Can I listen to Grand Rapids Police Department on a police scanner?

No. Grand Rapids Police Department has fully encrypted their radio communications using P25 AES-256. No consumer scanner can decode encrypted transmissions.

Why did Grand Rapids Police Department 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 Itasca 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 Grand Rapids Police Department 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.

Police Department Fully Encrypted

Grand Rapids Police Department

Q: Is Grand Rapids Police Department radio encrypted?

Yes. Grand Rapids Police Department uses P25 AES-256 encryption. This agency encrypts all of their radio communications, including routine dispatch. The public, journalists, and even other first responders cannot monitor their activities.

Itasca, Minnesota

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 AES-256

Scope PD Admin TG encryped for Admin use

Technical Details P25 on ARMER

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence

16 Total Talkgroups

4 Encrypted

12 Unencrypted

25% Encrypted

Radio System: Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER)

View 4 talkgroups

DEC	Alpha Tag	Description	Status
38866	GRPD ADMIN	GRAND RAPIDS POLICE DEPT ADMIN	Encrypted
51716	EGF PD TAC	East Grand Fork PD TAC	Encrypted
2029	EMS NM AC7	Air Care 7 Dispatch- Grand Rapids	Encrypted
840	COON PD C2C	Coon Rapids Police Car to Car	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

Grand Rapids Police Department Itasca, Minnesota

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Grand Rapids Police Department

Encryption Details

Verified Talkgroup Data

What This Means

Impact on Transparency

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