Security cameras on Rundberg Lane

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Tuesday night during a Commanders' Forum , Austin police detailed how proposed police security cameras will be used to catch criminals in the Rundberg Lane area of East Austin near Interstate 35 and Sixth Street.

The plan is to install five to six cameras at a cost of $350,000.

Officials said they will be able to control the cameras at their headquarters. The security camera will be able to zoom in and get a clear picture of someone's face from about a half block away.

APD expects the cameras near Rundberg Lane will be able to pan, tilt and zoom -- however the ones on Sixth Street won't tilt so those who live in condominiums do not have their privacy violated. In addition the cameras will not be hidden and will be labeled as police cameras.

Authorities said the cameras will likely only be manned during sting operations.

"For the rest of the time, the majority of the time, they're just going to be recording. They're going to be stored on a seven-to-10-day retention period -- we're not sure yet -- which means it will be stored for about a week," said Lt. Ryan Huling, APD.

Some residents who attended the Commanders' Forum questioned how police would use the stored recordings while others are hopeful it will slow down the open drug deals that take place along Rundberg Lane.

"One of the reasons that we have high crime is because we can't catch the criminal in action. These cameras are going to help," said Armando Delgado, ceighborhood association member.

Austin City Council will vote on the funding for the security cameras next month.

The police department is looking for input from the public concerning their thoughts on security cameras.