South Metro Fire Rescue
Denver Douglas, Colorado
How we verified this
As of August 2026 RadioReference lists South Metro Fire Rescue's automatic voice dispatch, Channel 2 dispatch and all numbered operations talkgroups in the clear, with encryption applied only to the two 'Blue' law-response talkgroups.
Encryption Details
What This Means
This agency encrypts some of its communications while leaving others open. Which channels are affected depends on the operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Metro Fire Rescue radio encrypted?
Yes — South Metro Fire Rescue's radio system runs on P25 AES-256 encryption. This agency encrypts some of its communications while leaving others open. Which channels are affected depends on the operation.
Can I listen to South Metro Fire Rescue on a police scanner?
Partially. South Metro Fire Rescue encrypts some of its talkgroups while leaving others open, so some channels may still be accessible. Check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why did South Metro Fire Rescue encrypt their radio?
Departments typically point to officer safety and operational security. Neither claim tends to come with evidence specific to Denver Douglas County; what's verifiable is what's lost — journalists can't monitor fire department activity in real time, and coordination with agencies that stay unencrypted gets harder.
Can Denver Douglas County reverse the encryption decision?
Yes. Whoever made this call for South Metro Fire Rescue 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 South Metro Fire Rescue encryption?
Contact the officials who oversee South Metro Fire Rescue'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 Denver Douglas County, or start one, since agencies respond differently to organized, sustained pressure than to individual complaints.