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.
Key Idaho Encryption Timeline
Key Idaho Contacts
The people who can make change happen
State Government
Governor Brad Little
Executive BranchWhy Contact: Governor Little oversees the Idaho State Police and sets statewide priorities. He has emphasized public safety and transparency.
- Phone: (208) 334-2100
- Address: State Capitol, 700 W Jefferson St, Boise, ID 83702
- Website: gov.idaho.gov
Idaho State Legislature
Legislative BranchWhy 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
Idaho Attorney General
Public Records OversightWhy Contact: The AG publishes the Idaho Public Records Law Manual and provides guidance on open government issues.
- Phone: (208) 334-2400
- Website: ag.idaho.gov
- Public Records Manual: Public Records Law Manual
Local Government
Boise City Council
State's Largest CityWhy 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
Ada County Commissioners
County GovernmentWhy Contact: The Ada County Sheriff's Office implemented encryption. County Commissioners oversee the Sheriff's budget and policies.
- Website: adacounty.id.gov
Meridian City Council
Second Largest in MetroWhy Contact: Meridian PD encrypted alongside Boise. The city is growing rapidly and deserves transparent policing.
- Website: meridiancity.org
Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford
Encryption Decision MakerWhy Contact: The Sheriff made the encryption decision. Direct engagement may yield information or commitments.
- Website: Ada County Sheriff
Media & Press Organizations
KTVB
Idaho's Largest News OrganizationWhy Contact: KTVB is Idaho's largest media organization and has covered the encryption issue. They have a stake in scanner access.
- Website: ktvb.com
Idaho Statesman
Major NewspaperWhy Contact: The Idaho Statesman is the state's primary newspaper, covering Boise and statewide issues.
- Website: idahostatesman.com
Idaho Press-Tribune
Nampa/Canyon CountyWhy Contact: The Idaho Press-Tribune covers Ada and Canyon County. Canyon County has also enacted encryption.
- Website: idahopress.com
KIVI-TV
ABC AffiliateWhy Contact: KIVI has covered the Ada County encryption announcement and provides local news coverage.
- Website: kivitv.com
Idaho Capital Sun
Nonprofit NewsWhy Contact: The Idaho Capital Sun provides in-depth coverage of state government and policy issues.
- Website: idahocapitalsun.com
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:
- 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
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:
- All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting notes) regarding the decision to encrypt police radio communications implemented on November 19, 2024.
- All county commission, city council, or public meeting agendas and minutes where radio encryption was discussed.
- Any legal opinions or policy analyses regarding encryption.
- Any cost-benefit analyses comparing encryption to alternatives.
- 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:
- All documentation regarding the Pulse Point app and its use as an alternative to scanner access.
- All documentation regarding the Ada County Crime Mapper dashboard.
- Any policies, procedures, or agreements providing media organizations access to encrypted police radio channels.
- 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
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.
Contact Your Legislators
Find your state Senator and Representative at legislature.idaho.gov. Ask them to sponsor transparency legislation for the 2026 session.
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.
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.
Stop Fire/EMS Encryption
Fire and EMS encryption is planned but no timeline exists. Preemptive advocacy can prevent this next step.
Build a Coalition
Connect with journalists, neighborhood watch groups, volunteer fire departments, and civic organizations. Idaho's community-oriented culture supports coalition building.
Idaho 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.
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