Area near USF gets cameras to fight crime

TAMPA - It's a community now caught on camera. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is in the process of installing new cameras throughout the University of South Florida area.

They say it is part of an effort to reduce crime and protect nearby residents.

Some are hoping it brings neighborhood watch to a whole new level. Joann McCray lives near the University of South Florida area off of Fowler.

"There's crime around here and a lot of drugs around here," she says.

The Hillsborough Sheriff's Office is installing 20 closed-circuit cameras around the University of South Florida area. Once fully operational, deputies will be able to monitor the cameras by laptop in their cruisers and back at the station.

Capt. Sankar Montoute is with the HIllsborough County Sheriff's Office District One.

"The USF or box area has been one of our notorious high crime areas. Any assistance that we can gain is welcome," said Capt. Sankar Montoute with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

The cameras are being mounted on top of utility poles at various intersections, like the one at 143rd Street and 22nd Avene. The signals from these cameras are being sent back to this receive sight outside of District 1, allowing for a 24/7 live feed of hi-resolution video.

"Parking lots, street corners and intersections that have been notorious problems with violent crime," Capt. Montoute said.

The sheriff's office is hoping that once the cameras are all installed, they will help in two ways: deputies may be able to catch a crime on tape, but also just the mere presence of the cameras may stop crimes from happening.

"These cameras are going up and so be aware and be prepared," Montoute said.

This type of crime prevention is a first for Hillsborough County, but has been used in other big cities.

"Chicago has a system where they've installed more than 2,000 of these similar type cameras and they've had a lot of success," Montoute said.

Neighbors are looking forward to the extra eyes in the sky.

"They come in here and think they can run everything and do what they want to do and it's wrong. The children be out here and selling drugs and don't give a darn. They need to get what they looking for," McCray said.

Many are hoping this new tool helps law enforcement clean up the streets in their community.