Can I listen to Hatzalah EMS on a police scanner?

No. Hatzalah EMS has fully encrypted their radio communications using MOTOTRBO. No consumer scanner can decode encrypted transmissions.

Why did Hatzalah EMS encrypt their radio?

Police departments typically cite officer safety and operational security as reasons for encryption. However, encryption also eliminates public oversight, prevents journalists from monitoring police activity, and can harm emergency coordination with other agencies.

Can Oakland County reverse the encryption decision?

Yes. Encryption is a policy choice, not a technical requirement. Multiple communities have successfully reversed encryption decisions through public pressure, city council advocacy, and coalition building. See our guide on fighting encryption for specific strategies.

What can I do about Hatzalah EMS encryption?

You can: 1) Contact your local elected officials to express concerns, 2) Attend city council meetings during budget discussions, 3) File FOIA requests for radio recordings, 4) Join or build a local coalition advocating for transparency, 5) Support legislation requiring public access to police communications.

Emergency Medical Services Fully Encrypted

Hatzalah EMS

Q: Is Hatzalah EMS radio encrypted?

Yes. Hatzalah EMS uses MOTOTRBO encryption. This agency encrypts all of their radio communications, including routine dispatch. The public, journalists, and even other first responders cannot monitor their activities.

Oakland, Michigan

Encryption Details

Encryption Type MOTOTRBO

Scope Dispatch

Technical Details MotoTRBO Enhanced Privacy

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence

388 Total Talkgroups

9 Encrypted

5 Mixed

374 Unencrypted

3% Encrypted

Radio System: ComSource Michigan DMR, Michigan's Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS)

View 14 talkgroups

DEC	Alpha Tag	Description	Status
612	26EADM	Gladwin EMS Private Channel	Encrypted
615	MMEMS2	EMS Dispatch Alpena & Sault Dispatch [Future]	Encrypted
4889	MMEMS3	EMS Admin	Encrypted
4901	04EADM	Alpena EMS Private Channel	Encrypted
6410	31MTUEMS	Michigan Tech EMS Proprietary	Encrypted
6540	17EADM	Sault Ste Marie EMS Private Channel	Encrypted
11691	56EADM	Midland EMS Private Channel	Encrypted
22266	82HEMS	EMS to Hospital: Beaumont Wayne	Encrypted
22885	44EMCNTE	EMS Dispatch	Mixed
22894	44FCNTE	Fire/EMS: Dispatch [Simulcast on 151.130 MHz.]	Encrypted
23221	61EWLAA	White Lake EMS Dispatch	Mixed
23222	61ETRINITY	Trinity Health EMS	Mixed
23334	61TRINTR	Trinity Health EMS Transport	Mixed
32451	63SLEMS	South Lyon EMS Dispatch	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

Hatzalah EMS Oakland, Michigan

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