NORTH DAKOTA ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

North Dakota Action Guide

State-Specific Tactics to Restore Police Radio Transparency

North Dakota boasts some of the nation's most comprehensive open records laws. Yet the statewide SIRN (Statewide Interoperable Radio Network) project brings encryption capability to every county. This guide provides tools to ensure transparency survives the transition to new radio infrastructure.

North Dakota's Encryption Landscape

Understanding the current state of police radio transparency

North Dakota is at a critical juncture. The state's major radio infrastructure project, SIRN (Statewide Interoperable Radio Network), is set for completion in 2027. This $170+ million upgrade will provide modern P25 digital capabilities to all first responders statewide.

Currently, most North Dakota agencies maintain accessible communications. Fargo uses the Minnesota ARMER system through a regional agreement, and Bismarck operates through CenCom dispatch. However, neighboring Moorhead, Minnesota recently encrypted their police radio in November 2025, which could influence Fargo's approach. Now is the time to advocate for transparency provisions before encryption becomes the default SIRN configuration.

SIRN 2027 Statewide Network Completion
Strong Open Records Laws
Regional Encryption Pressure

Key North Dakota Radio Timeline

Ongoing SIRN (Statewide Interoperable Radio Network) deployment continues
2024 Bismarck and Fargo CEN testing for SIRN integration
Nov 2025 Moorhead, MN (adjacent to Fargo) encrypts police radio
2027 SIRN statewide completion target - key advocacy deadline

Major City Encryption Status

Current state of scanner access in North Dakota's cities

Fargo

Currently Accessible

Fargo uses the Minnesota ARMER Radio System through an agreement with Minnesota, dispatched by the Red River Regional Dispatch Center (RRRDC). However, Moorhead (MN) recently encrypted, which may influence Fargo's approach.

  • Population: ~130,000
  • County: Cass County
  • System: Minnesota ARMER
  • Watch: Moorhead encryption may create pressure

Bismarck (State Capital)

Currently Accessible

Central Dakota Communications Center (CenCom) provides dispatch for Bismarck, Mandan, Burleigh County, and surrounding agencies. Communications currently remain accessible.

  • Population: ~75,000
  • County: Burleigh County
  • Dispatch: CenCom (Bismarck)

Grand Forks

Accessible

Grand Forks maintains accessible public safety communications.

  • Population: ~57,000
  • County: Grand Forks County

Minot

Accessible

Ward County and Minot public safety communications remain accessible to the public.

  • Population: ~49,000
  • County: Ward County

SIRN Statewide

In Development

The Statewide Interoperable Radio Network will provide modern P25 capabilities to all agencies by 2027. The system has encryption capability, making advocacy now essential to establish transparency as the default configuration.

  • Budget: $170+ million
  • Timeline: Completion by 2027
  • Managed by: ND Information Technology (NDIT)

Key North Dakota Contacts

The people who can make change happen

State Legislature

Governor's Office

Executive Branch

Why Contact: Governor Armstrong can direct state agencies on transparency policies for the SIRN system.

House & Senate Judiciary Committees

Key Committees

Why Contact: These committees handle legislation related to public records and law enforcement policies.

Ask: "Will you support legislation requiring that the SIRN system maintain public access to routine dispatch communications?"

Legislative Council

Legislature Support

Why Contact: Provides research and support to legislators; can connect you with the right committee.

  • Phone: (701) 328-2916
  • Fax: (701) 258-3462
  • Email: lcouncil@ndlegis.gov
  • Address: State Capitol, 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505

Your State Legislators

Your Representatives

Why Contact: Your own representatives have the most incentive to listen to you as a constituent.

State Agencies

ND Information Technology (NDIT)

SIRN Administrator

Why Contact: NDIT manages the SIRN project. Engaging now can influence whether encryption is the default or an option.

Ask: "What provisions are being made to ensure SIRN maintains public transparency for routine communications?"

Attorney General's Office

Open Records Enforcement

Why Contact: The AG's office enforces North Dakota's open records and open meetings laws.

Department of Emergency Services

State Radio

Why Contact: Operates State Radio dispatch center and coordinates emergency communications.

Media & Press Organizations

The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead

Regional Daily

Why Contact: The major newspaper for eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, directly affected by Moorhead encryption.

  • Website: inforum.com
  • Note: Forum Communications flagship; fifth generation family ownership

The Bismarck Tribune

State Capital Daily

Why Contact: North Dakota's oldest continuously published newspaper (since 1873), covers state government.

North Dakota Monitor

Independent Journalism

Why Contact: Independent nonprofit newsroom covering state politics and government accountability.

North Dakota Newspaper Association

Press Freedom Ally

Why Contact: Represents newspapers statewide and advocates for press freedom.

North Dakota Open Records Requests

North Dakota has some of the nation's strongest open records laws

North Dakota Century Code Section 44-04-17.1 provides that all records of public bodies are open for inspection by anyone. The state has no residency requirement, and agencies generally cannot ask why you want the records. Fees are capped at 25 cents per page, and agencies must respond within a reasonable time.

North Dakota-Specific Records Request Templates

Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation

Purpose: Establish that there is no evidence scanner access has harmed officers

Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code Section 44-04-17.1 et seq. (Open Records Law), I request copies of the following 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 written confirmation of that fact, stating that no such records exist.

Please provide these records in electronic format. As a North Dakota citizen, I request the most cost-effective method of production.

Template 2: SIRN Encryption Planning

Purpose: Discover encryption plans for the new statewide radio system

Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code Section 44-04-17.1 et seq. (Open Records Law), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All planning documents, policies, or guidelines regarding encryption on the SIRN (Statewide Interoperable Radio Network) system.
  2. Any recommendations or decisions about whether routine dispatch communications will be encrypted or accessible to the public.
  3. Any cost analyses comparing encrypted vs. non-encrypted operation of SIRN infrastructure.
  4. Meeting minutes or communications between NDIT and local agencies regarding SIRN encryption policies.
  5. Any public comment or stakeholder input regarding SIRN transparency provisions.

Template 3: Local Agency Encryption Plans

Purpose: Document local agency plans for SIRN transition

Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code Section 44-04-17.1 et seq. (Open Records Law), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All internal communications regarding the transition to SIRN and any encryption decisions.
  2. Any city council, county commission, or governing body discussions about radio encryption.
  3. Any policies or plans for media access to radio communications after SIRN transition.
  4. Any correspondence with NDIT or State Radio regarding encryption requirements or options.

North Dakota Open Records Tips

  • Strong Law: North Dakota has some of the nation's most comprehensive open records laws
  • No Reason Needed: Agencies generally cannot ask why you want records
  • Low Fees: Maximum 25 cents per page for copies
  • Reasonable Time: Agencies must respond within a "reasonable time" based on request scope
  • Written Denial: If denied, request a written explanation citing specific statutory authority
  • AG Guidance: The Attorney General provides open records guidance and can receive complaints

Focus: SIRN Transparency Advocacy

The 2027 deadline makes advocacy urgent. Here's how to ensure transparency survives.

The Statewide Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN) represents North Dakota's largest public safety communications investment. The $170+ million project will replace aging radio infrastructure with a modern P25 digital system capable of encryption. The project is managed by ND Information Technology (NDIT) and is on track for completion by 2027.

This is a critical moment: encryption can either be built in as the default, or transparency can be preserved with encryption available only for sensitive tactical operations. Advocacy now can influence which approach becomes standard statewide policy.

Engage NDIT Early

NDIT manages the SIRN project. Submit public records requests to understand current encryption planning. Request meetings with project leadership to advocate for transparency defaults.

Legislative Involvement

The 69th Legislative Assembly adjourned in May 2025. Work with legislators now to develop transparency legislation for the 2027 session before SIRN completion.

Local Agency Engagement

Local agencies will configure their SIRN usage. Engage city councils and county commissions now to establish transparency policies before migration to the new system.

Media Coalition Building

Contact The Forum, Bismarck Tribune, North Dakota Monitor, and local TV stations. Journalists depend on scanner access and can advocate for media access provisions in SIRN policy.

Local Actions: City Council & County Commission

Local agencies will decide how they use SIRN. Your voice matters at the local level.

City Council Engagement

North Dakota cities control their police department policies. Engagement before SIRN migration can establish transparency requirements.

Template: SIRN Transparency Request

Dear [MAYOR/COUNCIL MEMBER NAME],

I am writing regarding [CITY NAME]'s upcoming transition to the SIRN (Statewide Interoperable Radio Network) system.

While SIRN provides important interoperability benefits, the system also includes encryption capabilities. I respectfully request that the City Council ensure transparency is maintained during this transition.

Specifically, I request:

  • A public hearing before any decision to encrypt routine dispatch communications
  • Documentation of any specific incidents justifying full encryption
  • Consideration of selective encryption (tactical channels only) while keeping dispatch accessible
  • Development of a media access policy if any encryption is implemented

North Dakota has some of the nation's strongest open records and open meetings laws. I ask that [CITY NAME] uphold these transparency traditions as we transition to new technology.

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

County Commission Engagement

County sheriffs and commissions often set regional radio policies and coordinate with SIRN implementation.

Key Questions for County Officials

  • "What is the county's plan for transparency during SIRN transition?"
  • "Will routine dispatch communications remain accessible to the public?"
  • "Has the commission discussed or voted on any encryption policies?"
  • "What coordination is happening with NDIT regarding encryption options?"
  • "How will the public be notified if encryption is being considered?"

Meeting Tips

  • Monitor agendas - Watch for SIRN-related items on commission agendas
  • Request agenda items - Ask for a formal discussion of SIRN transparency
  • Public comment - Attend meetings and speak during public comment periods
  • Coordinate regionally - Work with advocates in neighboring counties

Take Action Now

Concrete steps you can take today to protect transparency

1
File SIRN Records Requests

Request SIRN encryption planning documents from NDIT. Understanding the current approach is essential before advocating for changes.

2
Contact NDIT

Reach out to NDIT about SIRN transparency provisions. Request a meeting or submit comments about maintaining public access to routine communications.

3
Engage Local Government

Contact your city council and county commission. Request they establish transparency policies before migrating to SIRN.

4
Build Media Coalitions

Contact The Forum, Bismarck Tribune, and local TV stations. Journalists can advocate for media access provisions and cover the transparency issue.

5
Prepare for 2027 Session

Work with legislators now to develop transparency legislation for the 2027 legislative session. The SIRN completion timeline makes this urgent.

North Dakota Resources & Links

Everything you need for your advocacy campaign

Government Resources

Open Records

Activist Playbook

Media Organizations

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
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