John Oxford
The Moultrie Observer
MOULTRIE —
The Moultrie Police Department recently purchased a new crime scene vehicle to assist in on-scene investigations. A police spokesman said the improvement will allow better processing of evidence collected.
The 2010 Ford Econoline van was assigned to Moultrie Police Investigator Cpl. Dave Underwood. It replaces a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV that had served as the crime scene vehicle since 2006.
Underwood said the van allows him to have more equipment available than with the previous vehicle.
“ We have a lot more at our disposal to investigate crime scenes now,” said Underwood.
The van has proven to be very versatile, as Underwood said he is able to store more evidence collected at a crime scene and to preserve its integrity. It is equipped with all the lights and sirens of police vehicles and locking cabinets to secure evidence and other items.
“As we see things we need,” Underwood said,” we will do what we can to acquire them.”
The new van also has a desk installed, which Underwood said will allow him to do paperwork at the scene. It has been in service for about two weeks, and Underwood is currently training to be certified as a crime scene technician.
The vehicle was a budgeted item within the Moultrie police budget, Underwood said. All equipment put into the van was either brought from the former crime scene vehicle or purchased within the department’s budget.
