New Zealand Police hires guinea pig Constable Elliot to the force

The New Zealand Police is trying out an (adorable) way to teach citizens to drive safely.

Constable Elliot is the department's latest hire -- but he's not your typical officer. He's a guinea pig. The police shared a photo of Elliot on the job on Facebook:

Elliot wanted drivers by schools to remember to drive slower, as school's back in session in New Zealand. "I am not too fast and that's the way I like it - slow is safe," "Elliot" said. "Keep this in mind when you are driving near any schools tomorrow."

The department also put concerns of animal cruelty to rest: "Elliot, is a well cared for family pet of one of our media team members," they wrote on Facebook.

"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."

So, there's no fear. Elliot's duties seem to be safety awareness and cuddles.

See animals who, unlike Elliot, are troublemakers