K-9

The Sheriff’s K-9 team provides specialized law enforcement in the patrol environment by assisting in situations where the safety of officers or the general public is at risk.

Poinsett County currently has one handler and dog team.  The Poinsett County Sheriff’s Office utilizes the K-9 officer for various high-risk situations as building and open area searches, tracking of suspects, evidence location, search and rescue, and drug interdiction.  The canine is also trained to protect the handler and to hold a violent or dangerous person from escaping. The K-9 team member is on-call 24-hours a day.   

Although patrol work, narcotics detection, and maintenance training consume a major portion of the unit's time, the team frequently perform many other assignments, including demonstrations for children's groups, school events and community organizations. They are often called upon by other agencies to assist with law enforcement related duties. 

Reliability in job performance is of paramount importance when it comes to K-9's and their duties. Their ongoing proficiency training ensures the dog will act and perform according to expectations and standards. The K-9 and handler are required to maintenance train a minimum of 16 hours a month to keep fresh what they have learned in the basic K-9 academies.  

Whether it be removing illegal drugs and drug proceeds from the hands of drug dealers or apprehending violent felons, the Poinsett County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team is always ready.