90-Day Campaign Timeline
Week-by-Week Action Plan
A complete checklist for stopping an encryption proposal. Whether you have 90 days or 9 days, this timeline shows you what to prioritize and when.
Phase 1: Foundation
Days 1-14
Intelligence & Coalition CorePhase 2: Build Power
Days 15-45
Public Pressure & MediaPhase 3: Decision Time
Days 46-90
Maximum Pressure & VotePhase 1: Foundation
Days 1-14: Build your intelligence base and core coalition
Week 1: Intelligence Gathering
Days 1-7Days 1-2: Immediate Actions
File FOIA Request #1
Request: "All documented incidents where scanner access caused officer injury or operational compromise, [last 5 years]"
Why: This almost always returns zero records—your most powerful evidence.
Get template →Identify Decision Point
Find out: Is this a council vote? Budget item? Police commission decision? Chief's unilateral action?
Why: Your strategy depends on who decides and when.
Document Current Status
Check RadioReference.com for your jurisdiction. What's currently encrypted vs. open? When did changes occur?
Days 3-5: Research Phase
File FOIA Request #2
Request: "All communications (emails, memos, proposals) regarding police radio encryption, [last 2 years]"
Get template →File FOIA Request #3
Request: "Budget proposals, vendor quotes, and cost estimates for radio encryption systems"
Get template →Review Budget Documents
Search current and proposed city/county budget for: "radio system," "P25," "communications upgrade," encryption line items.
Research Past Coverage
Search local news archives for any prior encryption discussions. Who spoke for/against? What arguments were used?
Days 6-7: Initial Outreach
Contact Local Media
Call news directors at local TV and radio stations. Journalists use scanners daily—they have the most to lose.
Media pitch guide →Contact Fire Department
Reach out to fire chief or union. Fire departments often oppose police encryption due to interoperability concerns.
Outreach script →Identify Potential Allies
Make list of: local ACLU, press freedom groups, community organizations, neighborhood associations who might join.
Week 2: Core Coalition
Days 8-14Days 8-10: Build Core Team
Recruit 3-5 Core Members
You need: someone with media contacts, someone who knows local government process, and 2-3 committed volunteers.
First Coalition Meeting
Share what you've learned from FOIA/research. Assign roles: research, media, council relations, public testimony.
Create Shared Docs
Set up shared folder with: FOIA requests/responses, meeting dates, council member contacts, talking points.
Days 11-14: Council Intelligence
Map Council Positions
Research each council member. Who's likely sympathetic? Who championed transparency before? Who do police unions support?
Request Council Meetings
Send emails requesting meetings with each council member. Start with likely allies. Bring 2-3 coalition members.
Monitor Agendas
Sign up for council meeting notifications. Know when encryption might appear on an agenda.
Attend a Meeting
Even if encryption isn't on the agenda, observe how public comment works. Learn the process before you need it.
Phase 2: Build Power
Days 15-45: Expand coalition, generate media coverage, apply pressure
Week 3: Go Public
Days 15-21Days 15-17: Media Push
Submit Op-Ed
Write and submit op-ed to local newspaper. Frame as public safety issue, not scanner hobby. Include Highland Park example.
Op-ed template →Pitch News Story
Pitch local TV news on encryption story. Offer coalition spokesperson for interview. Provide FOIA results showing zero harm.
Letters to Editor Campaign
Coordinate coalition members to submit letters to editor. Spread across multiple weeks for sustained visibility.
Days 18-21: Expand Coalition
Outreach to ACLU
Contact state/local ACLU chapter. Explain the issue. They may provide legal expertise, coalition credibility, or direct advocacy.
Recruit Community Groups
Reach out to: neighborhood associations, police accountability groups, disability advocates, business associations.
Fire/EMS Follow-up
If fire dept is sympathetic, ask if chief will submit written statement or testify against encryption.
Fire chief talking points →Weeks 4-5: Sustained Pressure
Days 22-35Public Engagement
Pack Public Meetings
Have coalition members attend every relevant meeting. Submit public comment even if encryption isn't on the agenda—keep it visible.
Testimony guide →Launch Petition
Create online petition (Change.org or similar). Goal: show breadth of opposition. Deliver signatures at council meeting.
Social Media Campaign
Coordinate hashtag campaign. Share evidence, tag council members, amplify news coverage.
Collect Personal Stories
Find residents who use scanners: parents monitoring school lockdowns, storm spotters, volunteer emergency responders.
Political Pressure
Find a Champion
Identify one council member willing to publicly question encryption. Brief them with your evidence. In Palo Alto, this was key.
Council Member Meetings
Complete all requested meetings. Leave evidence packet: FOIA results, cost analysis, hybrid alternatives.
Request Formal Hearing
Ask council to hold a public hearing on encryption before any vote. Transparency on the process matters.
Week 6: Present Alternatives
Days 36-45Solution Framing
Propose Hybrid System
Present hybrid alternative: open dispatch, encrypted tactical channels. Give officials a way to address police concerns without full encryption.
Hybrid system details →Request Cost Comparison
Ask for cost comparison: full encryption vs. hybrid system vs. status quo. Budget arguments resonate.
Cite Other Jurisdictions
Compile list of jurisdictions using hybrid systems successfully. Many sheriff's offices, state patrols maintain open dispatch.
Phase 3: Decision Time
Days 46-90: Maximum pressure campaign leading to the vote
Weeks 7-9: Build to Decision
Days 46-63Escalate Pressure
FOIA Results Campaign
By now you should have FOIA results. If "no responsive records" for scanner harm incidents—publicize widely.
Editorial Board Briefing
Request meeting with newspaper editorial board. Push for editorial opposing encryption or supporting hybrid.
Editorial board guide →Second Round of Letters
Coordinate another wave of letters to editor. Time to arrive 1-2 weeks before expected decision.
Coalition Letter
Draft joint letter from all coalition organizations. Deliver to all council members. Post publicly.
Political Endgame
Whip Count
Count likely votes. Who's committed to opposing encryption? Who's undecided? Focus remaining energy on persuadable votes.
Press Swing Voters
For undecided council members: arrange additional constituent contacts, additional meetings, targeted op-eds.
Prepare for Compromise
Have fallback position ready: If full defeat isn't possible, what mitigation would you accept? Shorter delays? Media access?
Weeks 10-12: The Vote
Days 64-90Final Push
Pack the Meeting
Maximum turnout for the vote. Coordinate colors/signs for visual impact. Sign up all available speakers for public comment.
Prepare Testimony
Coordinate multiple speakers covering different angles: public safety, journalism, disability access, cost, fire interoperability.
Testimony scripts →Media Alert
Send media advisory for the meeting. Ensure TV cameras are present. Offer post-vote interviews.
Deliver Petition
Present petition signatures at the meeting. Media moment: pile of signatures demonstrates community opposition.
Win or Lose: Next Steps
If You Win
- Thank supportive council members publicly
- Issue press release celebrating the victory
- Keep coalition intact for future defense
- Share your success story with other communities
- Push for formal policy protecting access
If You Lose
- Document the vote (who voted how)
- Push for mitigation: shorter delays, media access
- Continue advocacy for reversal
- Make encryption an election issue
- Support state-level legislation
Encryption can be reversed. Palo Alto took 20 months. Stay organized.
What If You Have Less Time?
Only have 2-4 weeks? Prioritize these actions in order:
File FOIA for scanner harm incidents
Request expedited processing if possible. The "zero records" response is your strongest evidence.
Contact local media immediately
News organizations have the most to lose and can move quickly. Get them on your side.
Pack the decision meeting
Numbers matter. Even 10 people testifying against encryption is often more than officials expect.
Propose the hybrid alternative
Give decision-makers an off-ramp. "Open dispatch, encrypted tactical" satisfies most concerns.
Campaign Resources
Templates and guides for each phase
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