Updated: Bunny Cop Is An Ambassador Of Sorts

Update March 29: The real identity of JAX has been revealed as Miss Bunz, a rescue bunny who hails from Cape Cod, Ma. Miss Bunz's adoptive human mom reached out to Patch Tuesday to clarify the rascally rabbit's identity.

The furry critter, as it turned out, is a bit of a celebrity with her own Facebook page and a following of more than 4,000 fans. While Miss Bunz has never been to Florida, owner Nancy Chen says someday, perhaps.

Chen told Patch she adopted Miss Bunz in 2012 and the two now work together to raise awareness about proper care of rabbit pets and the benefits of rescuing them.

As for the mistaken identity, Chen said she's "thankful for the positive attention Miss Bunz has received. She is a former shelter bunny and I hope that as people hear about her, they will also learn that rabbits make wonderful companions. I Facebook and Tweet on her behalf because we hope to raise rabbit awareness and encourage others to adopt, rather than shop."

And, while the photo of Miss Bunz decked out as a bunny cop was taken outdoors, Chen stressed her pet is an indoor bunny. She's only allowed outside to play when the weather is nice and she is supervised during such play, Chen said.

To find out more about Miss Bunz, visit her on Facebook.

Earlier:

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Criminals and candy stealing parents beware: The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has a new cop on the beat.

JAX Cotton Tail hopped through training with flying colors in time to make his debut on the force Easter Sunday. The fluffy-tailed officer provides the sheriff’s office with “an extra set of eyes low to the ground,” the agency explained on Facebook.

JAX and his crime-fighting partners vowed to look the other way on Sunday if any parents happened to “steal candy from their child’s Easter basket," the agency said. The promise to not charge parents with “misdemeanor theft” came along with the official announcement of the bunny’s addition to the force.

“We think since you are a parent, you would probably be authorized due to your position in the household,” the sheriff’s office said. “If you are caught in the act of taking, borrowing or reallocating items from an Easter basket belonging to your children, we would only request that you be honest with them and explain the important lesson of sharing.”

Parents seemed especially relieved with the agency’s announcement of the candy theft moratorium.

“Just like on Halloween … us parents have to make sure the candy is safe,” one man posted in response to the news.

“Exactly,” the sheriff’s office replied.

“Don’t you mean ‘eggs-actly,” asked a fan.

It is unclear if that moratorium stands heading into the workweek. Parents may find out the hard way if Officer JAX comes thumping on their doors.

Photo by Nancy Chen