officer Ella, and handler

k-9
officerella

K-9 Officer Ella

is a 19 month old

Belgian Malanois.

Ella was born in the Czech Republic and is a calm​ and clever dog.

K-9 Unit Together
K-9 Rio and Handler
K-9 Rio and Handler Playing
K-9 Ella with Car
K-9 Ella
K-9 Rio and handler
K-9 Rio Running
K-9 Ella and handler
Major Josh Wood

Major
Josh
wood

Major Josh Wood (pictured to the left) leads the K-9 Unit.

Contact him with any questions:

Email: jwood@orangecountync.gov

Phone: (919) 245-2927

Our Locations:

Main Office:

106 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Detention Center:

1200 US-70, Hillsborough, NC 27278

​© 2025 Orange County Sheriff's Office, NC

EMERGENCY DIAL 911

Contact Us:

Main Office:

(919) 245-2900​

Detention Center:

(919) 245-2940

Informative banner with QR code to download Sheriff Office's Mobile App
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