New Zealand police force hired very special guinea pig as new officer

A New Zealand police force has hired one very special new officer – a guinea pig, named Elliot.

And Elliot has his own little police uniform – including a small hat perfectly fitted for his adorably tiny head.

But looking cute is just enought – oh no, he’s actually got a pretty important job on his hands – to remind New Zealanders about the importance of safe driving.

A post shared to the New Zealand Police’s Facebook page, it was explained Elliot was pictured in his little uniform. But it was the caption alongside the photo that was most striking.

The post says: ‘Did you know that a piggie’s top speed can be around 9km/hr? Not me, I have gone a bit overboard on the carbs lately and need to lighten up, so I go even slower. I am not too fast and that’s the way I like it – slow is safe!’

Elliot went on to ask drivers to keep in mind a slow speed while driving near schools. The guinea pig continued: ‘Remember people, the kids are going to be out and about walking and biking, and crossing roads. Like me, they are small and unpredictable, so you have to watch out!

‘Keep an eye out for school patrols and please do your part in keeping our kids safe. Drive to the conditions, reduce your speed and stay alert. Oh, and eat your greens….always eat your greens. #schoolsback #crossingpatrol #constableelliot
#eatyourgreens.’

The post received more than 8,000 likes and plenty of comments – one of which came from the police force themselves.

Within the comment section, they explained that Elliot isn’t just there for work and that he’s actually one of the other force member’s pets. They wrote: ‘Elliot, is a well cared for family pet of one of our media team members.

‘According to his human ‘mum’ he’s pampered, and loves going on trips to explore new food supplies, which is what he was doing yesterday. He loves being patted and carried and can spend a while being cuddled on laps.’ They went on to back this comment up with a series of other photos of Elliot enjoying his animal/policeman lifestyle to the fullest.