Lowell Police
Middlesex, Massachusetts
How we verified this
As of August 2026 RadioReference lists Lowell Police's secondary channel on 484.950 MHz as encrypted P25 (P25E) while the department's primary 482.4125 MHz Police Operations channel is listed as unencrypted P25.
Encryption Details
Middlesex County Context
Lowell Police isn't an outlier here: 5 of the 6 public-safety agencies we track in Middlesex County are fully encrypted (83%), so most departments nearby have made the same move.
See every agency we track in Middlesex County → County encryption overview →
What This Means
This agency encrypts some of its communications while leaving others open. Which channels are affected depends on the operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lowell Police radio encrypted?
Yes — Lowell Police's radio system runs on P25 DES-OFB encryption. This agency encrypts some of its communications while leaving others open. Which channels are affected depends on the operation.
Can I listen to Lowell Police on a police scanner?
Partially. Lowell Police encrypts some of its talkgroups while leaving others open, so some channels may still be accessible. Check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why did Lowell Police encrypt their radio?
Departments typically point to officer safety and operational security. Neither claim tends to come with evidence specific to Middlesex 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 Middlesex County reverse the encryption decision?
Yes, and some departments already have. Because encryption here is a choice rather than a technical necessity, the path back runs through the same people who chose it: budget hearings, records requests, and residents who keep asking in public.
What can I do about Lowell Police encryption?
Start local: show up when Middlesex County officials discuss the budget for Lowell Police, and ask specifically why full encryption was chosen over a delayed feed or tactical-only approach. File a FOIA request for recordings or policy documents, and connect with others nearby who want the same information — a coordinated ask carries more weight than an individual one.