The New Hanover County Sheriffs Office is a law enforcement agency that serves more than 140,000 people within an area of 185 square miles in New Hanover, N.C. It patrols the county, investigates crimes, apprehends criminals and provides custody for arrested defendants. The sheriff s office is responsible for courtroom security, service of civil processes and criminal papers, and transportation of prisoners and mental patients. Its internal affairs division investigates complaints filed against members of the New Hanover County Sheriff s Office in a professional and thorough manner, reviews policies and procedures and recognizes training needs within the sheriff s office. The sheriff s office has a K-9 team that is responsible for tracking criminals, finding lost citizens, locating victims of natural disasters and detecting narcotics and bombs. The New Hanover County Sheriffs Office is located in Castle Hayne, N.C.