Lake Macquarie Local Area Command is launching a new side-by-side all-terrain vehicle.

Superintendant Brett Greentree will unveil the new addition at Charlestown Police Station today (Friday 9 January 2015).

The vehicle, which was purchased with a government grant, will enhance the local area command’s overall search and rescue capabilities in navigating difficult terrain and challenging conditions.

It will enable police to conduct extensive coastline searches during ocean rescues, with improved access to sand dune areas.

The new addition will advance land search capabilities; particularly within the adjoining state forests and national parks.

Officers attached to field operations will also be able to patrol previously inaccessible areas and potentially apprehend offenders who’ve fled into off-road regions.