Police Department Fully Encrypted
Billings Police Department
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 Jan 2, 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
Take Action
Want to help restore transparency to Yellowstone County? Here's how you can make a difference: