Michigan Action Guide
Fighting Encryption in the Great Lakes State
Michigan's two largest cities, Detroit and Grand Rapids, both keep police dispatch open to the public as of September 2026, but the trend toward encryption is spreading elsewhere in the state. This guide shows you how to protect scanner access in your Michigan community and push back where encryption has already arrived.
Michigan Encryption Landscape
Two models, one state
Open Communities
Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Many Counties
Detroit Police dispatch is in the clear, not encrypted — confirmed via two live Broadcastify feeds as of September 2026, including "Detroit Police Dispatch" (feed 13671), explicitly labeled "unencrypted" and covering all six DPD dispatch zones. Grand Rapids Police, many rural counties, and mid-sized cities maintain the same open-access tradition.
Mixed Systems
Ann Arbor, Suburban Detroit
Some communities use partial encryption or are transitioning. Oakland and Macomb counties have varying policies across municipalities. Verify any specific agency's current status at RadioReference before relying on it.
The Michigan Case for Staying Open
Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan's two largest cities, both demonstrate that major police departments can operate effectively with open communications. When any Michigan agency claims encryption is necessary for public safety, point to these two departments: similar crime challenges, transparent approach, no documented harms from scanner access.
Detroit Consent Decree Context
Federal oversight and its implications for transparency
Framing Detroit's Open Access in Context
When advocating to keep Detroit's dispatch open, connect it to the city's oversight history. A department that required federal intervention to correct civil rights abuses has more reason than most to preserve transparency, not retreat from it if encryption is ever proposed. Encryption would eliminate one of the few remaining tools for community accountability.
Protecting Detroit's Open Access
Strategies for Michigan's largest city
The Risk
- Currently open, not guaranteed: Detroit Police dispatch is in the clear as of September 2026, but nothing prevents a future encryption decision
- Population: 639,000+: Michigan's largest city has the most to lose if it follows other big-city departments into encryption
- Post-consent decree: Fewer accountability mechanisms than during federal oversight makes open access more valuable, not less
- No documented justification exists anywhere: Cities that have encrypted did so without evidence of scanner-related harms — a precedent Detroit should not follow
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: residents of every jurisdiction that encrypts lose real-time emergency awareness
Action Steps for Detroit Residents
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 open radio access as an accountability issue, not a technology upgrade to take for granted.
Engage the Board of Police Commissioners
Detroit's civilian oversight board can recommend policy changes. Attend their monthly public meetings and submit written testimony asking the board to go on record supporting continued public access to dispatch communications.
File FOIA Requests
Request all documentation of incidents where scanner access caused harm to Detroit officers or compromised operations. Expect no responsive records—evidence to cite proactively if encryption is ever proposed.
Cite Detroit's Own Track Record
If officials ever propose encryption, ask: "Detroit and Grand Rapids have both operated with open scanners for years, facing similar public safety challenges. What's changed that would justify going dark now?"
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 15.231-15.246Michigan'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
Michigan Open Meetings Act
MCL 15.261-15.275Michigan'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:
- 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].
- All budget documents, vendor quotes, contracts, and cost estimates related to police radio encryption systems.
- All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting minutes) regarding police radio encryption decisions.
- 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.
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.
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
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
Michigan FOIA Templates
Ready-to-file public records requests
Highland Park Case Study
Nearby Illinois proves scanners save lives
Testimony Scripts
Ready for city council or county board
Hybrid Alternatives
Proposals officials can accept
90-Day Campaign
Complete action timeline
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 Evidence
You don't need to look far for evidence that open scanners work. Detroit and Grand Rapids — Michigan's two largest cities — both operate transparently. When any official claims encryption is necessary, point to your own state's biggest departments: no documented harms from scanner access, and a track record worth defending before it changes. 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 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 SpeakMonitor what's still on the air
Documenting what encryption took away is easier when you can hear what remains. Fire, EMS, weather, and aviation channels stay unencrypted in most areas: