EL PASO – The Texas Border Sheriff's Coalition has launched a new network of Internet cameras aimed at the Mexican border in the latest effort to bolster local border security with live video streaming.

Using a $2 million state grant, the coalition turned on the 10 cameras Thursday afternoon.

Donald Reay, the coalition's executive director, said the one-year contract with BlueServo, a San Angelo-based company that helped with a similar state-run program in 2006, is good through June, when the grant expires.

Users watching the camera feeds on the BlueServo Web site will be able to anonymously e-mail law enforcement to report suspicious activity.

Mr. Reay said the cameras have been placed in various locations along the border, some on private property and others in public locations. He declined to say where the cameras are, citing security concerns.

The deal between the border sheriffs and BlueServo will allow the company to sell advertising to defray operating expenses and infrastructure costs, according to a statement from the coalition.

The Associated Press