Can I listen to Billings Police Department on a police scanner?

No. Billings Police Department has fully encrypted their radio communications using P25 DES-OFB. No consumer scanner can decode encrypted transmissions.

Why did Billings 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 Yellowstone 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 Billings 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

Billings Police Department

Q: Is Billings Police Department radio encrypted?

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

Yellowstone, Montana

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 DES-OFB

Scope Field units are encrypted however dispatch is in the clear

Technical Details P25 DES-OFB

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence

18 Total Talkgroups

4 Encrypted

14 Unencrypted

22% Encrypted

Radio System: Montana Public Safety Communications System

View 4 talkgroups

DEC	Alpha Tag	Description	Status
831	MHP D4 D1	Dispatch Billings	Encrypted
12401	Billings PD Disp	Billings Police Main Dispatch	Encrypted
12403	Billings PD Enc	Billings Police Encrypted	Encrypted
12405	Billings PD Enc	Billings Police Encrypted	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

Billings Police Department Yellowstone, Montana

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Billings Police Department

Encryption Details

Verified Talkgroup Data

What This Means

Impact on Transparency

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