Chief Maltese serves as the chief of police at the local Doggy Police Station, a position that establishes him as a figure of authority within the setting of the series. He is depicted as a character who embodies the procedural backbone of the narrative, acting as the direct point of contact for the protagonist detective when official law enforcement resources are required. His primary function involves receiving reports of criminal activity, assessing the situation, and delegating specific cases to the appropriate investigator, often requesting the assistance of the title character to solve particularly difficult mysteries. This role places him at the center of the series' law enforcement operations, overseeing investigations ranging from series of burglaries to the retrieval of specific stolen items from a lost and found office.

In terms of personality, Chief Maltese is presented as a dedicated and by-the-book officer who takes his responsibilities seriously. He is shown to be actively involved in crime-solving efforts, sometimes working alongside detectives in the field to apprehend criminals and gather evidence. A notable facet of his character is his professional rivalry with Chief Chihuahua, the head of a different police department. This rivalry is highlighted in scenarios where the two chiefs find themselves competing to solve the same case, such as an incident at a restaurant where an object goes missing, leading to a contest of deductive skills to determine who can crack the case first. Their competitive relationship dates back to their time as students together at the police academy, adding a layer of long-standing history to their interactions.

Chief Maltese's primary motivation is the maintenance of order and the successful resolution of crimes within his jurisdiction. He is a reliable ally to the main character, providing necessary support, resources, and official sanction for investigations. His role in the story is that of a stable authority figure who anchors the more eccentric methods of the protagonist within a conventional police framework. He frequently appears at the police station or at crime scenes to coordinate efforts, manage his officers, and ensure that investigative procedures are followed. Key relationships include his working partnership with the titular detective and his assistant, Brown, as well as his aforementioned rivalry with Chief Chihuahua, which provides moments of comedic tension and professional one-upmanship.

Regarding development, Chief Maltese remains a consistent presence across the various media of the franchise, including the television anime series, picture books, and theatrical films. His core duties and background as a police chief do not undergo significant changes, maintaining a stable characterization as a reliable, if occasionally competitive, leader of the Doggy Police Station. He appears in key episodes that focus on police procedures and collaborative investigations, and his character has been part of the franchise since its early adaptations, continuing to appear in later installments. Notable abilities include his skills in law enforcement management, criminal investigation, and direct collaboration with specialists to solve complex cases. He is shown to be capable of managing resources during major incidents and interacting with the public during events to explain investigative processes, such as those involved in recovering stolen goods.