TAKAMATSU, Kagawa Pref. (Kyodo) A Labrador retriever that finally passed the test to become a police dog last year after failing six times in a row officially made her debut Thursday.

During a ceremony at a police academy in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Kinako was given her assignment through March 2013.

The 8-year-old dog — about 50 in human terms — will help the police with crime investigations and search-and-rescue missions.

Kinako gained popularity for her persistence, despite continually failing due to making mistakes such as falling headfirst while trying to jump over obstacles. In her seventh try in November, Kinako finished first in a competition with 37 other dogs to identify scents.