Sheriff's Office Fully Encrypted
Cook County Sheriff/StarCom21 Node 5
Cook, Illinois
Encryption Details
Encryption Type P25 AES-256
Scope All Operations
Technical Details P25 AES-256
Verified Talkgroup Data
Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence
11 Total Talkgroups
8 Encrypted
3 Unencrypted
73% Encrypted
Radio System: A-Beep - Arlington Heights LTR, ComEd, TeamConnect, STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
View 8 talkgroups
| DEC | Alpha Tag | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2166 | Cook Ops 2166 | Operations 2166 | Encrypted |
| 2328 | Cook Ops 2328 | Operations 2328 | Encrypted |
| 25129 | Cook Metro North | Police: Dispatch-Des Plaines, Park Ridge (db Cook County Sheriff) | Encrypted |
| 25131 | Cook Law MetroSE | Police: Dispatch-Harvey, Phoenix [CK METRO SE] | Encrypted |
| 25233 | Cook Metro W | Police: Dispatch-Berkeley, Indian Head Park, Lyons [CK METRO W] | Encrypted |
| 3687 | Cook PD Net 24B | Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Northfield Police (Glenview Dispatch); Wilmette Police | Encrypted |
| 25242 | Cook Law Metro S | Police: Dispatch-Blue Island, Hometown, Merrionette Park, Robbins [CK METRO S] | Encrypted |
| 25330 | Cook Metro SW | Police: Dispatch-Crestwood, Palos Park, Worth [CK METRO SW] | Encrypted |
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 Cook County Sheriff/StarCom21 Node 5. Contact local officials to demand transparency.
Cook County Sheriff/StarCom21 Node 5 Cook, Illinois
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