Sunset » Be careful if you're going to start a fight or spray graffiti in John G. White Park. You might soon be on camera.
Sunset police will use $10,000 in federal stimulus money to buy cameras, laptop computers and a radar detector.
One of the cameras will be a portable video recorder disguised as a box. In their application for federal stimulus funds, Sunset police said they wanted the camera to monitor the skate ramps at White Park.
In an interview, Sunset police Chief Ken Eborn said the camera won't be stationed at the park all the time. Police will move the camera when they need to monitor some problem area or another place where people congregate.
"I don't foresee it being set up somewhere 24/7," Eborn said. "I see it more being used when an issue arises."
Eborn said he mentioned the park in his grant application because it's a public gathering place that has drawn a few public concerns. There have been cases of graffiti and some people have reported seeing what they suspect are drug transactions in the park. He emphasized there are no rampant problems in White Park.
White Park, located at 250 W. 2400 North, comprises about a city block and adjoins Freemont Elementary School.
On a recent afternoon after school, Carson Parkinson, 12, was skateboarding on the park's ramps. He said he has seen nothing worse than a few kids pushing each other in the park and sees no need to install a camera.
"People think skateboarders all use drugs, but it's a stereotype," Parkinson said.
The remainder of the $10,000 will be used to purchase six laptop computers for police officers, a radar speed monitor for one patrol car and a digital camera, according to Sunset's grant application.
