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.
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 EncryptedManchester 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 AccessibleNashua 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)
AccessibleThe 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
AccessiblePortsmouth does not fully encrypt police communications, maintaining public access.
- Population: ~22,000
- County: Rockingham County
NH State Police
Limited EncryptionNew 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 BranchWhy 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 CommitteesWhy 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
Your State Legislators
Your RepresentativesWhy Contact: New Hampshire has the largest state legislature in the country (400 House members, 24 Senators). Your representatives are accessible and responsive.
- Find Your Legislators: citizenscount.org/elected-officials
State Agencies
NH Department of Safety
Radio CommunicationsWhy Contact: Handles Right to Know requests and oversees State Police communications.
- RTK Requests: dos.nh.gov - RTK Requests
Emergency Services & Communications
Radio MaintenanceWhy Contact: Provides radio communications maintenance and can provide information on statewide systems.
- Website: desc.dos.nh.gov
Media & Press Organizations
New Hampshire Union Leader
State's Largest DailyWhy 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 DailyWhy Contact: Pulitzer Prize winning daily covering the capital region and state government.
- Website: concordmonitor.com
Nashua Telegraph
Southern NH DailyWhy Contact: Historic daily covering southern NH, can advocate for selective encryption model used by Nashua PD.
- Website: nashuatelegraph.com
NHPR (New Hampshire Public Radio)
Statewide BroadcasterWhy Contact: NHPR has covered Manchester encryption and can provide statewide coverage of transparency issues.
- Website: nhpr.org
- Coverage: Manchester Encryption Report
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.
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:
- 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 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:
- All internal communications regarding the decision to encrypt police radio communications.
- Meeting minutes from any city council, police commission, or public body where encryption was discussed or approved.
- Any cost analyses, vendor proposals, or budget documents related to radio encryption systems.
- Any legal opinions regarding encryption and compliance with RSA 91-A (Right to Know Law).
- 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:
- All analyses or communications explaining why [CITY NAME] chose full encryption when other New Hampshire cities (Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth) maintain public access.
- Any evaluation of selective encryption (encrypting only tactical/detective channels while keeping dispatch accessible).
- Any communication with other New Hampshire police departments regarding encryption practices.
- 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
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.
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.
Engage Manchester Aldermen
Request a public hearing on encryption policy. Find an alderman willing to champion transparency and support their efforts.
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.
Prevent Spread
Contact officials in Nashua, Concord, and Portsmouth. Thank them for transparency and ask them to formalize policies preventing future encryption.
New Hampshire 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