As police departments across the country started posting images of Elf on the Shelf dolls to their social media accounts this month ahead of Christmas, Massachusetts State Trooper Dustin Fitch decided he wanted to buck the trend.

So he got creative.

In early December, Fitch, who handles social media for the State Police, had a minuscule police uniform custom-tailored for an “elf,’’ slapped a teeny badge onto the blue suit, and then debuted to the world the newest pint-sized police recruit: “Statie’’ the elf.

“I just wanted to add a little holiday humor,’’ said Fitch of the elf doll, which has appeared on Twitter and Facebook dutifully helping officers with daily tasks. “I wanted to use an elf to humanize us. ... It shows how we are all just people, too, looking to enjoy the holidays with family and friends, like everyone else.’’

“Statie’’ has renewed his license at the RMV; taken a horse from the mounted unit out for a ride; commandeered the colonel’s desk with crayons; and cleared snow off the roof of a vehicle — as is required by state law.

Of course, like other whimsical creatures from fairy tales, “Statie’’ isn’t real. But in keeping with the holiday fun, the Globe interviewed the tiny elf about his new job as if he were:

How come you decided to become a state trooper, rather than wrap presents or sit on a shelf?

Who wants to sit on a shelf when you can come down and serve the Commonwealth? I love making kids — young and old — smile and laugh. They seem to all get a kick out of my daily routine.

What’s been the most memorable experience of being a state trooper?

Probably when I was supposed to bring a report to the boss, and instead I decided to brighten his day, and draw him a Christmas picture — right on his desk

Are you allowed to use magic while you’re on the job?

I use my magic all the time — how else would I have gotten up on the horse? But I don’t use my magic for anything other than what Santa allows me to (like knowing who is good and bad).

Any last-minute messages for people traveling during the holidays?

As an elf, I say enjoy yourselves and take care of one another on the roads, or in the sky in a sleigh. But as a trooper, I must ask you all to abide by the rules on the road, take it slow in snow, and just spread some Christmas cheer — it’s the best way to make every motorist happy.

Steve Annear can be reached at steve.annear@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @steveannear.