League City will allow its voters to decide in November whether to continue using Flock Safety's automated license plate reader cameras, following a unanimous City Council vote. This move is notable as it marks one of the first instances in Texas where a city has put its license plate reader program to a public vote, with implications for similar systems across the state.
The ballot will ask if the city should maintain the use of Flock's cameras, which currently number 55 in operation, with an additional 16 awaiting permits. Although the referendum is non-binding, the City Council will have the final say on the program's future.
Mayor Nick Long, who proposed the referendum, acknowledged the effectiveness of the cameras in solving serious crimes, including murders. However, he also expressed concerns regarding privacy, highlighting potential issues with data access both by the city and the company.
The decision to hold the referendum follows incidents of alleged misuse of Flock cameras by police in nearby cities, which have fueled privacy discussions. To enhance transparency, the city plans to create an online portal detailing camera usage and establish a citizens accountability committee for oversight.
With Flock's cameras being utilized in various Texas cities, the outcome of this vote may influence how similar programs are approached statewide.