Republican National Convention Center surveillance cameras may stay

TAMPA, Fla. - TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Tampa officials say they may keep the network of surveillance cameras that monitored crowds during the Republican National Convention.

Police have switched off the cameras but the equipment remains in place on light poles, traffic posts and buildings.

The Tampa City Council will consider what to do with the cameras at a Sept. 20 workshop.

Some city council members tell The Tampa Tribune (http://bit.ly/O5artx ) that the cameras could be moved to other areas of the city where they could help prevent crime.

Police Chief Jane Castor says the cameras were "invaluable" for traffic and crowd control during the August convention.

The Florida chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union wants the wireless, 60-camera network removed.