New Jersey Action Guide
Fight Police Radio Encryption in the Garden State
New Jersey leads the nation in police encryption adoption. Our March 2026 investigation discovered 45 new encrypted agencies. The NJICS statewide system makes going dark as easy as flipping a switch. Here's how to fight back before every department follows suit.
New Jersey's Encryption Landscape
The NJICS system has created a statewide infrastructure for secrecy
State Police: Fully Dark
New Jersey State Police operates entirely on encrypted NJICS channels. All highway patrols, investigations, and statewide operations are inaccessible to the public.
Major Cities: Going Dark Fast
Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, and Camden County are fully encrypted. Our 2026 investigation discovered Perth Amboy, Carteret, Highland Park, and 40+ more agencies quietly encrypted.
View NJ case studyNJICS: The Enabler
The New Jersey Interoperability Communications System removes cost barriers to encryption. Any agency on NJICS can go dark with a simple policy decision. This is both the threat and the advocacy target.
Some Cities Hold
Paterson and Elizabeth maintain partial access. Volunteer fire departments largely remain open. These are your success models and defensive priorities.
Understanding NJICS: The Statewide System
Why New Jersey's encryption wave is different from other states
What is NJICS?
The New Jersey Interoperability Communications System is a statewide P25 radio network originally built for 9/11-style multi-agency coordination. It connects police, fire, EMS, and emergency management across all 21 counties.
The problem: NJICS makes encryption nearly free. Once an agency joins the network, enabling encryption requires no new equipment purchases. It's just a software configuration. This has led to rapid, quiet adoption without public debate.
Why It Matters
- Traditional encryption requires expensive radio replacements
- NJICS removes this cost barrier entirely
- Departments encrypt without capital expenditure
- Decisions happen administratively, not publicly
The Advocacy Angle
- NJICS is managed by the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
- State-level policy could require transparency provisions
- Governor and legislature have oversight authority
- Taxpayers funded NJICS for interoperability, not secrecy
The 45 Agency Wake-Up Call
Our March 2026 investigation discovered more newly encrypted agencies in New Jersey than any other state. Most went dark without public announcement, debate, or media coverage. The encryption wave is accelerating. Every week of delay means more departments go dark.
Fighting County-Level Encryption
Most decisions happen at the county and municipal level
While NJICS is statewide, encryption decisions are made locally by county commissioners (freeholders) and municipal councils. This means 21 county battles and 565 municipal fights. Focus your energy where it matters most.
1. Identify Decision-Makers
Police chiefs often recommend encryption, but authority lies with:
- County Commissioners (Freeholders): Control county-wide systems and sheriff's offices
- Municipal Councils: Approve police department budgets and policies
- County Public Safety Directors: Often manage NJICS participation
- Police Chiefs: Make recommendations but rarely have final authority
2. Monitor NJICS Participation
Agencies must formally join NJICS before encrypting. Key indicators:
- Budget line items for "radio system migration" or "NJICS integration"
- Vendor contracts with Motorola, Harris, or Tait Communications
- Public safety committee discussions about "communication upgrades"
- Grant applications for interoperability funding
3. Attend Public Meetings
Encryption decisions often hide in routine agenda items:
- County freeholder meetings (usually bi-weekly)
- Municipal council meetings
- Public safety committee hearings
- Budget hearings (encryption appears as line items)
4. Build County Coalitions
Connect with allies in your county:
- Local journalists and news directors
- Volunteer fire departments (often oppose encryption)
- Emergency management coordinators
- Civil liberties groups and community watchdogs
New Jersey OPRA Request Guidance
The Open Public Records Act is your investigative tool
New Jersey's Open Public Records Act (OPRA) gives you the right to request government records. Use these templates to uncover encryption plans, costs, and decision-making processes before agencies go dark.
Scanner Harm Documentation Request
Purpose: Prove there's no evidence scanner access has ever caused harm
To the Records Custodian:
Pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.), I request:
- All documented incidents where public access to police radio communications (via scanner, online stream, or other means) resulted in injury to any officer, compromise of any operation, or any other documented negative outcome
- Any studies, assessments, or analyses regarding risks from public scanner access
- All internal communications citing scanner access as justification for encryption
Time period: January 1, 2019 to present
If no responsive records exist, please confirm in writing pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5.
NJICS Participation Request
Purpose: Track which agencies are joining the statewide system
Pursuant to OPRA, I request:
- All agreements, memoranda of understanding, or contracts related to participation in the New Jersey Interoperability Communications System (NJICS)
- Communications with the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness regarding NJICS participation
- All encryption-related policies, configurations, or decisions regarding NJICS channels
- Talkgroup assignments and encryption status for this agency's NJICS channels
Encryption Cost Request
Purpose: Document the full cost of encryption systems
Pursuant to OPRA, I request:
- All budget proposals, appropriations, and expenditures related to police radio encryption or NJICS participation
- Vendor contracts, quotes, and proposals for encrypted radio systems
- Grant applications and awards used to fund encryption or P25 systems
- Ongoing maintenance, subscription, and key management costs
New Jersey OPRA Tips
- Response time: Agencies have 7 business days to respond. They may request an extension for complex requests.
- Immediate access records: Some records must be provided immediately (N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(e)), including budgets and contracts.
- Appeal process: If denied, you can appeal to the Government Records Council (GRC) within 45 days. Appeals are free.
- GRC Contact: (609) 292-6830 or nj.gov/grc
- Electronic records: Agencies should provide electronic records in their existing format without conversion fees.
- No reason required: You don't need to explain why you want the records under OPRA.
Key Contacts
State legislators, county officials, and advocacy allies
New Jersey Legislature
State legislators can introduce transparency legislation:
Find Your Legislators
Enter your address to find your state senator and assembly members
njleg.state.nj.us/districts
Senate Judiciary Committee
Reviews law enforcement and public safety legislation
njleg.state.nj.us/committee
Assembly Homeland Security Committee
Oversees NJICS and emergency communications
njleg.state.nj.us/committee
Office of the Governor
Executive authority over state agencies including OHSP
nj.gov/governor/contact
(609) 292-6000
Key Counties
Essex County (Newark)
Largest county; Newark fully encrypted
essexcountynj.org
Hudson County (Jersey City)
Second largest; Jersey City encrypted
hudsoncountynj.org
Middlesex County
Heavy encryption (Perth Amboy, Carteret, Highland Park, etc.)
middlesexcountynj.gov
Ocean County
Prosecutor's office encrypted; fire encryption controversy
oceancountygov.com
Bergen County
Most populous county; mixed encryption status
co.bergen.nj.us
Camden County
County-wide encryption since 2022
camdencounty.com
State Agencies
Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness
Manages NJICS statewide system
nj.gov/ohsp
(609) 584-4000
NJ Office of Emergency Management
Coordinates emergency communications
ready.nj.gov
Government Records Council
Appeals body for OPRA denials
nj.gov/grc
(609) 292-6830
Media Contacts and Press Allies
Journalism organizations that can amplify your campaign
Statewide Organizations
New Jersey Press Association
Represents 125+ newspapers across New Jersey. Primary ally for press freedom issues. Has actively opposed encryption.
njpa.org
(609) 406-0600
New Jersey Broadcasters Association
Represents TV and radio stations. Members rely on scanner access for breaking news coverage.
njba.com
New Jersey Foundation for Open Government
Advocates for transparency and OPRA compliance across the state.
njfog.org
Major News Organizations
NJ.com / The Star-Ledger
State's largest news organization. Extensive police accountability coverage.
nj.com
The Record (Bergen County)
North Jersey's paper of record. Coverage of urban and suburban policing.
northjersey.com
Asbury Park Press
Shore region coverage. Relevant for Ocean County encryption battles.
app.com
WNYC / NJ Spotlight News
Public radio with statewide reach. In-depth investigative journalism.
njspotlightnews.org
WHYY (Philadelphia NPR)
Covers South Jersey extensively. Strong accountability reporting.
whyy.org
Civil Liberties Organizations
ACLU of New Jersey
Active on police accountability and transparency issues statewide.
aclu-nj.org
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
National organization with legal expertise. Free legal defense hotline: (800) 336-4243
rcfp.org
Take Action Now
Concrete steps to fight encryption in New Jersey
File OPRA Requests Immediately
Start with the scanner harm documentation request. The "no responsive records" response is your most powerful evidence. File with your local police department, county sheriff, and county prosecutor.
Get FOIA templatesMonitor Your County's NJICS Status
Attend county freeholder meetings. Watch for agenda items about "radio system upgrades," "communications infrastructure," or "NJICS participation." These are encryption red flags.
Contact Local Media
Call news directors at your local TV and radio stations. They use scanners daily and have the most to lose. The NJ Press Association is a natural ally.
Media pitch guideEngage Fire/EMS Leaders
Many fire departments oppose police encryption due to interoperability concerns. The Toms River fire encryption controversy shows the risks. Fire chiefs are credible allies.
Toms River case studyPush for State Legislation
Contact your state senator and assembly members. Request legislation requiring transparency provisions in NJICS encryption policies. Cite NYC's Local Law 46 and Colorado's HB21-1250 as models.
Model legislationDefend What Remains
If your local department is still open, organize preemptively. Attend council meetings, build relationships with officials, and make clear that encryption will face organized opposition.
Coalition building guideResources and Next Steps
Everything you need to take action in New Jersey
New Jersey State Analysis
Full breakdown of encryption status across the Garden State
Toms River Fire Case Study
When fire departments encrypt: interoperability failures
Northeast Regional Trends
How NJ compares to NY, PA, and neighboring states
FOIA/OPRA Templates
Ready-to-file public records requests
90-Day Campaign Timeline
Week-by-week action plan
Coalition Building Guide
Recruit allies for your campaign
Public Testimony Scripts
Ready-to-use council meeting statements
Model Legislation
Template bills for local and state adoption
New Jersey Is Going Dark Faster Than Any Other State. Fight Back Now.
45 agencies encrypted in one year. NJICS makes it nearly free for any department to go dark. The decisions being made today will determine whether 9 million New Jersey residents retain any ability to monitor their police. Paterson and Elizabeth prove partial access is possible. Start your campaign today.