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Springfield police get new CSI unit

Photos: New CSI vehicle unveiled

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Springfield police Sgt. Mike Beedy opens the back of the department's new Evidence Collection Unit as he demonstrates the versatility of the vehicle Wednesday, March 17. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

Bill Lackey Springfield police Sgt. Mike Beedy opens the back of the department's new Evidence Collection Unit as he demonstrates the versatility of the vehicle Wednesday, March 17. Staff photo by Bill Lackey

The vehicle, an on-site crime scene investigation tool, was paid for by a $46,000 federal grant.

By Valerie Lough, Staff Writer Updated 7:13 AM Thursday, March 18, 2010

It can be called a mobile, portable crime lab.

Thanks to a federal grant, the Springfield Police Division has a much-needed new vehicle in service — an evidence collection unit in the form of a Ford F-350.

The vehicle will serve as an on-site crime scene investigation unit, much like the one the division had since 1997, said Sgt. Mike Beedy.

But the new one has more capability than the old one. It has a built-in generator and its own lights, things that before were provided by additional units.

“Officers will be able to complete their work much more efficiently,” Beedy said.

Officer Jeff Steinmetz, part of the crime scene investigation unit that will be using the vehicle, agreed.

“I think its capabilities will enhance our job quality,” he said. “It’s a good addition to the fleet.”

Officer Mark Parsons is also part of the crime scene investigation team.

The $46,000 for the vehicle came from the Justice Assistance Grant, and the project for the unit was a couple of years in the making, Beedy said.

The vehicle was purchased last year and outfitted by Ace Body in Grove City.

The unit was delivered Tuesday, March 16, and is ready to roll.

The old unit will probably be sold, said Beedy.

Beedy said he hopes the community will be proud of the new equipment.

“This is for them,” he said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.

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