To incorporate student views into its decision about proposed surveillance cameras on Beaver Avenue, the State College Borough Council may move up its final vote to April 21.

Previously council had not planned on voting on the issue until May 5 at the earliest, with some council members preferring to put off the vote until the fall semester. Council is considering the move so voting would not coincide with Penn State's final examination period.

At last night's meeting, State College Police Chief Tom King said final action should be taken prior to students leaving for the summer.

"We have to realize that when students get back in the fall a lot will be going on. They will be more informed now than in the fall," said King. "This has been in the forefront for a year and we have the opportunity to end this."

In order to accommodate undecided council members, King will present his proposal early and discussion will resume at council's April 14 work session.

Council member Elizabeth Goreham said next Monday's work session would be a good time for students to come to the meeting and voice their opinions.

"I'll be satisfied with that," council member Jean McManis said. "I wasn't satisfied with May 5 by a long shot. I think if we could have the vote in April that would be fair enough," she said.

Council members Tom Daubert and Goreham are unwaveringly opposed to cameras, while Cathy Dauler and James Meyer are in favor of the plan. For undecided members, Council President Richard McCarl, Janet Knauer and McManis, the protocol King will present is crucial.

"In my mind the protocol is the most important thing," McCarl said. "There will certainly be time for discussion on this before students leave for the summer."

King emphasized the 200 and 300 blocks of East Beaver Avenue, where the cameras would be placed, are problem areas for crime on a daily basis.

If council approves King's proposal, it would take 90 days for installation and cameras would be operational by the start of fall semester.

"If we pass this in May, there will be time for the cameras to be bought, put in place and tested," McCarl said. "The critical part, at least in the police point of view, is getting cameras in place for the fall football season."

King said he has not decided whether he will recommend 24-hour recording or taping only during designated late-night hours.

By moving the discussion up, community members will have an increased opportunity to comment on the use policy including how the cameras will be used, who will have access and the hours of operation, King said.

Council does not regulate most police business, King said. However, if council approves cameras, any change in protocol would require its approval.

"The cameras won't just catch people doing things, they exonerate people as well," King said. "If we have fewer crimes we're helping people right off the bat."