Mississippi Action Guide
State-Specific Tactics to Restore Police Radio Transparency
Mississippi operates the Mississippi Wireless Information Network (MSWIN), a statewide P25 radio system connecting public safety agencies across the state. While much of Mississippi's radio traffic remains accessible, encryption adoption is growing. This guide provides the contacts, templates, and strategies to preserve transparency in the Magnolia State.
Mississippi's Encryption Landscape
Understanding the current state of police radio transparency
Mississippi maintains a relatively accessible radio environment compared to many states. The Mississippi Wireless Information Network (MSWIN) provides statewide interoperability for public safety agencies, and many jurisdictions continue broadcasting on frequencies accessible to the public.
However, the trend toward encryption is accelerating nationwide, and Mississippi agencies may follow. Jackson County recently upgraded to a Harris P25 Phase II Simulcast System in September 2024, and other jurisdictions are evaluating similar modernization projects that could include encryption capabilities. Now is the time to establish transparency protections before encryption becomes the default.
Key Mississippi Radio System Timeline
Major City Encryption Status
Current state of scanner access in Mississippi's largest cities
Jackson (State Capital)
AccessibleThe City of Jackson Police and Fire dispatch remains accessible via VHF frequencies. Scanner streams are available through Broadcastify for Hinds County, which includes Jackson.
- Population: ~150,000
- County: Hinds County
- System: MSWIN / VHF
Gulfport
AccessibleHarrison County maintains accessible scanner frequencies for public safety communications.
- Population: ~72,000
- County: Harrison County
- System: MSWIN
Biloxi
AccessibleBiloxi public safety communications are accessible through the MSWIN system and local frequencies.
- Population: ~47,000
- County: Harrison County
- System: MSWIN
Hattiesburg
AccessibleForrest County and Hattiesburg public safety communications remain accessible to the public.
- Population: ~48,000
- County: Forrest County
- System: MSWIN
Jackson County (Coastal)
New SystemJackson County launched a new Harris P25 Phase II Simulcast System in September 2024. While currently accessible, the new infrastructure has encryption capability. Monitor for changes.
- Population: ~143,000
- Includes: Pascagoula, Moss Point, Ocean Springs
- System: Harris P25 Phase II
Key Mississippi Contacts
The people who can make change happen
State Legislature
Governor Tate Reeves
Executive BranchWhy Contact: The Governor sets statewide priorities and can direct agencies on transparency policies.
- Address: P.O. Box 139, Jackson, MS 39205
- Phone: (601) 359-3150
- Website: governorreeves.ms.gov
Senate Judiciary Committee (Division A)
Key CommitteeWhy Contact: Any legislation regarding public records or police communications would likely be reviewed by this committee.
- Members: 15 Senators
- Capitol Switchboard: (601) 359-3770
- Website: legislature.ms.gov/committees/senate-committees
Your State Senator & Representative
Your RepresentativesWhy Contact: Your own representatives have the most incentive to listen to you as a constituent.
- Find Your Legislators: legislature.ms.gov/legislators
- Capitol Address: 400 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201
State Agencies
Mississippi Ethics Commission
Public Records AppealsWhy Contact: The Ethics Commission handles complaints about public records denials under the Mississippi Public Records Act.
- Phone: (601) 359-1285
- Address: 660 North Street, Suite 100-C, Jackson, MS 39202
- Website: ethics.ms.gov
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
MSWIN AdministrationWhy Contact: DPS oversees the Mississippi Wireless Information Network and statewide communications policies.
- Phone: (601) 987-1212
- Address: 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216
- Website: dps.ms.gov
Media & Press Organizations
The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)
Statewide DailyWhy Contact: Mississippi's largest newspaper and a Gannett/USA TODAY Network publication with statewide reach.
- Address: 201 S. Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39201
- Phone: (601) 961-7000
- Website: clarionledger.com
Mississippi Today
Nonprofit NewsroomWhy Contact: Mississippi's first nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, focused on accountability journalism.
- Website: mississippitoday.org
- Tips: Submit via their website
Mississippi Press Association
Press Freedom AllyWhy Contact: Represents newspapers across Mississippi and advocates for press freedom and public access.
- Website: mspress.org
Mississippi Public Records Act Requests
Use Mississippi's public records law to document the impact of encryption
The Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. Section 25-61-1 et seq.) provides strong public access rights. Agencies must respond within 1 working day unless they have established their own policies allowing up to 14 working days. Fees cannot exceed actual costs, with a recommended maximum of $0.15 per page for photocopies.
Mississippi-Specific Records Request Templates
Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation
Purpose: Establish that there is no evidence scanner access has harmed officers or operations
Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. Section 25-61-1 et seq.), 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 this constitutes a responsive record under the Mississippi Public Records Act.
Please provide these records in electronic format to minimize costs. I am a Mississippi resident and this request is made in the public interest.
Template 2: Encryption Decision Documents
Purpose: Discover whether encryption decisions were made with public input
Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. Section 25-61-1 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:
- All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting notes) regarding any decision or consideration to encrypt police radio communications, from January 1, 2020 through present.
- All city council, county board, or public meeting agendas and minutes where radio encryption was discussed.
- Any policies or procedures regarding radio encryption or MSWIN system usage.
- Any cost analyses or vendor proposals related to radio encryption systems.
Template 3: Media Access Policies
Purpose: Document whether alternative access exists for journalists
Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. Section 25-61-1 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:
- Any policies or procedures allowing media or press access to police radio communications.
- Any agreements with news organizations regarding access to encrypted police channels.
- Any records of media requests for radio access and the department's responses.
- Any training materials or guidelines regarding communication with the press during emergencies.
Mississippi Public Records Tips
- Response Time: Agencies must respond within 1-14 working days depending on their policy
- Fees: Maximum $0.15 per page recommended; request electronic copies to minimize costs
- Appeals: File complaints with the Mississippi Ethics Commission or sue in chancery court
- No Reason Required: You do not need to explain why you want the records
- "No Records" Response: A response that no records exist proves your point about scanner harm
Local Actions: City Council & County Board
Most encryption decisions are made locally. That's where your voice matters most.
City Council Engagement
Mississippi cities typically make radio system decisions through their governing bodies. Engaging early prevents surprise encryption.
Template: Request for Public Discussion
Dear [MAYOR/COUNCIL MEMBER NAME],
I am writing to request that you ensure any decision to encrypt [CITY NAME] police radio communications includes full public notice and City Council involvement.
Public access to police radio has served Mississippi communities for decades, allowing journalists to cover emergencies, families to stay informed about safety threats, and the public to hold law enforcement accountable.
Before any encryption decision is made, I respectfully request:
- A public hearing on the proposed change with at least 30 days notice
- Documentation of any specific incidents justifying encryption
- Analysis of alternatives such as selective encryption of sensitive tactical channels
- Consideration of media access programs used in other jurisdictions
I am available to discuss this further and can provide information on how other communities have balanced transparency with operational needs.
Respectfully,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[PHONE/EMAIL]
County Board Engagement
County sheriffs and boards of supervisors control county-level radio systems. In Mississippi, county-level decisions often affect multiple municipalities.
Key Questions for County Officials
- "Has the Board of Supervisors been consulted about any radio encryption plans?"
- "What documented incidents justify removing public scanner access?"
- "How will encryption affect coordination with other MSWIN agencies?"
- "What is the cost of encryption implementation vs. current operations?"
- "Will media access be provided if communications are encrypted?"
Meeting Tips
- Check meeting schedules - County boards typically meet monthly; sign up for agendas
- Public comment periods - Most boards allow public comment; prepare 2-3 minute remarks
- Coalition building - Bring media representatives, community groups, and concerned citizens
- Follow up in writing - Send your comments to all supervisors after the meeting
Take Action Now
Concrete steps you can take today to protect transparency
File Public Records Requests
Use the templates above to request scanner harm documentation from your local police department and sheriff's office. A "no records" response proves encryption isn't justified by real incidents.
Contact Your Legislators
Call your state Senator and Representative. Ask them to support legislation requiring public notice before encryption and establishing media access programs.
Attend Local Meetings
Monitor city council and county board agendas for radio system discussions. Speak during public comment periods to advocate for transparency.
Build Media Relationships
Contact local newspapers and TV stations. Journalists depend on scanner access and can amplify your advocacy through their coverage.
Document Everything
Keep records of all communications, meeting attendance, and official responses. This documentation supports future advocacy and potential legal action.
Mississippi Resources & Links
Everything you need for your advocacy campaign
Government Resources
Activist Playbook
Media Organizations
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