Police Department Partially Encrypted

Peoria Police

Peoria, Illinois

What you can do right now

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 AES-256
Scope Some talkgroups encrypted (35% per RadioReference data); others remain in the clear.
Technical Details P25 AES-256

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence
20 Total Talkgroups
7 Encrypted
13 Unencrypted
35% Encrypted
Radio System: Peoria Disposal Company, STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois
View 7 talkgroups
DEC Alpha Tag Description Status
6651 Peoria Police 1 Peoria/Peoria Heights Police 1 Encrypted
6652 Peoria Police 2 Police 2 Encrypted
6653 Peoria Police 3 Police 3 Encrypted
6738 AMT Peoria Disp AMT Peoria: Dispatch Encrypted
6655 Peoria Police 5 Police 5 Encrypted
6654 Peoria Police 4 Police 4 Encrypted
6656 Peoria Police 6 Police 6 Encrypted

Verification Status

We do have per-talkgroup data for Peoria Police from the RadioReference API, and used it to set the encryption scope shown above — but no additional human-reviewed source (a live feed check or a dated news account) has been recorded for this record, so treat it as a data-quality correction rather than an independently confirmed verification. Check the live RadioReference database directly for current status.

If you monitor Peoria Police directly or have more current information, the fastest way to fix this is to update the RadioReference Wiki entry — our data pulls from there and from the RadioReference API on a regular refresh cycle.

Shared Radio System

Peoria County, Illinois runs Peoria Disposal Company / STARCOM21 Statewide Illinois as shared infrastructure: 1 agencies, Peoria Police included, ride the same system and inherit the same encryption status rather than each having made a separate call.

What This Means

Our records list a mix here: some talkgroups encrypted, others not. The listing is unverified, so confirm what is audible at RadioReference.

See encryption status nationwide Interactive map showing which US police departments have encrypted their radios. Open the encryption map →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Peoria Police radio encrypted?

Our database lists Peoria Police as using P25 AES-256 encryption, though this listing is unverified. Our records list a mix here: some talkgroups encrypted, others not. The listing is unverified, so confirm what is audible at RadioReference.

Can I listen to Peoria Police on a police scanner?

Possibly. Our database lists Peoria Police as encrypting some of its talkgroups while leaving others open, which would leave some channels accessible. The listing is unverified — check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.

Why do agencies like Peoria Police encrypt their radio?

The reasons offered are almost always the same two: officer safety and operational security. Whether either was tested against a real Peoria County incident is rarely part of the public record, whereas the consequences are easy to observe — no real-time accountability, and neighbouring agencies still in the clear left working around the gap.

Can Peoria County reverse the encryption decision?

Nothing technical prevents it. Peoria Police operates encrypted because someone decided it should, and decisions of that kind get revisited when councils hear sustained, organised pressure rather than isolated complaints.

What can I do about Peoria Police encryption?

Put the question to whoever signs off on Peoria Police's radio budget: why full encryption rather than a delayed feed or tactical-only channels? File for the recordings and the decision documents alongside it, and link up with neighbours and local reporters in Peoria County so the ask arrives as a group rather than a one-off.

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