The Hoke County Sheriff's Office employs five highly trained, specialized canine units to aid in crime prevention and detection, and the apprehension of criminals. The skills and keen sense of sight, smell, and hearing of the canine teams are instrumental in the search of persons and buildings and the detection of drugs. Each team is trained in tracking and narcotic detection. Each K-9 is teamed with a specially trained officer with whom they work and reside.
Law enforcement agencies in North Carolina are not required to certify their police canines, however, the Hoke County Sheriff's Office has its canine teams nationally certified through the International Police Work Dog Association.