A Texas city will hold a referendum in November asking voters whether to continue using Flock Safety's automated license plate reader cameras. The City Council voted unanimously to place the question on the ballot, marking one of the first instances in Texas where such a program is being put to a public vote.
The ballot will inquire if the city should maintain its use of the cameras, which are currently operated by the police department. There are 55 active cameras in use, with an additional 16 awaiting permits. Although the referendum is non-binding, the City Council retains the authority to make final decisions regarding the program after the vote.
Mayor Nick Long, who proposed the referendum, acknowledged the effectiveness of the cameras in solving serious crimes while also highlighting privacy concerns related to data access. This push for a public vote follows reported misuse of similar cameras in nearby areas, which has intensified discussions about privacy.
In addition to the referendum, the city plans to introduce an online transparency portal to show how the cameras are utilized and establish a citizens accountability committee for oversight. The outcome of this vote may set a precedent for other Texas cities that have implemented similar systems without public input.
