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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Wapello County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of a major purchase to fight crime.

Wapello County Sheriff Mark Miller went before the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, to continue the process of purchasing three new vehicles for the department.

KTVO spoke with Sheriff Miller on Wednesday about the vehicles that need to be replaced. Those in question have been with the department for many years, racking up more than 150,000 miles.

Many of the vehicles are also not made for driving off-road, which is one of Sheriff Miller's concerns.

“What we are looking for is more of rural law enforcement package. We are trying to get some full size Tahoes, and that gives us more clearance if we need to go off-road and a little more cargo space for all of the equipment that we have to carry,” said Sheriff Miller.

The vehicles would be purchased through a lease to own option according to Miller. He added that he hopes to have the process completed by February.

Law enforcement vehicles in Iowa are put out for bid; and currently the lowest bidder is a dealership based out of Des Moines.