The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is the principal law enforcement agency of New Hanover County, providing service to over 200,000 people within 185 square miles. The Sheriff’s Office patrols the county, investigates crimes, apprehends criminals, and provides custody or control for arrested defendants, both pre-trial and sentenced. The Sheriff is responsible for courtroom security, service of civil process, transportation of prisoners and mental patients, and service of criminal papers.