WYOMING ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

Wyoming Action Guide

State-Specific Tactics to Preserve Police Radio Transparency

Wyoming remains one of the most accessible states for scanner monitoring. Cost constraints and rural geography have kept encryption at bay, but the FBI CJIS mandate is creating pressure to change. This guide gives you the tactics to protect Wyoming's transparency heritage.

Wyoming's Encryption Landscape

Understanding the current state of scanner access

Wyoming police radio communications remain largely accessible. The state operates Wyolink, a statewide P25 system designed for interoperability. While the Wyoming Highway Patrol and Wyoming DOT may use encryption in sensitive situations, regular dispatch and patrol communications remain open.

Local agencies like the Cheyenne Police Department and various county sheriff's offices have cited cost as a barrier to encryption. However, the FBI CJIS Security Policy mandate is creating pressure nationwide, and Wyoming is not immune. Now is the time to establish transparency protections before cost becomes less of a factor.

Open Most Agencies
Wyolink Statewide System
CJIS Federal Pressure

Wyoming Scanner Landscape

Cheyenne PD No current plans to encrypt; cost cited as barrier for 104 radios
Laramie Co. Sheriff's office states they have "no plans to encrypt"
Wyolink Statewide P25 system serves emergency workers across Wyoming
WHP/WYDOT May use encryption for investigations or sensitive situations only

Key Wyoming Contacts

The people who can preserve transparency

State Government

Governor Mark Gordon

Executive Leadership

Why Contact: Governor Gordon, in his second term, has requested significant public safety funding. Executive support for transparency policies would set statewide direction.

Ask: "Will you support policies ensuring that if Wyoming agencies adopt encryption, media and public access provisions are included?"

Wyoming Attorney General

Public Records Ombudsman

Why Contact: The AG's office designates the public records ombudsman who handles disputes and provides guidance on transparency.

Wyoming Legislature

Legislative Action

Why Contact: The 67th Legislative Session is underway. State legislators can introduce transparency legislation proactively.

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

Local Government

Cheyenne City Council

Capital City

Why Contact: Cheyenne is the state capital and largest city. Transparency policies here influence statewide standards.

Casper City Council

Second Largest City

Why Contact: Casper is Wyoming's second-largest city and home to major regional operations.

Laramie County Sheriff

Largest County

Why Contact: The Sheriff has stated there are no plans to encrypt. Support this position and ask for formal policy.

Media & Press Organizations

Casper Star-Tribune

State's Largest Newspaper

Why Contact: The Casper Star-Tribune is Wyoming's largest print newspaper and covers statewide issues.

Wyoming Tribune Eagle

Cheyenne Daily

Why Contact: The Tribune Eagle covers Laramie County and state government. They've covered the encryption debate.

  • Newsroom: (307) 633-3117
  • Fax: (307) 633-3189
  • Address: 702 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001
  • Website: wyomingnews.com

Wyoming Public Media

NPR Affiliate

Why Contact: Wyoming Public Media has covered the national encryption trend and its implications for Wyoming.

Wyoming Press Association

Media Coalition

Why Contact: The Wyoming Press Association advocates for press freedom and open government.

Wyoming Public Records Act (W.S. 16-4-201)

Use Wyoming's sunshine law to document and preserve transparency

The Wyoming Public Records Act (W.S. 16-4-201 through 16-4-205) establishes that all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times. The state has a designated ombudsman to mediate disputes. Use this law to document current transparency practices and any encryption planning.

Wyoming-Specific Public Records Templates

Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation

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

Pursuant to the Wyoming Public Records Act (W.S. 16-4-201 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 production costs 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 Wyoming Public Records Act (W.S. 16-4-201 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. Any correspondence with federal agencies (FBI, DHS) regarding the CJIS Security Policy and encryption requirements.
  3. Any cost analyses, vendor proposals, or budget documents related to encryption capabilities.
  4. All policies regarding which Wyolink talkgroups or channels are encrypted versus unencrypted.
  5. Any analysis of alternatives to full encryption, such as delayed release or media access programs.

Template 3: Current Transparency Commitments

Purpose: Document official statements about transparency

Pursuant to the Wyoming Public Records Act (W.S. 16-4-201 et seq.), I request copies of the following records:

  1. Any official policies, statements, or communications indicating the department has "no plans to encrypt" radio communications.
  2. Any city council, county commission, or public meeting minutes where encryption policy was discussed.
  3. Any written commitments to maintaining public access to police radio communications.
  4. Any policies regarding media access to police radio communications.

Wyoming Public Records Tips

  • 7-day notice: Agencies must notify you within 7 business days if records aren't in their custody
  • 30-day production: Records should be released within 30 calendar days unless good cause exists
  • First $180 free: No charge if production costs don't exceed $180; only charged for amount above that
  • No inspection fee: In-person inspection of records is always free
  • Ombudsman available: The Governor-designated ombudsman can mediate disputes

Major City Encryption Status

Current scanner access in Wyoming communities

Cheyenne

Open

Cheyenne PD has no current plans to encrypt. Cost is a significant factor for their 104 radios.

Casper

Open

Casper maintains accessible police communications. Live feeds available on Broadcastify.

Laramie County

Open

Sheriff's office states they have "no plans to encrypt." Public can still monitor radio traffic.

Wyoming Highway Patrol

Selective

May use encryption for investigations or when identifying suspects/victims. Regular traffic remains open.

Note: Wyoming's rural character and budget constraints have helped preserve transparency. Check RadioReference.com for current status by county.

Take Action Now

Proactive steps to preserve Wyoming's transparency

1
File Public Records Requests

Request documents about encryption planning and current transparency commitments. Document the "no plans to encrypt" statements in writing.

2
Contact Your Legislators

Use wyoleg.gov/Legislators to find your representatives. The 67th Session is active—ask for preemptive transparency legislation.

3
Thank Open Agencies

Write to agencies that have committed to remaining open. Public appreciation reinforces good policy and creates accountability.

4
Engage Local Media

Wyoming Public Media covered the encryption trend. Connect with the Tribune Eagle and Star-Tribune to keep the issue visible.

5
Monitor CJIS Compliance

The FBI CJIS mandate is driving encryption nationwide. Request documents about Wyoming's compliance plans and advocate for transparency provisions.

6
Build a Coalition

Connect with the Wyoming Press Association, local journalists, and community groups. Coordinated advocacy is more effective.

Sample Phone Script for Legislators

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

Right now, Wyoming is one of the most transparent states for scanner access. Our local agencies have said they have no plans to encrypt. But the FBI CJIS Security Policy is creating pressure nationwide, and I want to make sure Wyoming preserves its transparency tradition.

Colorado passed HB21-1250 requiring media access to encrypted channels. Wyoming should pass similar legislation now—while we're still open—so that if encryption ever comes, transparency provisions are already in place. Will [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME] support this?"

Wyoming Resources & Links

Everything you need for your advocacy campaign

Government Resources

Wyoming 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