WEST VIRGINIA ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

West Virginia Action Guide

State-Specific Tactics to Preserve Police Radio Transparency

West Virginia remains one of the more accessible states for scanner monitoring, but the national trend toward encryption threatens this openness. Unlike neighboring Pennsylvania (fully encrypted) and Virginia (moving toward encryption), West Virginia offers an opportunity to establish transparency protections before encryption spreads.

West Virginia's Encryption Landscape

Understanding the current state of scanner access

West Virginia police radio communications remain largely accessible. The state operates the WV SIRN (West Virginia Statewide Interoperable Radio Network) trunking system, which serves most public safety agencies. Unlike neighboring Pennsylvania, which has fully encrypted state police, West Virginia State Police communications can still be monitored.

However, the state is implementing Link Layer Authentication (LLA) requirements for new radio purchases, which could pave the way for future encryption. The Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee has discussed encryption policies, making proactive advocacy essential. Now is the time to establish transparency protections before encryption becomes standard.

Open Most Agencies
WVSIRN Statewide System
LLA New Requirement

West Virginia Scanner Landscape

State Police West Virginia State Police remains accessible, unlike Pennsylvania
WVSIRN Statewide P25 trunking system serves most public safety agencies
Charleston Major cities including Charleston and Huntington remain open
LLA Policy Link Layer Authentication required for new radios; encryption not mandatory

Key West Virginia Contacts

The people who can preserve transparency

State Government

Governor Patrick Morrisey

Executive Leadership

Why Contact: Governor Morrisey took office in January 2025 after serving as Attorney General since 2012. A new administration presents opportunities to establish transparency priorities.

  • Office: State Capitol Building, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E, Charleston, WV 25305
  • Website: governor.wv.gov
Ask: "Will your administration support policies requiring media access to encrypted police radio communications to preserve public accountability?"

West Virginia Attorney General

FOIA Authority

Why Contact: The AG's office oversees the Freedom of Information Act and can provide guidance on transparency requirements.

West Virginia Legislature

Legislative Action

Why Contact: State legislators can introduce transparency legislation requiring media access to encrypted police communications.

Ask: "Will you sponsor legislation requiring encrypted police agencies to provide media access to radio communications, similar to Colorado's HB21-1250?"

Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee

Radio Policy

Why Contact: The SIEC sets policies for the statewide radio network, including encryption standards. Attend meetings and provide public comment.

Local Government

Charleston City Council

Capital City Oversight

Why Contact: Charleston is the state capital and largest city. Transparency policies here set precedent for the state.

Huntington City Council

Second Largest City

Why Contact: Huntington is West Virginia's second-largest city and home to Marshall University.

Media & Press Organizations

Charleston Gazette-Mail

State's Largest Newspaper

Why Contact: The Gazette-Mail has won Pulitzer Prizes for investigative journalism and covers statewide issues. They rely on scanner access for breaking news.

  • Address: 1001 Virginia St. E, Charleston, WV 25301
  • Phone: (304) 348-4800
  • Website: wvgazettemail.com

West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Public Radio/TV

Why Contact: WVPB covers statewide issues and has strong reach across West Virginia.

WCHS ABC 8

TV News

Why Contact: WCHS provides local news coverage for Charleston and the Tri-State area.

West Virginia Press Association

Media Coalition

Why Contact: The WV Press Association represents newspapers statewide and advocates for transparency.

West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (WVFOIA)

Use West Virginia's sunshine law to document and preserve transparency

The West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.) provides that any person may inspect or copy public records. Agencies must respond within five business days. No particular form is required, and you don't need to explain why you want the records.

West Virginia-Specific FOIA Templates

Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation

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

Pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.), 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.

Template 2: Encryption Planning Documents

Purpose: Discover any plans to encrypt radio communications

Pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting notes) regarding any consideration of encrypting police radio communications.
  2. All Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) meeting minutes, agendas, and presentations discussing encryption policies.
  3. Any correspondence with federal agencies (FBI, DHS) regarding encryption requirements or recommendations.
  4. All policies regarding Link Layer Authentication (LLA) implementation and any relationship to encryption.
  5. Any cost analyses or vendor proposals related to encryption capabilities.

Template 3: Current Transparency Policies

Purpose: Document existing media access arrangements

Pursuant to the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (W. Va. Code § 29B-1-1 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:

  1. Any policies, procedures, or guidelines regarding media access to police radio communications.
  2. Any communications with media organizations regarding scanner access or encryption concerns.
  3. Any analysis of alternatives to full encryption, such as delayed release or media access programs.
  4. Current policies on which radio channels or talkgroups are encrypted versus unencrypted.

West Virginia FOIA Tips

  • 5-day response: Agencies must respond within five business days
  • No search fees: Agencies cannot charge search or retrieval fees based on man-hours
  • Copy fees: Some agencies charge $0.25 per page for reproductions
  • No purpose required: You don't need to explain why you want the records
  • Written requests: Requests should be in writing and reasonably specific

Major City Encryption Status

Current scanner access in West Virginia communities

Charleston

Open

The state capital maintains open police radio communications. Monitor for any changes as statewide policies evolve.

Huntington

Open

West Virginia's second-largest city maintains accessible police communications.

WV State Police

Open

Unlike neighboring Pennsylvania, West Virginia State Police remains accessible to scanner listeners.

WV Turnpike

Open

Turnpike communications operate mainly on WVSIRN and remain accessible.

Contrast with Neighbors: Pennsylvania State Police is fully encrypted, and Virginia is moving toward encryption. West Virginia's openness is an asset worth protecting. Check RadioReference.com for current status by county.

Take Action Now

Proactive steps to preserve West Virginia's transparency

1
File FOIA Requests

Request documents about encryption planning from your local police department and the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee.

2
Attend SIEC Meetings

The Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee sets radio policy. Attend meetings at sirn.wv.gov/siec and provide public comment.

3
Contact Your Legislators

Use wvlegislature.gov to find your representatives. Ask them to sponsor preemptive transparency legislation.

4
Engage Governor Morrisey

The new administration presents an opportunity. Ask for executive support for transparency protections before encryption spreads.

5
Build Media Coalition

Connect with the Charleston Gazette-Mail, WV Press Association, and WVPB. Media support strengthens advocacy efforts.

6
Point to Neighboring States

Use Pennsylvania's full encryption as a cautionary example. Show legislators what West Virginia could become without protections.

Sample Phone Script for Legislators

"Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY/COUNTY]. I'm calling to ask [DELEGATE/SENATOR NAME] to sponsor legislation protecting public access to police radio communications.

Right now, West Virginia is one of the more transparent states for scanner access. But neighboring Pennsylvania has fully encrypted state police, and Virginia is moving the same direction. The Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee is implementing new radio standards that could pave the way for encryption here.

Colorado passed HB21-1250 requiring media access to encrypted channels. West Virginia should pass similar legislation now—before encryption becomes a problem—to preserve our tradition of accountability. Will [DELEGATE/SENATOR NAME] support this?"

West Virginia Resources & Links

Everything you need for your advocacy campaign

Government Resources

West Virginia 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.

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Contact Your Representatives

Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.

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Read Case Studies

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

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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.

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Public Testimony

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

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Download Resources

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

Access Toolkit