The Indiana Department of Correction wants state approval to spend $390,000 for a centralized video surveillance system at the Putnamville Correctional Facility.

Prison officials say there has been a spike in violence directed toward staff and inmates in recent months, but it only has nine, antiquated cameras for surveillance.

Prison spokeswoman Alisia Lawrence says there are blind spots in the prison that the current cameras don’t cover. The prison wants a surveillance system that will cover the entire prison from a secure control room that will provide enhanced safety for staff and offenders.

The State Budget Committee could approve money for a new system at its meeting this coming Friday.