ARKANSAS ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

Arkansas Action Guide

State-Specific Tactics to Restore Police Radio Transparency

Arkansas has one of the strongest Freedom of Information Acts in the nation. When Little Rock moved to the AWIN system in 2014, it opened the door to encryption. This guide gives you the contacts, templates, and tactics to fight encryption across the Natural State.

Arkansas's Encryption Landscape

Understanding the battlefield before you fight

Arkansas has been transitioning to the Arkansas Wireless Information Network (AWIN), a statewide radio system that enables encryption. Little Rock began this transition in 2014, and other departments have followed. The move to digital P25 systems gives agencies the technical capability to encrypt, though not all have chosen to do so.

Arkansas's Freedom of Information Act is considered one of the strongest in the country. The law requires a response within 3 business days and applies to all public records. Use this leverage to demand transparency and documentation about any encryption decisions.

AWIN Statewide System Enables Encryption
3 Days Fast FOIA Response Required
Strong Arkansas FOIA Protections

Key Arkansas Encryption Timeline

2014 Little Rock begins transition to AWIN system
2014-Present Various agencies join AWIN with encryption capability
2024 21st Edition of Arkansas FOIA Handbook published
Present Some scanner traffic still available via Broadcastify

Key Arkansas Contacts

The people who can make change happen

State Government

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders

Executive Branch

Why Contact: The Governor sets statewide priorities and oversees the Department of Public Safety, which manages AWIN.

  • Phone: (501) 682-2345
  • Address: State Capitol, Room 250, Little Rock, AR 72201
  • Website: governor.arkansas.gov
Ask: "Will you support transparency requirements for police radio communications on the AWIN system?"

Arkansas General Assembly

Legislative Branch

Why Contact: The Legislature can pass transparency requirements and strengthen FOIA protections.

  • Find Your Legislator: arkleg.state.ar.us
  • Senate Judiciary Committee: Handles public records legislation
  • House Judiciary Committee: Reviews transparency measures
Ask: "Will you sponsor legislation requiring media access to encrypted police communications?"

Arkansas Attorney General

FOIA Oversight

Why Contact: The AG publishes the FOIA Handbook and provides guidance on public records issues.

Arkansas State Police

AWIN Administrator

Why Contact: Arkansas State Police manages the AWIN system and sets statewide radio policies.

Local Government

Little Rock City Council

State Capital

Why Contact: Little Rock was the first major city to transition to AWIN. The City Council can mandate transparency measures.

  • Website: littlerock.gov
  • Public Comment: City Council meetings allow public testimony
Ask: "Will you require LRPD to create a media access program for encrypted channels?"

Fort Smith City Council

Western Arkansas

Why Contact: Fort Smith is Arkansas's second-largest city. Engagement here can influence regional policies.

Fayetteville City Council

Northwest Arkansas

Why Contact: Northwest Arkansas is growing rapidly. Proactive engagement can establish transparency expectations.

Media & Press Organizations

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

State's Largest Newspaper

Why Contact: The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is the state's largest newspaper and can amplify your campaign.

KARK-TV (Channel 4)

NBC Affiliate

Why Contact: KARK provides statewide news coverage and has resources for investigative reporting.

KATV (Channel 7)

ABC Affiliate

Why Contact: KATV is Little Rock's oldest operating TV station and covers local public safety issues.

Arkansas Press Association

Media Industry Group

Why Contact: The APA partners with the AG to publish the FOIA Handbook and advocates for press freedom.

Arkansas Broadcasters Association

TV & Radio Advocacy

Why Contact: The ABA represents TV and radio stations that depend on scanner access for breaking news coverage.

  • Website: Contact through member stations

Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests

One of the strongest open-records laws in the country

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-101 through 112) is considered one of the most comprehensive in the nation. Agencies must respond within 3 business days. The law applies to any record reflecting the performance of official functions, and all records maintained by public employees are presumed to be public records.

Arkansas-Specific FOIA Templates

Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation

Purpose: Prove there's no evidence scanner access has harmed officers

Pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-105), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All documented incidents, reports, or investigations where public access to police radio scanner communications resulted in:
    • Injury or harm to any officer or personnel
    • Compromise of any tactical operation
    • Flight or escape of any suspect
    • Interference with any emergency response
    for the period January 1, 2010 through present.

If no responsive records exist, please provide written confirmation of that fact.

As an Arkansas citizen, I am entitled to inspect and copy these public records. Please respond within three (3) business days as required by law.

Template 2: AWIN Encryption Decision Documents

Purpose: Discover the decision-making process for joining AWIN and enabling encryption

Pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-105), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting notes) regarding the decision to join the AWIN system and/or encrypt police radio communications.
  2. All city council or quorum court agendas and minutes where AWIN participation or radio encryption was discussed.
  3. Any legal opinions or policy analyses regarding encryption.
  4. Any cost-benefit analyses comparing encryption to alternatives.
  5. All contracts and expenditures related to AWIN participation or radio encryption systems.

I request records from January 1, 2012 through present.

Template 3: Media Access Policy

Purpose: Document whether any media access program exists

Pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (Ark. Code Ann. 25-19-105), I request copies of the following records:

  1. Any policies, procedures, or agreements providing media organizations access to encrypted police radio channels.
  2. Any applications received from media organizations requesting access to encrypted channels.
  3. Any correspondence with media organizations regarding access to police communications.
  4. Any written justifications for denying media access to encrypted channels.

Arkansas FOIA Tips

  • 3-day response: Agencies must respond within 3 business days
  • Arkansas citizens only: FOIA requests must be made by Arkansas citizens (includes corporations)
  • Be specific: Include as much detail about the records you seek as possible
  • Multiple formats: Requests can be made in person, by phone, mail, or electronically
  • Copying costs: If costs exceed $25, the agency may request prepayment
  • Audio/video rates: $20/hour charge for retrieving, reviewing, and redacting audio/video
  • FOIA Handbook: Reference the AG's FOIA Handbook for guidance on exemptions and appeals
  • "No records" is evidence: A response of "no responsive records" proves your point about scanner harm

Local Actions: City Council & Quorum Court

Encryption decisions are made locally. Fight them locally.

City Council Engagement

In Arkansas, cities have City Councils while counties have Quorum Courts. Both can influence local police radio policies.

Template: Request for Council Agenda Item

Dear [COUNCIL MEMBER NAME],

I am writing to request that you agendize a public discussion of [CITY] Police Department's radio encryption policy.

Since [CITY PD] joined the AWIN system, public access to police radio communications has been limited. This decision affects public safety transparency, emergency information access, and press freedom.

Arkansas has one of the strongest FOIA laws in the nation, demonstrating our state's commitment to government transparency. That same principle should apply to police communications.

I request the Council: (1) Hold a public hearing on encryption's impact, (2) Review whether encryption was properly authorized, and (3) Consider hybrid alternatives that preserve transparency while addressing operational needs.

Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[PHONE/EMAIL]

Council Meeting Tips

  • Sign up for public comment - Most councils allow 3 minutes per speaker
  • Reference the FOIA - Arkansas's strong transparency tradition supports your argument
  • Bring supporters - Numbers matter; coordinate testimony to cover different angles
  • Follow up in writing - After speaking, send your testimony to all council members
  • Request a formal hearing - Ask for encryption to be agendized as its own item

Police Department Engagement

Direct engagement with police leadership can sometimes yield results, especially in smaller communities.

Key Questions for Police Leadership

  • "What documented incidents justified the encryption decision?"
  • "What alternatives to full encryption were considered?"
  • "Does the department have a media access policy?"
  • "How are you ensuring public accountability without scanner access?"
  • "What was the cost of AWIN participation and encryption implementation?"

AWIN System Considerations

  • Understand the system - AWIN is a statewide network; agencies can choose encryption settings
  • Ask about options - Not all AWIN participants encrypt; some maintain open channels
  • Request documentation - File FOIA requests for AWIN participation agreements
  • Compare to neighbors - Find agencies on AWIN that don't encrypt and use them as examples

Take Action Now

Concrete steps you can take today

1

File a FOIA Request

Use the templates above to request documentation of scanner harm from your local police department. Arkansas's 3-day response requirement means you'll get answers quickly.

2

Contact Your Legislators

Find your state Senator and Representative at arkleg.state.ar.us. Ask them to sponsor legislation requiring media access to encrypted police communications.

3

Contact Local Media

Reach out to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, KARK, or KATV. Explain how encryption affects their ability to cover emergencies. Media organizations are powerful allies.

4

Attend City Council Meetings

Show up and speak during public comment. Request that encryption be added as an agenda item for formal discussion and public input.

5

Build a Coalition

Connect with journalists, First Amendment advocates, neighborhood watch groups, and volunteer fire departments. Arkansas's community-oriented culture supports coalition building.

6

Reference the FOIA Handbook

The Attorney General's FOIA Handbook is your guide to Arkansas's transparency laws. Use it to strengthen your arguments and understand your rights.

Arkansas Resources & Links

Everything you need for your advocacy campaign

Government Resources

Media Resources

Activist Playbook

Legal Resources

Take Action for Transparency

Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.

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Contact Your Representatives

Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.

Get Started
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Read Case Studies

See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.

View Cases
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Spread Awareness

Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.

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See the Evidence

Review the facts, myths, and research on police radio encryption.

View Evidence
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Public Testimony

Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.

Prepare to Speak
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Download Resources

Get FOIA templates, talking points, and materials for advocacy.

Access Toolkit
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