You Won. Now Protect It.
Preventing Re-Encryption and Maintaining Transparency
Congratulations - your community stopped or reversed police encryption. But the battle isn't over. Departments try again. Administrations change. Here's how to lock in your victory and prevent backsliding.
Immediate Post-Victory Actions
What to do in the first week after winning
Document the Win
Create a record of what happened for future reference and to help other communities.
- Save all council meeting recordings and minutes
- Screenshot social media support and news coverage
- Collect coalition letters and public comments
- Note which arguments were most effective
- Record final vote count and who voted how
Thank Your Coalition
Maintain relationships for future advocacy.
- Send personal thank-you notes to key allies
- Publicly acknowledge coalition members
- Thank supportive council members
- Recognize journalists who covered the issue
- Celebrate with a coalition gathering if possible
Issue a Statement
Control the narrative about what happened and why.
VICTORY STATEMENT TEMPLATE
"[CITY] residents spoke up for transparency, and the Council listened. Today's decision to [reject encryption/maintain open access/adopt alternatives] protects the real-time access that helps keep our community safe during emergencies.
We thank the [NUMBER] coalition members who spoke at meetings, the [NUMBER] residents who contacted their representatives, and the Council members who prioritized public safety and accountability.
This victory shows that when communities organize, we can protect transparency. We'll continue working to ensure this access remains protected."
Establish Monitoring
Set up systems to catch future encryption attempts early.
- Sign up for council meeting agenda notifications
- Monitor police department announcements
- Track budget discussions for radio/communications items
- Build relationships with council staff who can alert you
- Set Google Alerts for "[City] police encryption"
Policy Language to Lock In Transparency
Make it harder for future administrations to reverse your win
Model Ordinance: Police Radio Transparency
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
SECTION 1. FINDINGS
The [City/County] Council finds that:
- Public access to police radio communications has served the community for [X] years;
- Real-time scanner access provides life-saving information during emergencies;
- No documented evidence exists of scanner access harming law enforcement officers;
- Alternatives to blanket encryption exist that protect both sensitive information and public access.
SECTION 2. PUBLIC ACCESS REQUIREMENT
The [Police Department] shall maintain public access to routine dispatch communications on frequencies accessible to standard police scanner equipment. Encryption of routine dispatch communications is prohibited except as provided in Section 3.
SECTION 3. LIMITED EXCEPTIONS
Encryption may be used for:
- Tactical operations involving ongoing criminal investigations;
- Undercover officer communications;
- Hostage situations or active threats where encryption is operationally necessary;
- Communications containing victim or witness personal information.
SECTION 4. COUNCIL APPROVAL REQUIRED
Any proposal to encrypt routine dispatch communications shall require:
- A public hearing with at least 30 days notice;
- Written documentation of specific incidents justifying encryption;
- Analysis of alternative measures considered;
- Approval by a two-thirds majority of the Council.
SECTION 5. MEDIA ACCESS
If encryption is implemented, the [Police Department] shall provide credentialed journalists access to real-time communications with no more than a [5-minute] delay.
SECTION 6. ANNUAL REVIEW
The [Police Department] shall provide an annual report to the Council documenting any incidents where scanner access allegedly affected officer safety, and any requests for expanded encryption.
Resolution Alternative
If a full ordinance isn't feasible, push for a formal resolution.
KEY ELEMENTS
- Formal statement of commitment to transparency
- Requirement for public hearing before any encryption changes
- Direction to explore alternatives before encryption
- Annual reporting requirement
Resolutions are easier to pass but also easier to ignore. Push for ordinance if possible.
Administrative Policy
At minimum, get police department policy in writing.
REQUEST
- Written policy stating current transparency commitment
- Commitment to public notice before any changes
- Media access provisions if encryption ever implemented
- Named contact for public communication questions
Policies can change with new chiefs, but create accountability.
Preventing Backdoor Encryption
Watch for these warning signs
"Equipment Upgrades"
New radio systems often come with encryption capability. Watch for budget items about P25 upgrades, new consoles, or "interoperability" improvements.
Action: Ask specifically whether new equipment will enable encryption and whether encryption will be activated.
"Phased Implementation"
Encrypting "just SWAT" or "just narcotics" first, then expanding. Each phase normalizes encryption until routine dispatch is encrypted too.
Action: Oppose any expansion beyond genuinely tactical channels. Demand clear boundaries.
"Regional Coordination"
Claims that neighboring agencies are encrypting so you must too. Or regional radio system upgrades that "require" encryption.
Action: Verify claims. Many regional systems work fine with mixed encryption. Push for interoperability without blanket encryption.
"New Chief" Momentum
New police chiefs often bring priorities from previous departments. A chief from an encrypted agency may push encryption as standard practice.
Action: Engage early with new leadership. Present the history and community expectations.
Quiet Budget Items
Encryption costs buried in larger budget categories like "communications" or "technology." No public discussion, just approved as part of the overall budget.
Action: Review police budget line items annually. Ask specifically about encryption-related spending.
Incident Exploitation
After any high-profile incident, claims that encryption would have helped. Often without evidence, exploiting tragedy for policy change.
Action: Demand specific evidence. Ask: "How specifically would encryption have changed this outcome?"
Long-Term Coalition Maintenance
Keep your network ready to mobilize again
Annual Check-In Schedule
Review police budget proposals for encryption-related items. Prepare to speak at budget hearings if needed.
Check in with key allies. Update contact list. Brief new staff at partner organizations.
Connect with journalists covering public safety. Offer to be a source on encryption issues.
If relevant, engage candidates on transparency. Document incumbent positions for accountability.
Keeping Allies Engaged
- Share relevant news: Forward articles about encryption from other cities
- Celebrate anniversaries: Mark the date of your victory annually
- Cross-promote: Support coalition members on their issues
- Maintain list: Keep email list updated with current contacts
- Light touch: Don't over-communicate; save mobilization for real threats
Building Institutional Memory
- Write a brief case study documenting your campaign
- Create a "campaign in a box" for future organizers
- Brief new coalition leaders on history and lessons
- Share your story with other communities facing encryption
- Submit your success story to advocacy organizations
Celebrating and Documenting Wins
Your victory helps other communities
Share Your Success Story
Other communities facing encryption need to know it can be stopped. Your story provides hope and tactical lessons.
Success Story Template
Help Other Communities
- Be available: Offer to talk with organizers in other cities
- Share materials: Provide templates, talking points, research you used
- Connect networks: Introduce allies to counterparts elsewhere
- Speak publicly: Give interviews, write op-eds about your success
- Mentor: Guide new campaigns based on your experience
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