IDAHO ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

Idaho Action Guide

State-Specific Tactics to Restore Police Radio Transparency

In November 2024, Ada County law enforcement went dark. Boise, Meridian, Garden City, and the Ada County Sheriff's Office all encrypted their radio communications. This guide gives you the contacts, templates, and tactics to fight for transparency in the Gem State.

Idaho's Encryption Landscape

Understanding the battlefield before you fight

On November 19, 2024, Ada County implemented encryption on all law enforcement radio channels. The Boise Police Department, Meridian Police, Garden City Police, and Ada County Sheriff's Office all went dark simultaneously. Eagle, Star, and Kuna police departments followed since they contract with the Ada County Sheriff's Office.

Idaho's Public Records Act is citizen-friendly with a 3-day initial response requirement and no fees for the first 2 hours of staff time or first 100 pages. Use these tools to demand documentation about the encryption decision and hold agencies accountable.

Nov 2024 Ada County Goes Encrypted
3 Days Initial Response Required
Free First 2 Hours + 100 Pages

Key Idaho Encryption Timeline

Pre-2024 Boise and Ada County police radios publicly accessible
2024 Canyon County law enforcement enacts encryption
Nov 19, 2024 Ada County implements encryption on all law enforcement channels
Present Fire/EMS encryption planned but no timeline announced

Key Idaho Contacts

The people who can make change happen

State Government

Idaho State Legislature

Legislative Branch

Why Contact: The Legislature can pass transparency requirements. House and Senate Judiciary committees handle public safety legislation.

  • Find Your Legislator: legislature.idaho.gov
  • House Judiciary Committee: Reviews public safety and transparency bills
  • Senate Judiciary Committee: Handles related legislation
Ask: "Will you sponsor legislation modeled on Colorado's HB21-1250 requiring media access to encrypted police channels?"

Idaho Attorney General

Public Records Oversight

Why Contact: The AG publishes the Idaho Public Records Law Manual and provides guidance on open government issues.

Local Government

Boise City Council

State's Largest City

Why Contact: Boise PD is now encrypted. The City Council can mandate transparency measures or media access programs.

  • Website: cityofboise.org
  • Public Comment: City Council meetings allow public testimony
Ask: "What documented incidents justified Boise PD's encryption? Will you require a media access program?"

Ada County Commissioners

County Government

Why Contact: The Ada County Sheriff's Office implemented encryption. County Commissioners oversee the Sheriff's budget and policies.

Meridian City Council

Second Largest in Metro

Why Contact: Meridian PD encrypted alongside Boise. The city is growing rapidly and deserves transparent policing.

Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford

Encryption Decision Maker

Why Contact: The Sheriff made the encryption decision. Direct engagement may yield information or commitments.

Media & Press Organizations

KTVB

Idaho's Largest News Organization

Why Contact: KTVB is Idaho's largest media organization and has covered the encryption issue. They have a stake in scanner access.

Idaho Statesman

Major Newspaper

Why Contact: The Idaho Statesman is the state's primary newspaper, covering Boise and statewide issues.

Idaho Press-Tribune

Nampa/Canyon County

Why Contact: The Idaho Press-Tribune covers Ada and Canyon County. Canyon County has also enacted encryption.

KIVI-TV

ABC Affiliate

Why Contact: KIVI has covered the Ada County encryption announcement and provides local news coverage.

Idaho Capital Sun

Nonprofit News

Why Contact: The Idaho Capital Sun provides in-depth coverage of state government and policy issues.

Idaho Public Records Act Requests

Strong public access with minimal fees

The Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code Title 74, Chapter 1) makes it easy for citizens to request government records. Agencies must respond within 3 business days with an initial response, extendable to 10 days. Idaho residents get the first 2 hours of staff time and first 100 pages free of charge.

Idaho-Specific Public Records Templates

Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation

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

Pursuant to the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code 74-102), 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 required under the Act.

As an Idaho resident, I am entitled to the first 2 hours of labor and first 100 pages at no charge.

Template 2: Encryption Decision Documents

Purpose: Discover who made the encryption decision and why

Pursuant to the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code 74-102), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting notes) regarding the decision to encrypt police radio communications implemented on November 19, 2024.
  2. All county commission, city council, or public meeting agendas and minutes where 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 radio encryption systems.

I request records from January 1, 2022 through present.

Template 3: Alternative Information Systems

Purpose: Document what transparency alternatives exist

Pursuant to the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code 74-102), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All documentation regarding the Pulse Point app and its use as an alternative to scanner access.
  2. All documentation regarding the Ada County Crime Mapper dashboard.
  3. Any policies, procedures, or agreements providing media organizations access to encrypted police radio channels.
  4. Any assessments comparing the information provided by these alternatives to what was previously available via scanner.

Idaho Public Records Tips

  • 3-day initial response: Agencies must respond within 3 business days (may extend to 10)
  • Deemed denied: If no response within 10 business days, request is considered denied
  • Free for residents: First 2 hours of labor and first 100 pages free for Idaho residents
  • Written requests required: Submit requests in writing using the agency's form or your own letter
  • One request per form: Include only one public records request per submission
  • Be specific: Clearly describe the records you seek to help locate them efficiently
  • Appeal denials: File a petition with district court within 180 days of denial
  • "No records" is evidence: A response of "no responsive records" proves your point about scanner harm

Local Actions: City Council & County Commission

The encryption decision was made locally. Fight it locally.

City Council Engagement

Boise, Meridian, Garden City, and other cities went encrypted as part of Ada County's coordinated decision. Each city council can still mandate transparency measures.

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.

On November 19, 2024, [CITY PD] implemented encryption as part of Ada County's coordinated decision. This change was made without public hearings or formal council involvement.

Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison stated encryption helps "high-liability calls for service" like armed standoffs and pursuits. However, routine calls for service should remain transparent.

I request the Council: (1) Hold a public hearing on encryption's impact, (2) Review what alternatives like delay broadcasting were considered, and (3) Consider a media access program.

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

Council Meeting Tips

  • Challenge the justification - Ask for documentation of scanner-related harm
  • Cite alternatives - Pulse Point and Crime Mapper don't replace real-time scanner access
  • Reference other states - Colorado's HB21-1250 provides a legislative model
  • Bring media allies - KTVB and Idaho Statesman have a stake in this issue
  • Follow up persistently - File public records requests for any verbal commitments

County Commission Engagement

The Ada County Sheriff's Office drove the encryption decision. Ada County Commissioners oversee the Sheriff's budget and can demand transparency measures.

Key Questions for Commissioners

  • "What documented incidents justified this encryption decision?"
  • "What alternatives to full encryption were considered?"
  • "Why were there no public hearings before implementation?"
  • "Will the county establish a media access program?"
  • "What is the timeline for Fire/EMS encryption?"

County Advocacy Tips

  • Budget leverage - County Commissioners control Sheriff's budget
  • Public meetings - County Commission meetings are open to public comment
  • Regional pressure - Canyon County also encrypted; build a multi-county coalition
  • Prevent Fire/EMS encryption - Fire and EMS encryption is planned but not yet implemented

Take Action Now

Concrete steps you can take today

1

File Public Records Requests

Use the templates above to request documentation of scanner harm. Idaho's free first 2 hours and 100 pages makes this low-cost. File with Boise PD, Ada County Sheriff, and your local agency.

2

Contact Your Legislators

Find your state Senator and Representative at legislature.idaho.gov. Ask them to sponsor transparency legislation for the 2026 session.

3

Engage Local Media

KTVB, the Idaho Statesman, and the Idaho Press-Tribune all have a stake in scanner access. Reach out and offer to be a source for their coverage.

4

Attend City Council & Commission Meetings

Show up at Boise City Council, Ada County Commission, and your local governing body. Demand a public hearing on encryption.

5

Stop Fire/EMS Encryption

Fire and EMS encryption is planned but no timeline exists. Preemptive advocacy can prevent this next step.

6

Build a Coalition

Connect with journalists, neighborhood watch groups, volunteer fire departments, and civic organizations. Idaho's community-oriented culture supports coalition building.

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