Police Department Partially Encrypted

Sheridan Police Department

Arapahoe, Colorado

What you can do right now

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 ADP
Scope Some talkgroups encrypted (97.4% per RadioReference data); others remain in the clear.
Technical Details P25 ADP

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence
39 Total Talkgroups
38 Encrypted
1 Unencrypted
97% Encrypted
Radio System: State of Colorado DTRS
View 38 talkgroups
DEC Alpha Tag Description Status
4575 CSPD Falcon 1 Police - Falcon 1 Encrypted
4576 CSPD Falcon 2 Police - Falcon 2 Encrypted
4577 CSPD Falcon 3 Police - Falcon 3 Encrypted
4578 CSPD Goldhill 1 Police - Goldhill 1 Encrypted
4579 CSPD Goldhill 2 Police - Goldhill 2 Encrypted
4580 CSPD Goldhill 3 Police - Goldhill 3 Encrypted
4581 CSPD Sandcreek 1 Police - Sandcreek 1 Encrypted
4582 CSPD Sandcreek 2 Police - Sandcreek 2 Encrypted
4583 CSPD Sandcreek 3 Police - Sandcreek 3 Encrypted
4584 CSPD Stetson 1 Police - Stetson 1 Encrypted
4585 CSPD Stetson 2 Police - Stetson 2 Encrypted
4586 CSPD Stetson 3 Police - Stetson 3 Encrypted
4587 CSPD Central 1 Police - Central 1 Encrypted
4588 CSPD Centra 2 Police - Central 2 Encrypted
4589 CSPD Tactical 1 Police - Tactical 1 Encrypted
4592 CSPD VNI 1 Police - Vice/Narcotics Unit 1 Encrypted
4600 CSPD Citywide Police - Citywide Encrypted
4601 CSPD Fleet Police - Fleet Maintanence Encrypted
4571 CSPD IA Police - Internal Affairs Encrypted
2155 Sheridan PD 3 Police 3 Supervisors Encrypted
4590 CSPD Tactical 2 Police - Tactical 2 Encrypted
4595 CSPD VNI 4 Police - Vice/Narcotics Unit 4 Encrypted
4596 CSPD VNI 5 Police - Vice/Narcotics Unit 5 Encrypted
4570 CSPD Staff Police - Staff Encrypted
4574 CSPD Supervisors Police - Supervisors Encrypted
4591 CSPD Tactical 3 Police - Tactical 3 Encrypted
4593 CSPD VNI 2 Police - Vice/Narcotics Unit 2 Encrypted
4594 CSPD VNI 3 Police - Vice/Narcotics Unit 3 Encrypted
4597 CSPD INV-1 Police - Investigations 1 Encrypted
4598 CSPD INV-2 Police - Investigations 2 Encrypted
4599 CSPD INV-3 Police - Investigations 3 Encrypted
4602 CSPD Metro Tac Police - Metro Area Tactical Encrypted
4604 CSPD INV Police - Investigations Encrypted
2151 Sheridan PD 1 Police 1 Dispatch Encrypted
2153 Sheridan PD 2 Police 2 Encrypted
2157 Sheridan PD 4 Police 4 Encrypted
2161 Sheridan PD Spc1 Police Special 1 Encrypted
2165 Sheridan PD Spc2 Police Special 2 Encrypted

Verification Status

We do have per-talkgroup data for Sheridan 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 Sheridan 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

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

Arapahoe County Context

Arapahoe County is a mixed picture: 2 of 9 agencies we track here are fully encrypted (22%), 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 Sheridan Police Department radio encrypted?

Sheridan Police Department is listed in our records with P25 ADP 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 Sheridan Police Department on a police scanner?

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

Ask why, and the answer is usually officer safety, sometimes operational security. What is harder to obtain is any documented case in Arapahoe County where an open channel caused harm. The costs need no such documentation: reporting on police department response slows down, and mutual-aid coordination gets more awkward, immediately.

Can Arapahoe County reverse the encryption decision?

Yes. Whoever made this call for Sheridan Police Department can also unmake it; there's no technical lock-in. The approach that has worked elsewhere combines public-records requests, direct council pressure, and a coordinated local coalition.

What can I do about Sheridan Police Department encryption?

Contact the officials who oversee Sheridan Police Department's budget directly and ask why full encryption was chosen over partial alternatives. Pair that with a FOIA request for recordings and policy records, and look for an existing coalition in Arapahoe County, or start one, since agencies respond differently to organized, sustained pressure than to individual complaints.

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