The Sarnia Police Service is looking to add some new vehicles this year to rejuvenate its aging fleet.
The board approved $325,000 in spending from the police equipment reserve on Thursday which is expected to allow for about five new purchases.
Deputy Chief Owen Lockhart said police vehicles generally have a three-to five-year lifespan, depending on mileage and maintenance costs, and some have exceeded their useful life.
"The city is doing a study in regards to hybrid vehicles," said Lockhart. "So, I think we'll be able to look at what they found out and if it's feasible for us. I think the initial cost for hybrids would be a bit higher but I'm hearing the return on the back end is good. It's definitely something we could look into in the future."
The purchases will be made through the Ontario Police Co-operative Purchasing Group.
Lockhart said some of the costs will be offset by proceeds from the auction of old vehicles.
He said they're still waiting on the delivery of some other vehicles that were included in the 2019 replacement plan.
The projected year-end balance of the police equipment reserve is at around $70,000.
