Police get new recruit

Cook Islands Police Service welcomes Chester the golden labrador to the team after recently graduating from the Narcotics Detection Unit in New Zealand.

Chester’s handler constable Saitu Saitu also recently graduated from the Police Narcotics Detection Unit.

Police spokesperson, Trevor Pitt said Saitu underwent three months of training at the NZ Police Dog Training Centre in Upper Hutt alongside Chester.

Saitu's uncle, Pastor William Williams, family, and the Cook Islands Deputy High Commissioner Piakura Passfield, were there to celebrate the achievement.

Pitt said Chester flew into the Cook Islands on Thursday, shortly after his handler arrived. The pair are now undergoing orientation and environment familiarisation.