Coalition Building Playbook
You Can't Fight City Hall Alone
Broad coalitions are harder for officials to dismiss. When journalists, fire departments, civil liberties groups, and community members all oppose encryption together, that's a political force.
Priority Allies
These groups have the most to lose and the most credibility
Local TV & Radio News
HIGHEST PRIORITYWhy They Care
Scanners are how news crews get to breaking news. Encryption means arriving 30 minutes late, after police control the scene. This directly threatens their ability to compete and serve viewers.
What They Bring
- Massive credibility with public and officials
- Built-in platform for coverage
- Professional organization backing (RTDNA, state broadcasters)
How to Approach
Contact: News director (not general reporter)
Pitch: "Encryption will prevent your station from covering breaking news in real-time. The police want to control when and how you learn about incidents."
Ask: Editorial opposition, coalition partnership, reporter assigned to cover the issue
Fire Department & EMS
HIGH PRIORITYWhy They Care
Fire crews need to know what police are doing at multi-agency incidents. When police encrypt, firefighters lose situational awareness. This creates dangerous coordination gaps.
What They Bring
- Public safety credibility that counters police arguments
- Technical expertise on interoperability
- Union backing and political relationships
How to Approach
Contact: Fire chief, fire union president, or fire commission
Pitch: "Police encryption breaks interoperability. Your crews will lose situational awareness at joint incidents. We need your voice to stop this."
Ask: Written statement, testimony at council, letter to city manager
Fire/EMS leadership resources →Local Newspapers
Why They Care
Print journalists use scanners differently than TV—more for investigations and accountability reporting. But they still depend on scanner access for breaking news alerts.
What They Bring
- Editorial page influence
- Investigative reporting capacity
- Historical record of local events
How to Approach
Contact: Managing editor or editorial page editor
Pitch: "Request editorial board meeting to brief them on encryption impact"
Ask: Editorial opposing encryption, news coverage of the issue, op-ed space
ACLU / Civil Liberties Groups
Why They Care
Police accountability is a core civil liberties concern. Encryption eliminates independent oversight and makes misconduct harder to document.
What They Bring
- Legal expertise and credibility
- Existing relationships with legislators
- Organizing experience
How to Approach
Contact: State or local ACLU chapter policy director
Pitch: "Police encryption eliminates public oversight. Scanners documented misconduct in 2020, Uvalde, and countless other incidents."
Ask: Coalition partnership, legal analysis, legislative advocacy
Additional Coalition Partners
Broaden your coalition for maximum impact
Community Organizations
Neighborhood associations, community councils, civic groups. They demonstrate grassroots opposition and electoral pressure.
Pitch: "Encryption removes community ability to know what police are doing in our neighborhoods."
Business Associations
Chambers of commerce, downtown associations. Businesses use scanners for security and have economic stake in news coverage.
Pitch: "Encryption means slower news alerts during emergencies that affect your members."
Amateur Radio Operators
Ham radio clubs, ARES/RACES emergency volunteers. They understand radio technology and often volunteer for emergency communication.
Pitch: "Encryption breaks emergency communication interoperability."
Academic Researchers
Criminal justice professors, journalism schools. They can provide expert testimony and research support.
Pitch: "We need expert voices to counter police claims."
Disability Advocates
Accessibility organizations, deaf/hard of hearing groups. Scanner apps provide accessible emergency alerts.
Pitch: "Encryption eliminates accessible emergency information with no replacement."
Police Accountability Groups
Copwatch, civilian oversight boards, reform advocates. Scanners are tools for documenting police activity.
Pitch: "Encryption is about avoiding accountability, not protecting officers."
Outreach Scripts
Sample language for initial contact
Email to News Director
Subject: Police Radio Encryption Threatens Breaking News Coverage
Dear [News Director],
I'm writing to alert you that [CITY/COUNTY] is considering police radio encryption that would eliminate your station's ability to monitor breaking news in real-time.
Other cities that encrypted have seen news crews arrive 30+ minutes after incidents, with police already controlling the scene and narrative. RTDNA reports encryption is the #1 concern affecting broadcast journalism.
A coalition is forming to oppose this decision. We believe your station has significant credibility to lend, and significant stake in the outcome.
Could we schedule a brief call to discuss? We have evidence and talking points prepared.
[Your name and contact]
Email to Fire Chief
Subject: Police Encryption Impact on Fire/EMS Interoperability
Dear Chief [Name],
I'm reaching out about [CITY]'s consideration of police radio encryption and its implications for fire department operations.
When police encrypt, fire crews lose crucial situational awareness at multi-agency incidents. In Washington DC, fire crews at a subway incident couldn't coordinate with encrypted police units—the system was eventually reversed.
Many fire departments have publicly opposed police encryption on interoperability grounds. We're forming a community coalition and believe the fire department's voice would be especially credible.
Would you or a department representative be willing to discuss this issue? We have documentation from other jurisdictions and draft talking points.
[Your name and contact]
Managing Your Coalition
How to keep diverse partners aligned and effective
Regular Meetings
Meet weekly or biweekly to coordinate strategy. Keep meetings focused with clear agendas. Rotate facilitation among core members.
Shared Messaging
Agree on core talking points everyone uses. Create a one-pager with key facts. Avoid conflicting public statements.
Clear Roles
Assign specific responsibilities: media relations, council lobbying, public testimony coordination, research. Avoid duplication and gaps.
Shared Documentation
Use shared folders for FOIA responses, meeting dates, council contacts, evidence. Everyone should have access to the same information.
Respect Different Priorities
Different coalition members have different concerns. Journalists focus on access; civil liberties groups focus on accountability. Honor both.
Stay Focused
Avoid mission creep. You're opposing encryption, not becoming a general police reform group. Stay focused on the specific goal.
Coalition Success: NYC Example
When NYPD moved to encrypt its $390 million radio system, a broad coalition achieved remarkable results:
Coalition Partners:
- NYCLU (New York Civil Liberties Union)
- Major news organizations (unified front)
- City Council members (41-7 bill passage)
- Community organizations
Result:
City Council passed Int. 1460-2025 with 41-7 vote requiring press access. While the Governor vetoed the bill, the coalition demonstrated that organized opposition can move legislation even against a major police department.
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