PHILIP A. HOLMES/Sun-Gazette City police would like to replace the bureau’s forensics van, above, with a newer, more fuel-efficient model.

The city police said they need a more reliable vehicle to process crime scenes other than the aging, retrofitted ambulance the department uses for crimes such as Monday night’s double-homicide at a residence on Poplar Street in Newberry.

For situations like that, getting evidence-collecting equipment to process a crime scene is vital, said city police Capt. Don Mayes, of the criminal investigative unit. “We need a reasonable utilitarian vehicle,” he said.

“I am looking to budget a new Ford Transit van for police forensic services,” said city Police Capt. Jody Miller, following Tuesday’s city public works committee meeting, at which the replacement of the current vehicle came up during a discussion with Mayes.

“We currently use a 1996 retired Geisinger Medical Center ambulance,” Miller said. “It is old, has high miles and I don’t think its very fuel efficient.”

Such a vehicle can haul tarps, ladders, lights, forensic analysis equipment to lift fingerprints, collect DNA and any other material of value at the scene, Mayes said.

Councilman N. Clifford “Skip” Smith, committee chairman, said council has been made aware of the vehicle replacement need and will look at costs in the mayor’s proposed budget for 2017.

“We are evaluating all expenditures and income, and if we are able to afford it, it will be placed in the proposed budget,” Mayor Gabriel J. Campana said.

Typically, the department submits multiple replacement expenses in the annual proposed budget. On average, the department replacement costs exceed $100,000, according to city finance department records.