Montana Encrypted Agencies
9 public safety agencies in Montana have encrypted their radio communications.
RadioReference Verification
| Agency Name | County | Type | Encryption | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowstone | Police | P25 DES-OFB | Fully Encrypted | |
| Carbon | Sheriff | Analog Voice Inversion | Specific Channels | |
| Flathead | Sheriff | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels | |
| Chouteau | Police | Analog Voice Inversion | Fully Encrypted | |
| Gatlin | Sheriff | P25 AES-256 | Tactical Only | |
| Lewis | Police | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels | |
| Flathead | Police | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels | |
| Missoula | Police | Unknown | Fully Encrypted | |
| Richland | Sheriff | P25 AES-256 | Partially Encrypted |
Browse Montana by County
Search or select a county to see encrypted agencies in that area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public safety agencies in Montana are encrypted?
9 agencies in Montana are documented as encrypted: 3 (33%) fully encrypted and 6 with partial encryption. See the full table below for specific agencies.
Which Montana agencies have verified encryption data?
4 of the 9 agencies listed here (44%) have been checked directly against the RadioReference API, covering 23 documented talkgroups. The rest are sourced from the community-maintained RadioReference Wiki and may be less current.
Which county in Montana has the most encrypted agencies?
Flathead County leads Montana with 2 encrypted agencies (0% fully encrypted). Browse the county list below to see how your area compares.
Can I still monitor police scanners anywhere in Montana?
Yes. 6 agencies in Montana have only partial encryption, and fire/EMS channels frequently stay open even in counties where police departments have gone dark. Use the filters below to find what's still accessible.
Can Montana residents get an encryption decision reversed?
Yes — encryption is a local policy decision, not a technical requirement. Communities in other states have reversed encryption decisions through sustained city council pressure and public-records requests; see our guide on fighting encryption for the specific tactics that have worked.
Fight Encryption in Montana
Join the movement to restore transparency to public safety communications.