The problem

Police departments across America are encrypting their radios, and the pace is picking up. Dispatch calls, incident reports, officer locations during emergencies — information that has been publicly accessible for nearly a century — is now hidden behind encryption that no scanner can decode.

That shift affects how communities get emergency information and how journalists cover law enforcement. The effects are already playing out in cities that have gone dark.

Why this site exists

This site documents what's being lost as departments go dark. We track case studies, compile research, and build resources for journalists, activists, and community members pushing back against blanket encryption policies.

We're not opposed to encryption across the board. Tactical channels for SWAT, undercover operations, and sensitive investigations can have legitimate reasons to be locked down. Routine dispatch is different — those channels have been public for decades, and there's no evidence that public access has ever gotten an officer hurt.

What we believe

  • Public access to police communications is a check on government power. Communities have relied on that check for generations, and encryption removes it.
  • During emergencies, scanner access helps residents make real-time decisions — whether to evacuate, where to avoid, who to call. Official alert systems aren't fast enough to replace it.
  • Journalists use scanners to verify incidents and document police response. Encryption cuts off the independent verification that accountability reporting depends on.
  • Departments don't have to choose between security and openness. Hybrid systems can protect sensitive operations while keeping routine dispatch public. The option exists.

Who we are

This is an independent project. The code is open source, and contributions from researchers, journalists, and activists are welcome.

We have no affiliation with police departments, unions, or equipment manufacturers. Our only interest is keeping public information public.

How you can help

  • Know of a department going encrypted? Tell us about it.
  • Found an error or want to add something? Contact us with corrections or suggestions.
  • If this resource has been useful, consider supporting the project.
  • Share pages with journalists, local officials, and activists working on this issue in your community.