IT’S big, black, blast-proof and can withstand a barrage of bullets.
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Tactical police in the Hunter are set to benefit after the arrival of an eight-tonne BearCat armoured personnel carrier, which will be used to help defuse hostile situations across the region.
The machine, which had been previously based in Sydney, will have permanent presence in Newcastle.
It will be used by the Hunter State Protection Support Group in serious situations including raids, armed stand-offs and sieges.
Its use has to be approved by the police hierarchy.
BearCat is short for Ballistically Engineered Armoured Response Counter Attack Truck.
On Tuesday, domestic violence advocates got a taste of the impressive machine during the Community Awareness in Policing Program at Belmont station.
The participants also experienced a talk on forensics, weaponry and the role of water police.
Denise Stocker, of Community Activities Lake Macquarie, said it was “eye-opening” to see the various aspects of a police officer’s job.
“There’s so many different elements to it. It’s about getting a better understanding,” she said.
