The Hope Mills Police Department K9 Unit currently has five certified canine teams. These handlers and their canine partners are nationally certified through the International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA) and receive continuous training each month to stay proficient in their skills. Three of the five teams are certified in Narcotic Detection and Patrol and the fourth team is certified in Explosives Detection. Our canine teams are deployed during routine and high risk calls for service to track and find wanted criminals, locate missing persons, detect illegal narcotics or explosives, search buildings for criminals in hiding, locate potential evidence or property connected with a crime, and to chase and apprehend criminals evading arrest that may be armed and dangerous. Additionally, the canines provide extra protection to their handlers and other officers in dangerous situations.