League City will ask its voters in November whether to continue using Flock Safety's automated license plate reader cameras, following a unanimous City Council vote. This decision marks a significant moment, as it is among the first instances in Texas where such a program is being put to a public vote.
The ballot will inquire if the city should keep the cameras, which currently number 55, with an additional 16 awaiting permits. The outcome will not be binding, as the council retains authority to modify or end the program regardless of the vote's result.
Mayor Nick Long, who suggested the referendum, acknowledged both the effectiveness and the privacy concerns associated with the cameras. He noted their role in solving serious crimes while also highlighting issues related to data privacy.
The push for this referendum follows incidents of alleged misuse of Flock cameras by police officers in nearby cities, which have intensified the privacy debate in League City. Along with the referendum, the city plans to launch an online transparency portal and establish a citizens accountability committee to oversee the program.
The outcome of the vote will be significant for other Texas cities utilizing similar systems.
