Police rookie says hello to Chief Constable's by giving his ear a nibble ... and it's all OK!

Biting a copper's ear will usually land you in jail .. unless you're just four months old with big puppy dog eyes.

Northamptonshire's no-nonsense Chief Constable Nick Adderley got up close and personal with one of the Force's newest recruits on his visit to Wootton Hall HQ this week.

Duke is at Police Dog School being groomed to replace one of the Northamptonshire Police Dog Section's oldest and most loved canines, PD Nala, when she retires next year at the ripe old age of nine.

But rather rather than the usual pep talk the Chief gives new recruits, this one got his tummy tickled and a cuddle.

A spokesman for the Dog Section tweeted about the picture of Mr Adderley lifting the pup up in his arms: "Duke’s already practising his nibbling skills ready to take over from PD Nala when she retires next year!

"I wonder if we can get a similar photo this time next year?"

Mr Adderley responded: "I accept the challenge of recreating this photo in 12 months time but I think I’ll need a back specialist and a plastic surgeon!"

Nala hit the headlines earlier this month after a fleeing crook kicked her in the face, causing some nasty injuries.

That did not stop her helping haul in four villains who were all arrested.

Hundreds of well-wishers sent "get well soon" messages and we are pleased to report Nala is now back on paw-trol and her good looks have not suffered.

Mr Adderley said: "I feel an immense sense of pride in our police dog unit, Our dogs and handlers put their lives on the line every day to fight crime and protect the people of Northamptonshire, be that through helping to locate a someone who has gone missing or to chase down a wanted person.

The Police Dog Section runs its own Twitter account with almost daily updates on the work their four-legged heroes do using the hashtag #TheNoseKnows.

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.