Police Department Partially Encrypted

Denver Police Department

Denver, Colorado

What you can do right now

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 AES
Scope Some talkgroups encrypted (93.3% per RadioReference data); others remain in the clear.
Technical Details P25 AES

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence
15 Total Talkgroups
14 Encrypted
1 Unencrypted
93% Encrypted
Radio System: Denver, State of Colorado DTRS
View 14 talkgroups
DEC Alpha Tag Description Status
35050 DPD Disp 1 District 1 Dispatch Encrypted
35058 DPD Disp 2 District 2 Dispatch Encrypted
35066 DPD Disp 3 District 3 Dispatch Encrypted
35073 DPD Disp 4 District 4 Dispatch Encrypted
35080 DPD Disp 5 District 5 Dispatch Encrypted
35087 DPD Disp 6 District 6 Dispatch Encrypted
35127 DPD Clear 1 Clearances 1 Encrypted
35052 DPD Tac 1 District 1 Tac Encrypted
35060 DPD Tac 2 District 2 Tac Encrypted
35068 DPD Tac 3 District 3 Tac Encrypted
35075 DPD Tac 4 District 4 Tac Encrypted
35082 DPD Tac 5 District 5 Tac Encrypted
35089 DPD Tac 6 District 6 Tac Encrypted
35094 DPD TO 1 Traffic Operations 1 Encrypted

Verification Status

We do have per-talkgroup data for Denver Police Department 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 Denver Police Department 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.

Shared Radio System

Denver Police Department isn't on a radio system of its own: Denver / State of Colorado DTRS also carries 0 other agencies in Denver County, Colorado. Whatever encryption status applies here was set once, for the whole system, not agency by agency.

Denver County Context

Denver County is a mixed picture: 3 of 6 agencies we track here are fully encrypted (50%), which means some neighboring departments are still audible on a scanner.

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.

See encryption status nationwide Interactive map showing which US police departments have encrypted their radios. Open the encryption map →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver Police Department radio encrypted?

Denver Police Department is listed in our records with P25 AES 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 Denver Police Department on a police scanner?

Possibly. Our database lists Denver Police Department 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 Denver Police Department encrypt their radio?

Departments typically point to officer safety and operational security. Neither claim tends to come with evidence specific to Denver County; what's verifiable is what's lost — journalists can't monitor police department activity in real time, and coordination with agencies that stay unencrypted gets harder.

Can Denver 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 Denver Police Department encryption?

Start local: show up when Denver County officials discuss the budget for Denver Police Department, 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.

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