Rotorua is getting two new fuzzy four-legged police staff, who will graduate with their respective handlers from the New Zealand Police Dog Section in Patrol course on Thursday.
Constable Chris Polglase with his dog Lomu is a first time handler from Rotorua.
He's been with the police for 13 years, previously working general duties and team policing in Auckland and Hamilton.
Mr Polglase also worked in road policing before becoming a handler.
Prior to joining the police, Mr Polglase was an army engineer for three years.
"The key lesson I learnt in the army is that in order to effectively protect a community you are trying to serve, you need to make every effort to understand that community's culture.