On Tuesday, the Redlands City Council will receive a $50,000 donation from the Friends of Prospect Park to allow the Police Department to install a new camera surveillance system in the park.

Despite increased patrols by Police officers, Civilian Volunteer Patrol and Civilian Park Rangers, police have seen an increase in criminal incidents in the park, including vandalism, arson, drug use, burglaries and assaults. The Police Department and the Friends of Prospect Park this year began discussing installation of a park surveillance system using video cameras and audio devices monitored and maintained by Police personnel.

The surveillance system is part of a comprehensive camera system that includes cameras in Redlands downtown, school campuses, parks and elsewhere.

The efforts are all part of a strategy to use advanced technology connecting a series of cameras in strategic areas around town to increase the Police Department’s effectiveness with existing personnel.

“This is the most cost-effective way to put officers where they need to be, when they need to be there to catch criminals,” Bueermann said. “It allows us to increase our effectiveness with the limited number of officers we have on patrol.”

The total cost of installing cameras at the park is approximately $100,000. The remainder of the cost will paid through additional donations and a federal grant currently funding the department’s citywide surveillance camera project.

The Friends of Prospect Park will present their donation to the Redlands City Council at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, in the Redlands City Council Chambers at 35 Cajon St.