Okay first- this doesn't mean the cameras get removed. It means LAPD's contract to buy the data lapses.

Even if they demand that every Flock camera on public land is removed, there's still plenty on private land. Some apartments, stores, HOAs, etc willingly host the cameras.

The cameras are wireless and solar powered. So they will continue to report and collect data unless covered or physically removed, or unless Flock remotely turns them off (fat chance of that happening).

With that said, I think LAPD is hoping for some kind of one-off deal that restricts how data is collected in LA and who has access to it / what it's used for.
Flock has little to no interest in a million little one-off deals like this- they may do a few for big areas like LA but in general they want uniform unimpeded access of 'we'll collect everything and store it forever and give you access for a fee'.

The real question to me is what's in the contract re: removal of the cameras. I'd bet Flock makes it hard for the city to demand the cameras be removed.

Lots of people are talking about destroying or removing the cameras. Especially when LAPD isn't even a fan, a simple black garbage bag and some duct tape (over the solar panel and camera) should render the camera largely useless. Then nothing is destroyed and it's more of a stretch to charge you with anything worse than littering.