Tactics That Actually Work
From Communities That Won
These aren't theories—they're proven strategies from Palo Alto, DC Fire, and other communities that successfully stopped or reversed police radio encryption. Use their playbook to win in your community.
The Core Truth
Most encryption proposals fail quietly when communities push back. Officials assume no one cares. Prove them wrong with organized opposition, and many will back down without a fight.
When Palo Alto's police chief couldn't produce a single documented case of scanner access harming officers after 3 years of searching, the City Council voted to reverse encryption. Evidence beats assertions.
Choose Your Tactical Guide
Each guide includes templates, scripts, and real-world examples
Campaign Timeline
Week-by-Week Action Plan
Day 1 through Month 3: A complete checklist for stopping an encryption proposal. Know what to do and when to do it.
- 90-day action timeline
- Key milestones and deadlines
- Resource allocation guide
FOIA/Records Arsenal
Ready-to-File Templates
Public records requests that expose the lack of evidence for encryption. Get the documents that win arguments.
- Scanner incident request template
- Cost documentation request
- Vendor communication request
Testimony Guide
Own the Public Comment Period
How to prepare and deliver testimony that moves decision-makers. Scripts for different scenarios and speaking tips.
- 2-minute testimony scripts
- Audience-specific messaging
- Common questions and answers
Coalition Building
Recruit the Right Allies
Who to recruit, how to approach them, and how to keep your coalition effective. Fire/EMS, media, and community tactics.
- Ally recruitment scripts
- Fire/EMS outreach guide
- Coalition management tips
Media Strategy
Generate Press Pressure
Op-ed templates, reporter pitch guides, and tactics for getting coverage that moves public opinion and officials.
- Op-ed template and pitches
- Press release templates
- Editorial board briefing guide
Budget Season Tactics
Hit Them Where It Hurts
Encryption costs money. Learn when and how to intervene in the budget process to defund encryption proposals.
- Budget calendar guide
- Line-item identification
- Council lobbying tactics
Elected Official Lobbying
Build Relationships That Win
Council members are your most powerful allies—but only if you reach them before police do. Year-round engagement tactics.
- Meeting request templates
- One-pager for officials
- Year-round calendar
Legal Pathways
When Advocacy Isn't Enough
FOIA challenges, civil rights attorney letters, and lawsuit strategies for when legislation fails.
- FOIA appeal templates
- Demand letter examples
- Legal resource directory
Activism Toolkit
All Resources in One Place
Consolidated templates, one-pagers, and print-friendly resources for your campaign. Print and go.
- Quick start checklist
- Printable fact sheets
- Template library links
Social Media Guide
Platform-Specific Tactics
TikTok, Reddit, Nextdoor, Twitter/X tactics. Sample posts, hashtag coordination, and viral strategies.
- Platform-specific tactics
- Video script templates
- Sample posts to customize
Emergency Response
72-Hour Rapid Activation
Encryption just announced? Here's exactly what to do in the next 72 hours. Crisis templates and rapid mobilization.
- First 24 hours timeline
- Crisis communication templates
- Emergency coalition script
Post-Victory Guide
Lock In Your Win
You won. Now protect it. Policy language, preventing re-encryption, and long-term coalition maintenance.
- Model ordinance language
- Warning signs to watch
- Coalition maintenance
These Tactics Worked Here
Real campaigns that stopped or reversed encryption
Palo Alto, California
REVERSED20 months of pressure → Full reversal of encryption
What They Did:
- Recruited Council Member Greer Stone as champion
- Filed FOIA requests that produced "no responsive records" for scanner harm
- Proposed CHP hybrid model as alternative
- Coordinated media coverage with Palo Alto Online
- Sustained testimony at every council meeting
New York City
ONGOINGCity Council passed bill 41-7 despite $390M NYPD system
What They're Doing:
- NYCLU partnership mobilized civil liberties community
- Journalist coalition united all major outlets
- Council Member sponsorship for Int. 1460-2025
- Historical framing: "92-year tradition of transparency"
- Eric Garner connection: accountability requires access
Washington DC Fire
REVERSEDFire radio encryption reversed after coordination failures
What They Did:
- Firefighter union publicly opposed encryption
- Documented subway incident coordination failures
- Framed as interoperability crisis, not transparency issue
- Fire leadership eventually advocated for reversal
Key lesson: Fire/EMS are natural allies against police encryption
Quick Start: Your First 48 Hours
Just learned encryption is coming to your community? Here's what to do immediately:
File FOIA Request Today
Request "all documented incidents of scanner access causing officer harm." The answer is almost certainly zero—and that admission is your most powerful evidence.
Get the template →Find the Decision Point
Is this a budget vote? City council agenda item? Police commission decision? Know where and when the decision will be made.
Alert Local Media
Journalists use scanners for breaking news. Contact news directors at local TV and radio stations—they have the most to lose.
Media contact guide →Contact Fire/EMS Leadership
Fire departments often oppose police encryption because it breaks interoperability. Find out where your fire chief stands.
Coalition tactics →Your Evidence Arsenal
Facts that win arguments
Zero Documented Harm
Multiple departments searched years of records and found no documented cases of scanner access harming officers or operations.
See the evidence →Lives Saved at Highland Park
Open scanner access helped people take cover during the 2022 mass shooting. Real-time information saves lives.
Read the case study →Millions in Costs, Zero ROI
Encryption systems cost hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars with no documented safety improvement.
See the cost analysis →Alternatives Exist
Hybrid systems maintain open dispatch while encrypting tactical operations. Full encryption is a choice, not a necessity.
Explore alternatives →Take Action for Transparency
Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.
Contact Your Representatives
Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.
Get StartedRead Case Studies
See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.
View CasesSpread Awareness
Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.
Public Testimony
Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.
Prepare to Speak