Modesto Police
Stanislaus, California
Encryption Details
Verified Talkgroup Data
View 6 talkgroups
| DEC | Alpha Tag | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21614 | Modesto PD10 | Police Ch 10 Tac 2 | Encrypted |
| 21607 | Modesto PD6 | Police Ch 6 | Encrypted |
| 21606 | Modesto PD5 | Police Ch 5 | Encrypted |
| 21608 | Modesto PD7 | Police Ch 7 | Encrypted |
| 21613 | Modesto PD9 | Police Ch 9 | Encrypted |
| 21611 | Modesto PD 8 | Police Ch 8 | Encrypted |
Verification Status
We do have per-talkgroup data for Modesto Police from the RadioReference API, and used it to set the encryption scope shown above — but no additional human-reviewed source (a live feed check or a dated news account) has been recorded for this record, so treat it as a data-quality correction rather than an independently confirmed verification. Check the live RadioReference database directly for current status.
If you monitor Modesto Police directly or have more current information, the fastest way to fix this is to update the RadioReference Wiki entry — our data pulls from there and from the RadioReference API on a regular refresh cycle.
Stanislaus County Context
Of the 2 public-safety agencies we track in Stanislaus County, Modesto Police is currently the only one we have flagged as encrypted.
See every agency we track in Stanislaus County → County encryption overview →
What This Means
This agency is listed as encrypting some communications while leaving others open. The per-channel breakdown is unverified — check RadioReference for current status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Modesto Police radio encrypted?
Modesto Police is listed in our records with P25 AES-256 encryption — a listing we haven't yet verified against live talkgroup data. This agency is listed as encrypting some communications while leaving others open. The per-channel breakdown is unverified — check RadioReference for current status.
Can I listen to Modesto Police on a police scanner?
Possibly. Our database lists Modesto Police as encrypting some of its talkgroups while leaving others open, which would leave some channels accessible. The listing is unverified — check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why do agencies like Modesto Police encrypt their radio?
Officer safety and operational security are the reasons agencies give. What rarely comes with that explanation is Stanislaus County-specific evidence that open communications ever caused a problem, while the loss of public oversight and the friction with still-unencrypted neighboring agencies are both immediate and real.
Can Stanislaus County reverse the encryption decision?
Yes. Encryption is a policy choice made by department leadership or elected officials, not a technical requirement, so it can be reversed the same way. Public pressure, city council advocacy, and organized local coalitions have reversed encryption decisions elsewhere.
What can I do about Modesto Police encryption?
Start local: show up when Stanislaus County officials discuss the budget for Modesto Police, and ask specifically why full encryption was chosen over a delayed feed or tactical-only approach. File a FOIA request for recordings or policy documents, and connect with others nearby who want the same information — a coordinated ask carries more weight than an individual one.