SHORT TAKES:Newport police propose new video camera system

The Newport Beach Police Department is going digital, under a proposal for new video cameras to monitor the city’s jail and other parts of the police facility on Santa Barbara Drive.

Police Chief John Klein is asking to replace the 15-year-old VHS camera system with digital cameras because the old system has deteriorated, and a digital system could store more data and would take up less space. The jail and police department now are monitored by 36 cameras.

New digital cameras, associated equipment, and a year’s service would cost $221,131. The City Council will vote Tuesday on a contract with Fullerton-based Silicon Avenue for the cameras.

The Newport Beach City Council meets at 7 p.m., following a 4 p.m. study session, at 3300 Newport Blvd. Visit www.city.newport-beach.ca.us to view the meeting agenda.

— Alicia Robinson