NEW HAMPSHIRE ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

New Hampshire Action Guide

State-Specific Tactics to Restore Police Radio Transparency

New Hampshire's Right to Know Law declares that "Openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society." Yet Manchester, the state's largest city, has fully encrypted its police radio. This guide provides the tools to fight back using New Hampshire's strong transparency traditions.

New Hampshire's Encryption Landscape

Understanding the current state of police radio transparency

New Hampshire presents a mixed picture. Manchester, the state's largest city, has fully encrypted its police radio communications using Motorola APX7000L equipment. The city describes this as "state of the art" technology, but it blocks public access to police operations.

However, Manchester is an outlier. New Hampshire State Police, Nashua, Portsmouth, and Concord do not fully encrypt their communications. Nashua uses encrypted detective talkgroups while keeping regular beat cop channels in the clear. This selective approach provides a model for other departments considering encryption.

Manchester Fully Encrypted (Outlier)
State Police Not Fully Encrypted
RSA 91-A Right to Know Law

New Hampshire's Right to Know Foundation

"Openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure both the greatest possible public access to the actions, discussion and records of all public bodies, and their accountability to the people."

- RSA Chapter 91-A (Right to Know Law)

New Hampshire's Right to Know Law establishes a strong presumption of openness for government operations. This statutory foundation provides powerful arguments against blanket police radio encryption.

Major City Encryption Status

Current state of scanner access in New Hampshire's cities

Manchester

Fully Encrypted

Manchester Police Department is fully encrypted using Motorola APX7000L digital radios. The city is an outlier in New Hampshire - reports indicate "few if any" other police departments in the state fully encrypt their communications.

  • Population: ~115,000
  • County: Hillsborough County
  • System: Motorola APX7000L
  • Status: Outlier in NH - few others encrypt

Nashua

Mostly Accessible

Nashua uses P25 with selective encryption. Detective talkgroups are encrypted while regular beat cop talkgroups remain in the clear. This selective approach balances operational needs with public transparency.

  • Population: ~91,000
  • County: Hillsborough County
  • Approach: Selective encryption (detectives only)

Concord (State Capital)

Accessible

The state capital does not fully encrypt police communications, maintaining public access to routine dispatch traffic.

  • Population: ~44,000
  • County: Merrimack County
  • Status: Not fully encrypted

Portsmouth

Accessible

Portsmouth does not fully encrypt police communications, maintaining public access.

  • Population: ~22,000
  • County: Rockingham County

NH State Police

Limited Encryption

New Hampshire State Police has limited encryption capabilities systemwide. NHSP is working to consolidate dispatch at the Concord HQ, but has not implemented full encryption.

  • Coverage: Statewide
  • Status: Limited encryption capability

Key New Hampshire Contacts

The people who can make change happen

State Legislature

Governor Kelly Ayotte

Executive Branch

Why Contact: Governor Ayotte can influence statewide transparency policies and set priorities for state agencies.

  • Phone: (603) 271-2121
  • Term: 2025-2026 (2-year term)
  • Website: governor.nh.gov

House & Senate Judiciary Committees

Key Committees

Why Contact: These committees handle legislation related to public records, law enforcement, and the Right to Know Law.

  • House Committees: 26 standing committees
  • Senate Committees: 12 standing committees
  • Website: gencourt.state.nh.us
Ask: "Will you support legislation requiring transparency provisions when police agencies encrypt radio communications?"

Your State Legislators

Your Representatives

Why Contact: New Hampshire has the largest state legislature in the country (400 House members, 24 Senators). Your representatives are accessible and responsive.

State Agencies

NH Department of Safety

Radio Communications

Why Contact: Handles Right to Know requests and oversees State Police communications.

Emergency Services & Communications

Radio Maintenance

Why Contact: Provides radio communications maintenance and can provide information on statewide systems.

Media & Press Organizations

New Hampshire Union Leader

State's Largest Daily

Why Contact: The only statewide newspaper, directly affected by Manchester encryption. Ownership moved to private investors in January 2025.

  • Website: unionleader.com
  • Sales Contact: Chris Durant: (603) 206-1595, cdurant@unionleader.com
  • Opinion: opinion@unionleader.com (up to 800 words)

Concord Monitor

Capital Region Daily

Why Contact: Pulitzer Prize winning daily covering the capital region and state government.

Nashua Telegraph

Southern NH Daily

Why Contact: Historic daily covering southern NH, can advocate for selective encryption model used by Nashua PD.

NHPR (New Hampshire Public Radio)

Statewide Broadcaster

Why Contact: NHPR has covered Manchester encryption and can provide statewide coverage of transparency issues.

Right to Know Law Requests (RSA 91-A)

New Hampshire's sunshine law provides strong public access rights

New Hampshire's Right to Know Law (RSA Chapter 91-A) requires government to respond to records requests within 5 business days. Citizens have the right to inspect documents without charge; only copying costs may be assessed. Agencies cannot charge for staff time spent responding. Town residency cannot be used to deny requests.

Note: New Hampshire eliminated its Right to Know ombudsman's office in 2025, which previously provided a less expensive alternative to court challenges. Careful documentation is now more important than ever.

New Hampshire-Specific Records Request Templates

Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation

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

Pursuant to New Hampshire's Right to Know Law (RSA Chapter 91-A), I request copies of the following governmental 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, 2015 through present.

If no responsive records exist, please provide a written statement to that effect, as required by RSA 91-A:4.

As inspection is free under RSA 91-A, I request to inspect these records and will arrange for copies of relevant documents.

Date of request: [DATE]
Name: [YOUR NAME]
Contact: [EMAIL/PHONE]

Template 2: Encryption Decision Documents

Purpose: Document how encryption decisions were made

Pursuant to New Hampshire's Right to Know Law (RSA Chapter 91-A), I request copies of the following governmental records:

  1. All internal communications regarding the decision to encrypt police radio communications.
  2. Meeting minutes from any city council, police commission, or public body where encryption was discussed or approved.
  3. Any cost analyses, vendor proposals, or budget documents related to radio encryption systems.
  4. Any legal opinions regarding encryption and compliance with RSA 91-A (Right to Know Law).
  5. Any policies or procedures regarding media or press access to police communications.

If any portion of these records is withheld, please provide a written statement citing the specific exemption under RSA 91-A:5.

Template 3: Comparative Analysis Request

Purpose: Document why Manchester differs from other NH cities

Pursuant to New Hampshire's Right to Know Law (RSA Chapter 91-A), I request copies of the following governmental records:

  1. All analyses or communications explaining why [CITY NAME] chose full encryption when other New Hampshire cities (Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth) maintain public access.
  2. Any evaluation of selective encryption (encrypting only tactical/detective channels while keeping dispatch accessible).
  3. Any communication with other New Hampshire police departments regarding encryption practices.
  4. Any evaluation of media access programs or delayed public feeds as alternatives to full encryption.

New Hampshire Right to Know Tips

  • 5-Day Response: Agencies must respond within 5 business days
  • Free Inspection: You have the right to inspect records without charge
  • No Staff Time Fees: Agencies cannot charge for employee time spent responding
  • Written Requests: Put requests in writing with the date and your contact information
  • Written Denials: If denied, request a written explanation citing specific exemptions
  • Court Enforcement: File suit in superior court; attorney fees may be awarded if government "knew or should have known" it was violating the law

Focus: Reversing Manchester Encryption

New Hampshire's largest city is the key target for transparency advocacy

Manchester is New Hampshire's encryption outlier. While the city describes its Motorola APX7000L system as "state of the art," it has blocked public access that other New Hampshire cities maintain. Reports indicate "few if any" other police departments in the state fully encrypt their communications.

This makes Manchester both the problem and the opportunity. A successful reversal or transparency policy in Manchester would likely prevent other cities from following its path. The city's outlier status means there's no momentum toward encryption elsewhere - yet.

Point to NH Peers

State Police, Nashua, Concord, and Portsmouth maintain accessible communications. Ask Manchester officials why they require more secrecy than the state's other major agencies.

Advocate for Nashua Model

Nashua uses selective encryption: detectives are encrypted while beat cops remain in the clear. Push Manchester to adopt this balanced approach that addresses legitimate security concerns without blocking all public access.

Engage Union Leader

The Union Leader is Manchester-based and directly affected by encryption. Build a coalition with the newspaper to advocate for transparency. Submit op-eds and work with reporters covering the issue.

City Council Campaign

Manchester has a Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Request that encryption policy be agendized for public discussion. Find an alderman willing to champion transparency.

Local Actions: City Government & Police Commission

Local engagement is key in New Hampshire's home-rule tradition

Manchester Board of Mayor & Aldermen

Manchester's governing body oversees the police department and can establish transparency policies.

Template: Transparency Policy Request

Dear [ALDERMAN NAME],

I am writing regarding the Manchester Police Department's radio encryption policy.

Manchester appears to be an outlier in New Hampshire. The State Police, Nashua PD, Concord PD, and Portsmouth PD do not fully encrypt their communications. Nashua uses a selective approach, encrypting only detective channels while keeping regular patrol traffic accessible.

RSA 91-A declares that "openness in the conduct of public business is essential to a democratic society." Full radio encryption contradicts this principle.

I respectfully request that the Board:

  • Hold a public hearing on the current encryption policy
  • Review the Nashua model of selective encryption
  • Consider establishing a media access program
  • Document the specific incidents that justified full encryption

If other New Hampshire cities maintain transparency, Manchester can too.

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

Preventing Encryption Spread

Manchester is currently an outlier. Prevent other cities from following its path.

Key Questions for Non-Encrypted Cities

  • "Are there any plans to encrypt police radio communications?"
  • "Has Manchester's encryption influenced any discussions in our city?"
  • "What would the city require before considering encryption?"
  • "Can we establish a policy requiring public notice before any encryption decision?"
  • "Would the city consider formalizing our current transparent approach?"

Proactive Engagement Tips

  • Formalize transparency - Ask cities to formally adopt policies maintaining public access
  • Monitor budgets - Watch for radio system upgrade discussions that could include encryption
  • Build relationships - Develop contacts with local police chiefs and city officials before issues arise
  • Celebrate transparency - Publicly recognize cities that maintain open communications

Take Action Now

Concrete steps you can take today to restore transparency

1
File RSA 91-A Requests in Manchester

Request scanner harm documentation from Manchester PD. A "no records" response proves encryption isn't justified by actual incidents.

2
Contact the Union Leader

Work with New Hampshire's statewide newspaper. They're Manchester-based and directly affected. Submit op-eds and connect with reporters.

3
Engage Manchester Aldermen

Request a public hearing on encryption policy. Find an alderman willing to champion transparency and support their efforts.

4
Advocate for Nashua Model

Push for selective encryption that keeps routine dispatch accessible while encrypting sensitive tactical channels. Point to Nashua as proof it works.

5
Prevent Spread

Contact officials in Nashua, Concord, and Portsmouth. Thank them for transparency and ask them to formalize policies preventing future encryption.

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