ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

Michigan Action Guide

Fighting Encryption in the Great Lakes State

Michigan presents a stark contrast in police radio transparency. Detroit has fully encrypted communications while Grand Rapids maintains open dispatch channels. This guide shows you how to protect scanner access in your Michigan community and fight encryption where it already exists.

Michigan Encryption Landscape

Two models, one state

Open Communities

Grand Rapids, Lansing, Many Counties

Grand Rapids Police maintain open dispatch channels, allowing real-time community awareness. Many rural counties and mid-sized cities continue this transparency tradition.

Mixed Systems

Ann Arbor, Suburban Detroit

Some communities use partial encryption or are transitioning. Oakland and Macomb counties have varying policies across municipalities.

Fully Encrypted

Detroit Police Department

Detroit Police fully encrypted radio communications in 2016, eliminating real-time public access to dispatch information in Michigan's largest city.

The Michigan Contrast

Grand Rapids, Michigan's second-largest city, demonstrates that major police departments can operate effectively with open communications. When Detroit officials claim encryption is necessary for public safety, point to Grand Rapids: similar crime challenges, different approach, no documented harms from scanner access.

Detroit Consent Decree Context

Federal oversight and its implications for transparency

Federal Oversight History

Detroit operated under federal consent decrees from 2003 to 2016 following Department of Justice findings of civil rights violations and unconstitutional conditions. While the city exited formal oversight in 2016, the legacy shapes current accountability debates.

Why This Matters for Encryption

1

Accountability Gap

Post-consent decree, independent monitoring mechanisms have weakened. Scanner access was one remaining tool for community oversight of police conduct.

2

Trust Deficit

Detroit's history of documented civil rights violations makes police transparency even more critical for rebuilding community trust.

3

Oversight Vacuum

Without federal monitors, civilian oversight bodies and journalists need real-time information to fulfill their watchdog role.

Framing Encryption in Detroit's Context

When advocating against Detroit's encryption, connect it to the city's oversight history. A department that required federal intervention to correct civil rights abuses should embrace transparency, not retreat from it. Encryption eliminates one of the few remaining tools for community accountability.

Fighting Detroit Encryption

Strategies for Michigan's largest city

The Problem

  • Full encryption since 2016: No real-time public access to police dispatch
  • Population: 639,000+: Michigan's largest city completely in the dark
  • Post-consent decree: Fewer accountability mechanisms than during federal oversight
  • No documented justification: Encryption implemented without evidence of scanner-related harms

Why Detroit Matters

  • Regional influence: Detroit's policy affects Wayne County and surrounding suburbs
  • State precedent: Other Michigan cities watch Detroit's approach
  • Civil rights history: A city with documented police accountability issues needs more transparency, not less
  • Population impact: 15% of Michigan's population loses real-time emergency awareness

Action Steps for Detroit Residents

1

Contact Detroit City Council

Detroit's nine council members control police oversight and budget. Request meetings with your district representative and at-large members. Frame encryption as accountability, not technology.

2

Engage the Board of Police Commissioners

Detroit's civilian oversight board can recommend policy changes. Attend their monthly public meetings and submit written testimony requesting encryption review.

3

File FOIA Requests

Request all documentation of incidents where scanner access caused harm to Detroit officers or compromised operations. Expect no responsive records—proving the encryption justification is hollow.

4

Point to Grand Rapids

When officials defend encryption, ask: "Grand Rapids maintains open scanners while facing similar public safety challenges. Why does Detroit need full encryption?"

Wayne County Strategy

Wayne County, which includes Detroit and 42 other municipalities, has significant influence over regional communications policy. Contact your Wayne County Commissioner to advocate for county-wide transparency standards. The Wayne County Executive can direct county agencies and influence Detroit policy discussions.

Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Your legal tools for fighting encryption

Michigan FOIA

MCL 15.231-15.246

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act provides strong public access to government records. Use it to expose the lack of evidence supporting encryption decisions.

  • Response deadline: 5 business days (can extend to 10 with notice)
  • Appeal to: Circuit Court or agency head
  • Fee waivers: Reduced fees for public interest requests (indigence or public benefit)
  • Electronic delivery: Available if records exist in electronic format
Get Michigan FOIA templates

Michigan Open Meetings Act

MCL 15.261-15.275

Michigan's Open Meetings Act requires public bodies to conduct business openly. If encryption was decided without proper public notice and input, challenge the process.

  • 18-hour notice required for regular meetings
  • 2-hour notice for emergency meetings
  • Closed session rules: Limited to specific statutory exemptions
  • Minutes required: Must be made available to public

Key tactic: If your city or county encrypted without a public vote or adequate notice, the decision may have violated Michigan's Open Meetings Act.

Sample Michigan FOIA Request

To: [Agency] FOIA Coordinator

Subject: Michigan Freedom of Information Act Request - Police Radio Encryption

Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All documented incidents from January 1, 2019 to present where public access to police radio communications (via scanner, streaming, or similar means) resulted in injury to any officer, escape of a suspect, or compromise of any police operation in [Jurisdiction].
  2. All budget documents, vendor quotes, contracts, and cost estimates related to police radio encryption systems.
  3. All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting minutes) regarding police radio encryption decisions.
  4. Any policies or procedures regarding media or public access to police communications.

If no responsive records exist for any category, please confirm in writing that no responsive records were located.

I request electronic delivery to [email]. I request a fee waiver or reduction under MCL 15.234(3) as this request serves the public interest and contributes significantly to public understanding of government operations.

If any records are withheld, please cite the specific FOIA exemption under MCL 15.243.

If Your Request Is Denied

Michigan FOIA appeals go to the head of the public body or directly to circuit court. Unlike some states, Michigan doesn't have an independent FOIA appeals office—but circuit court awards attorney fees if you prevail.

Administrative Appeal

Appeal to the head of the public body within 180 days. They must respond within 10 business days.

Circuit Court

File in circuit court. If you prevail, the court may award reasonable attorney fees and costs.

Key Michigan Contacts

Who to call, write, and visit

Michigan Legislature

State legislation could establish transparency requirements statewide. Build relationships with your representatives now.

Find Your State Representative

Michigan House of Representatives

Website: house.mi.gov

Phone: (517) 373-0135

Use "Find Your Legislator" with your address to identify your representative.

Find Your State Senator

Michigan Senate

Website: senate.michigan.gov

Phone: (517) 373-2400

Request meetings when legislators are in-district, especially during recesses.

Key Committees to Contact

  • House Judiciary Committee - Law enforcement policy jurisdiction
  • Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee - Police accountability and communications
  • House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government - Controls state agency funding

Detroit City Government

Detroit's nine council members and the mayor control police policy. Sustained constituent pressure can change encryption policy.

START HERE

Detroit City Council

Nine members (7 district, 2 at-large)

Website: detroitmi.gov/government/city-council

Phone: (313) 224-3443

Find your district representative. At-large members represent everyone.

Mayor's Office

City of Detroit

Phone: (313) 224-3400

Website: detroitmi.gov/government/mayors-office

The mayor appoints the police chief and sets public safety priorities.

Board of Police Commissioners

Civilian police oversight

Phone: (313) 596-1830

Website: detroitmi.gov/BOPC

Monthly public meetings—attend and provide testimony on encryption's impact on accountability.

Office of the Inspector General

City accountability office

Website: detroitmi.gov/government/inspector-general

The IG investigates waste and misconduct. Frame encryption as an accountability barrier.

Wayne County Government

Wayne County includes Detroit and 42 other municipalities. The County Commission and Executive influence regional policy.

Wayne County Commission

15 commissioners representing county districts

Website: waynecounty.com/elected/commission

Phone: (313) 224-0946

Find your commissioner by district. They control Wayne County Sheriff's budget and policy.

Wayne County Executive

Chief executive of Wayne County

Website: waynecounty.com/elected/executive

The County Executive can advocate for county-wide transparency policies.

Michigan Media Contacts & Allies

Build your coalition

Media Organizations

KEY ALLY

Michigan Press Association

Represents newspapers across Michigan. They advocate for open government, press access, and First Amendment issues at the state level.

Website: michiganpress.org

Ask MPA to issue a statement supporting scanner access and press freedom.

Michigan Association of Broadcasters

Represents TV and radio stations statewide. Member stations depend on scanner access for breaking news coverage.

Website: michmab.com

Contact MAB to coordinate advocacy among member stations.

Detroit News Directors

Local TV news directors at WXYZ (ABC), WDIV (NBC), WJBK (Fox), WWJ (CBS). They cover encryption's impact on journalism.

Pitch story: "Detroit's encrypted radios block breaking news coverage."

Civil Liberties & Advocacy

ACLU of Michigan

Works on police accountability, civil rights, and government transparency. May provide legal guidance or coalition support.

Website: aclumich.org

Contact their police practices program about encryption and accountability.

Michigan Coalition for Open Government

Advocates for transparency in government at all levels. Natural allies on scanner access issues.

Website: micopengov.org

Request they add scanner access to their transparency advocacy agenda.

Detroit Justice Center

Works on criminal justice reform and police accountability in Detroit specifically.

Website: detroitjustice.org

Frame encryption as a police accountability barrier affecting marginalized communities.

Fire/EMS Allies

Michigan Fire Chiefs Association

Fire chiefs have interoperability concerns when police encrypt without coordination with fire and EMS.

Website: michiganfirechiefs.org

Contact your local fire chief about encryption's impact on multi-agency response.

Michigan Professional Firefighters Union

Represents career firefighters across Michigan. Can provide political support and operational credibility.

Website: mpffu.org

Frame as public safety coordination issue, not political.

Take Action in Michigan

Everything you need to fight encryption

FOIA

Michigan FOIA Templates

Ready-to-file public records requests

 CASE

Highland Park Case Study

Nearby Illinois proves scanners save lives

 SPEAK

Testimony Scripts

Ready for city council or county board

 OPTIONS

Hybrid Alternatives

Proposals officials can accept

 PLAN

90-Day Campaign

Complete action timeline

 ALLIES

Coalition Building

Unite stakeholders in your community

Michigan Government Quick Links

  • Find Your State Legislator: legislature.mi.gov (click "Find Your Legislator")
  • Detroit City Council: detroitmi.gov/government/city-council
  • Wayne County Commission: waynecounty.com/elected/commission
  • Grand Rapids City Commission: grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/City-Commission
  • Michigan Attorney General: michigan.gov/ag

Michigan Has the Contrast

You don't need to look far for evidence that open scanners work. Grand Rapids operates transparently while Detroit hides behind encryption. When officials claim encryption is necessary, point to Michigan's second-largest city. Same state, different approach, no documented harms from scanner access. The evidence is in your backyard.

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 Started
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Read Case Studies

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

View Cases
📢

Spread Awareness

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

📊

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