An appropriated amount of $51,000 has been approved by the Essex Board of Finance for the purchase of a new police vehicle to be added to the town’s fleet.

The new vehicle, which First Selectman Norm Needleman says will be ordered in the next week or so, will be a Ford Explorer Interceptor Utility Police SUV, which is said to handle better in inclement weather, compared to the older Crown Victoria police interceptor cruisers the town has had in the past.

“This SUV will be four wheel drive, so when we have snow storms it will handle better on our back roads when needed and it will be safer,” said Needleman.

To purchase the new vehicle, the town will be using funds from the police cruiser sinking fund, which is added to yearly.

“This car will be a real asset to our fleet,” said Needleman, who explained that the two older Crown Victoria inceptor vehicles will be kept by the town, one as a spare in case something happens to one of the other vehicles, and one for town employee use if needed.

The new SUV will be coming through the Connecticut State Police contract with Ford, which has fleet arrangements. It was designed in part by Ford’s own Police Advisory Board and will feature several high tech upgrades from the civilian Ford Explorer version, including an enhanced electrical system, a special instrument panel, a specialized breaking system to withstand excessive use, and 18 inch steel tires.

In 2012, the neighboring town of Deep River purchased a Ford SUV police vehicle, and in 2015 Chester did the same.

The new police SUV in Essex will be used by a new officer who is slated to come on board shortly, according to Needleman. Once the new officer is placed, the town of Essex’s Police Department will consist of three full-time personnel and part-time assistance.