Idaho State Police
Statewide, Idaho
How we verified this
As of August 2026 every Idaho State Police district's "Patrol 2" talkgroup and each District Tactical talkgroup is marked D Enc, while the "Patrol 1" dispatch talkgroups are listed in the clear in Districts 1, 2, 4 and 5 and only partially encrypted in Districts 3 and 6.
Encryption Details
What This Means
The encryption here is targeted at tactical traffic rather than everything. Regular dispatch can still come through, which makes this a narrower restriction than a full lockout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idaho State Police radio encrypted?
Yes — Idaho State Police's radio system runs on P25 AES-256 encryption. The encryption here is targeted at tactical traffic rather than everything. Regular dispatch can still come through, which makes this a narrower restriction than a full lockout.
Can I listen to Idaho State Police on a police scanner?
Partially. Idaho State Police encrypts its tactical channels, so some channels may still be accessible. Check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why did Idaho State Police encrypt their radio?
Departments typically point to officer safety and operational security. Neither claim tends to come with evidence specific to Statewide 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 Statewide County reverse the encryption decision?
Yes. Whoever made this call for Idaho State Police 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 Idaho State Police encryption?
Ask for the paperwork first — the policy that authorised encryption for Idaho State Police, and the recordings themselves — because a specific request is harder to wave away than a general complaint. Then take what you learn to a council meeting, and bring others from Statewide County with you.