Elf on the Shelf making a splash online for Pennsylvania police department

WEST MANHEIM TOWNSHIP, PA (KTRK) -- You've heard of The Elf on the Shelf, but a police department in Pennsylvania has a new friend making a splash on social media: The Elf on the Force - the Police Force.

His name is Sarge and the West Manheim Township Police Department is using the new police recruit to spread some holiday cheer online.

This Elf on the Shelf is sworn to protect and serve - and he's watching to see who is naughty and who is nice, as WPMT reports.

Sarge has been caught on camera assessing evidence and acting as a sketch artist. You can follow all of his exploits at the West Manheim Township Police Department Facebook page.

West Manheim Township Police Department Sgt. Toby Wildasin said, "The goal through the use of Sarge our scout elf is to get followers that would maybe not otherwise like a police Facebook page. ... When we need the communities help in a situation, we already have that base of followers built up."

And while Sarge, officers say, will likely go back to the North Pole after Christmas, he'll be back next year.