Elf on the Shelf Joins Police Force

What a difference a year makes.

Last year at this time, police in Miami Beach locked up the Elf on the Shelf following an apparent sleigh robbery. The crafty little guy stood accused of swiping Santa’s sleigh and creating more mischief than that law enforcement agency could endure.

Whether the Elf struck a plea deal with prosecutors remains unknown, but it seems his record must have escaped unscathed. At least that would seem to be the case since he’s now resurfaced. This time the Elf is on the other side of the law, having been named an “official member of the New Port Richey Police Department.”

Police in the Pasco County town aren’t willing to issue a gun and badge to the jolly little fellow, but he does have his own identification card.

His title? Santa’s Private Elf, of course.

See Also:

• Elf On The Shelf Jailed In Miami Beach

A reindeer named Rudy has also been welcomed with open arms by the men and women in uniform. Rudy will serve as the “Trusty Steed,” according to the agency’s Facebook page.

The elf, who is going by the name Richey in these parts, made his first appearance at the agency on Tuesday. Rather than wreak havoc as he was accused of doing in Miami Beach, he simply decorated the outside of police headquarters, the agency noted.

Whether Richey and Rudy will walk the straight and narrow from here on out remains to be seen, but police seem hopeful.

Where has your Elf on the Shelf turned up? Share his most creative hiding places by commenting below or sharing a picture.

Photo courtesy of the New Port Richey Police Department