security camera
© Blaine Shahan A security camera mounted at South Prince and Conestoga streets is shown in this file photo
For $1,000, you can adopt a security camera in Lancaster.

That's because the Lancaster Community Safety Coalition is embarking on an "Adopt-A-Camera" campaign to raise funds that will help pay for the coalition's 161 surveillance cameras deployed around the city.

"It's an idea that came from our volunteers," said LCSC managing director Wes Farmer.

Added coalition resource development chairman DJ Risk, "Our all-volunteer committee believes this fundraiser will generate interest among individuals and businesses who wish to support LCSC's efforts in enhancing Lancaster's community safety."

Risk said the use of cameras to identify suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings illustrates "how Lancastrians should feel safer. because of LCSC's video evidence project."

One-third of the non-profit coalition's budget is funded through donations. Another third is funded by grants obtained by city government and the final third comes from a grant provided by the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office.

The coalition, initiated in 2002, went through a period of financial shortfalls in 2011 but, Farmer said, "Since then we've been pushing hard to stabilize our finances, and we ended last year with a surplus. We are healthy and moving forward."

The money obtained through the Adopt-a-Camera program, Farmer said, will go toward maintenance of the cameras and the cost of monitoring the video feeds.

Individuals or organizations interested in adopting a camera should call 397-3137 or go to LancasterCSC.org.

Except for a number of cameras that already are being funded, donors can choose to adopt a camera at a specific location (a map providing locations is accessible on the LCSC website).

Supporters of the program will be listed on the website, and also will receive an annual report showing how their camera was utilized, Farmer said.

"People mistakenly believe we are a government agency, but we are not," he said. "We're a nonprofit here to promote community safety and I believe we deserve support."