League City crews spent Thursday covering more than 50 Flock Safety cameras with nylon trash bags so they cannot take photos or videos. Voters rejected the city's use of the cameras in Tuesday's election, with 56% voting against them.
A city council resolution approved in October requires officials to remove the cameras within 72 hours of the official canvass of the results, which is set for Nov. 17. Mayor Nick Long asked staff to cover the cameras immediately. He said the city will physically remove them after officials resolve contract issues with Flock Safety. Long said the city has about one year left on its contract.
Long said the cameras have helped solve more than 300 cases and led to more than 120 convictions in the past three years. He said he has safety concerns without them. He said the city spends about $120,000 a year on the cameras, out of a $400 million budget, and that the money will stay in the police department for reallocation.
A Flock spokesperson said the company was disappointed but respects the voters' decision and will work with the city on next steps.