Kangaroo Hops into the Hearts of Durham Residents

Over the last three days the escaped kangaroo has hopped into the hearts of many - all hoping for her safe return. Due to the high level of public interest DRPS is releasing the body-worn camera footage. The entire incident was not recorded – currently officers are not required to activate their cameras for interactions with kangaroos as per the DRPS directive (currently under roo-view). This camera recording of the kangaroo was triggered when the she nudged one of the responding officers. 

These officers went above and beyond “roo-tine” duty in securing the kangaroo. She was returned to the zoo and will make a full recovery.

After three days on the lam, DRPS officers managed to secure her after receiving a call about a kangaroo sighting. They “tailed” her for nearly an hour before they managed to get close enough to grab her tail and secure her. Fortunately, our officers had a crash course in kangaroo and were made aware that grabbing her by the tail was the safest, most effective way to secure her. What else have we learned?

•  Kangaroos are the largest marsupials on Earth and can reach heights from between 3 - 8 feet and can weigh between 40 and 200 pounds
•  Comfortable hopping speed is 20-25km/hr but speeds of up to 70km/hr can be attained over short distances
•  They are more active at night
•  They're left-handed
•  Some can hop 25 feet
•  They use their tails as a fifth leg - grabbing it by the tail is the safest way to "catch" it

According to zoo officials, the little roo’s name in unknown.  Since this little joey took a ride in one of our K9 vehicles, we’ve decided to make her an honorary member of the K9 Unit and find her a fitting ‘unofficial name’.  Combining the names of the two officers who rescued her, DRPS welcomes Police Service ‘Roo’ Emy May.