Fire Department Fully Encrypted
McHenry Fire/EMS
McHenry, Illinois
Encryption Details
Encryption Type P25 AES-256
Scope Statewide, North, EMS Operations
Technical Details P25 AES-256
Verified Talkgroup Data
Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence
11 Total Talkgroups
4 Encrypted
7 Unencrypted
36% Encrypted
Radio System: Diga-Talk, STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
View 4 talkgroups
| DEC | Alpha Tag | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1105 | McHenry ShrfTac2 | Sheriff: Tac-2 | Encrypted |
| 1106 | McHenry ShrfTac3 | Sheriff: Tac-3 | Encrypted |
| 3451 | NERCOM E Police | Police: Dispatch-Fox River Grove, Johnsburg, McCullom Lake, McHenry | Encrypted |
| 34102 | SEECOM Police 1 | Police: Dispatch-Algonquin, Cary, McHenry County College, Oakwood Hills | 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 McHenry Fire/EMS. Contact local officials to demand transparency.
McHenry Fire/EMS McHenry, Illinois
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