Police Department Fully Encrypted
Chicago Police Department
Cook, Illinois
Encryption Details
Encryption Type P25 AES
Scope All Districts and Zones
Technical Details P25 AES
Verified Talkgroup Data
Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence
31 Total Talkgroups
2 Encrypted
8 Mixed
21 Unencrypted
19% Encrypted
Radio System: Chicago OEMC Public Safety - 800 MHz P25, Will County Government IL (P25)
View 10 talkgroups
| DEC | Alpha Tag | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5091 | CPD Marine Unit | Marine Unit: Car-to-Car | Mixed |
| 5081 | CPD SWAT 5081 | SWAT 81? | Mixed |
| 5411 | CPD Event 1 | Event 1 | Mixed |
| 7001 | CPD Command 1 | Command 1 | Encrypted |
| 5412 | CPD Event 2 | Event 2 (Dispatch in the clear) | Mixed |
| 5413 | CPD Event 3 | Event 3 | Mixed |
| 5130 | CPD Citywide 85 | Citywide 85 | Encrypted |
| 7014 | CPD Ops 7014 | Police: Operations | Mixed |
| 7015 | CPD Ops 7015 | Police: Operations | Mixed |
| 7016 | CPD Ops 7016 | Police: Operations | Mixed |
What This Means
This agency encrypts all of their radio communications, including routine dispatch. The public, journalists, and even other first responders cannot monitor their activities.
Impact on Transparency
- Journalists cannot monitor police activity for breaking news or investigative reporting
- Community members cannot track police response to incidents in their neighborhood
- Researchers cannot study police communication patterns and response times
- Other first responders may face interoperability challenges during emergencies
Take Action
Fight encryption at Chicago Police Department. Contact local officials to demand transparency.
Chicago Police Department Cook, Illinois
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