VERMONT ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

Vermont Action Guide

State-Specific Tactics to Preserve Police Radio Transparency

Vermont has a strong tradition of open government, but encryption is spreading. Burlington Police encrypted their main channel without public notice, and other Chittenden County departments are following. This guide gives you the tactics to preserve Vermont's transparency heritage.

Vermont's Encryption Landscape

Understanding the current state of scanner access

Vermont remains one of the more accessible states for scanner monitoring, but the trend is concerning. Burlington Police Department encrypted their primary radio channel without public notice, citing criminals using scanners to evade police. Several lesser-used channels remain open, as does the fire department.

Other Chittenden County police departments—including South Burlington, Essex, and University of Vermont Police—are also transitioning to encrypted broadcasts. Vermont State Police uses limited encryption, primarily for SWAT and tactical operations. Now is the time to advocate for transparency protections before encryption spreads statewide.

Partial Burlington Encrypted
Chittenden County Trend
Open Most Rural Areas

Vermont Encryption Landscape

Burlington PD Primary channel (460.125 MHz) encrypted; some secondary channels remain open
Chittenden Co. South Burlington, Essex, UVM Police transitioning to encrypted broadcasts
State Police Limited encryption for SWAT/tactical only; regular dispatch remains open
Fire/EMS Burlington Fire and most EMS agencies remain unencrypted on P25

Key Vermont Contacts

The people who can preserve transparency

State Government

Governor Phil Scott

Executive Leadership

Why Contact: Governor Scott is in his fifth term and has supported open government initiatives. Executive support is crucial for statewide transparency policy.

  • Office: 109 State Street, Pavilion, Montpelier, VT 05609
  • Phone: (802) 828-3333
  • TTY: (800) 649-6825
  • Fax: (802) 828-3339
  • Website: governor.vermont.gov
Ask: "Will you support legislation requiring media access to encrypted police radio communications to preserve Vermont's tradition of open government?"

Vermont Attorney General

Public Records Authority

Why Contact: The AG's office can provide guidance on public records law and may support transparency initiatives.

  • Office: 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609
  • Phone: (802) 828-3171
  • Website: ago.vermont.gov

Vermont General Assembly

Legislative Action

Why Contact: State legislators can introduce transparency legislation modeled on Colorado's HB21-1250.

Ask: "Will you sponsor legislation requiring encrypted police agencies to provide media access to radio communications?"

Local Government - Burlington

Burlington City Council

Local Oversight

Why Contact: The City Council oversees the Burlington Police Department. They can direct policy changes regarding transparency and media access.

Burlington Police Commission

Civilian Oversight

Why Contact: The Police Commission has oversight authority and can establish transparency policies for the department.

Media & Press Organizations

VTDigger

Nonprofit Investigative News

Why Contact: VTDigger is Vermont's premier investigative news outlet and has covered government transparency issues extensively.

  • Tips: Use "Share a tip" on their website
  • Website: vtdigger.org

Burlington Free Press

State's Largest Daily

Why Contact: The Burlington Free Press is Vermont's largest daily newspaper and covers Chittenden County extensively.

Vermont Public (VPR)

Public Radio

Why Contact: Vermont Public Radio covers statewide issues and has strong reach across the state.

Seven Days

Alternative Weekly

Why Contact: Seven Days broke the story on Burlington PD's encryption decision and has covered the issue thoroughly.

WCAX

CBS Affiliate

Why Contact: WCAX is Vermont's CBS affiliate and relies on scanner access for breaking news coverage.

Vermont Public Records Act Requests

Use Vermont's strong sunshine law to document encryption decisions

Vermont's Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320) is among the strongest in New England. The law requires liberal construction in favor of disclosure, and the burden of proof is on the agency to justify any denial. Use this power to document encryption decisions and demand transparency.

Vermont-Specific Public Records Templates

Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation

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

Pursuant to Vermont's Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320), 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.

I request that any fees be waived as this request is in the public interest and will contribute to public understanding of police accountability.

Template 2: Encryption Decision Documents

Purpose: Understand how the encryption decision was made without public input

Pursuant to Vermont's Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting notes) regarding the decision to encrypt police radio communications.
  2. Any city council, selectboard, or public meeting agendas and minutes where radio encryption was discussed.
  3. Any policies or procedures regarding public notice requirements for encryption decisions.
  4. All correspondence with other Chittenden County agencies regarding coordinated encryption efforts.
  5. Any cost analyses, vendor proposals, or contracts related to encryption implementation.

Template 3: Media Access Policy

Purpose: Document whether any media access alternatives exist

Pursuant to Vermont's Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. §§ 315-320), I request copies of the following records:

  1. Any policies, procedures, or guidelines regarding media access to police radio communications.
  2. Any credentialing processes or applications for journalists to access encrypted radio channels.
  3. All requests from media organizations for access to encrypted channels, and the agency's responses.
  4. Any consideration of delayed release, transcript access, or other transparency alternatives.

Vermont Public Records Tips

  • Liberal construction: Vermont law requires the act be liberally construed in favor of disclosure
  • Burden on agency: The burden of proof is on the public body to justify any denial
  • First 30 minutes free: No staff time charges for the first 30 minutes of work
  • Inspection free: In-person inspection of records is always free
  • Appeal process: You can challenge denials in court; agencies must justify withholding

Major City Encryption Status

Current scanner access in Vermont communities

Burlington

Partial

Primary channel (460.125 MHz) encrypted. Some secondary channels remain open. Fire/EMS unencrypted.

South Burlington

Transitioning

Police transitioning to encrypted broadcasts as part of Chittenden County coordination.

Essex

Transitioning

Essex Police Department also moving toward encrypted communications.

Vermont State Police

Mostly Open

Limited encryption for SWAT/tactical operations only. Regular dispatch and patrol remain accessible.

Note: Most Vermont communities outside Chittenden County remain open. Check RadioReference.com for current status by county.

Take Action Now

Concrete steps to preserve Vermont's transparency

1
File Public Records Requests

Request scanner harm documentation from Burlington PD. Vermont's strong public records law makes denials difficult to justify.

2
Contact Your State Legislators

Use legislature.vermont.gov to find your representatives. Ask them to sponsor transparency legislation.

3
Attend Burlington City Council

Burlington City Council meetings include public comment. Request a formal hearing on the encryption decision and media access alternatives.

4
Contact Local Media

Reach out to VTDigger, Seven Days, and Vermont Public. Share your FOIA results and explain why scanner access matters.

5
Engage Governor Scott

Governor Scott has supported open government. Ask his office to establish statewide media access policies for encrypted agencies.

6
Stop the Spread

Contact selectboards in communities considering encryption. Early intervention is more effective than reversal.

Sample Phone Script for Legislators

"Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [TOWN]. I'm calling to ask [SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE NAME] to support legislation requiring media access to encrypted police radio communications.

Burlington Police encrypted their main radio channel without public notice or City Council involvement. Now other Chittenden County departments are following. This threatens Vermont's strong tradition of open government.

Colorado passed HB21-1250 requiring media access to encrypted channels. Vermont should do the same to preserve accountability while respecting operational needs. Will [SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE NAME] support this?"

Vermont Resources & Links

Everything you need for your advocacy campaign

Government Resources

Vermont News Media

Activist Playbook

Case Studies

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 Started
📚

Read Case Studies

See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.

View Cases
📢

Spread Awareness

Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.

📊

See the Evidence

Review the facts, myths, and research on police radio encryption.

View Evidence
🎤

Public Testimony

Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.

Prepare to Speak
📥

Download Resources

Get FOIA templates, talking points, and materials for advocacy.

Access Toolkit