A local police dog unit has been established to serve the south coast and southern highlands.

The unit has been set up at Dapto but will be available to operate into the Shoalhaven, Wingecarribee and Goulburn.

In the past local police wanting the service of a dog to assist in the search for criminals and missing persons have had to wait for a canine to come from southern Sydney.

The delays often result in criminals having long escaped capture, or lead to police deciding not to call the unit in the first place.

Police Minister Mike Gallacher says the  Dog Unit Regionalisation Program is aimed at providing regional New South Wales the specialist services and capabilities.

In addition to Dapto the  Dog Unit currently has handlers situated at Dubbo, Kempsey, Armidale, Tweed Heads, Lismore, Coffs Harbour and  Newcastle/Central Coast.