Police Department Partially Encrypted

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police

Clark, Nevada

What you can do right now

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 AES-256
Scope Some talkgroups encrypted (1.3% per RadioReference data); others remain in the clear.
Technical Details P25 Phase II AES 256

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence
78 Total Talkgroups
1 Encrypted
77 Unencrypted
1% Encrypted
Radio System: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), Rebel Communications NXDN, Southwest Airlines LAS CAP, McIntosh Communications CAP, American Airlines LAS CAP, Bearcom Radio Services, Las Vegas Club, Nevada Energy VHF DMR NET, Nevada Shared Radio System, Nevada Shared Radio System (P25)
View 1 talkgroup
DEC Alpha Tag Description Status
20131 LVMPD LAS Disp Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Dispatch Encrypted

Verification Status

We do have per-talkgroup data for Las Vegas Metropolitan Police from the RadioReference API, and used it to set the encryption scope shown above — but no additional human-reviewed source (a live feed check or a dated news account) has been recorded for this record, so treat it as a data-quality correction rather than an independently confirmed verification. Check the live RadioReference database directly for current status.

If you monitor Las Vegas Metropolitan Police directly or have more current information, the fastest way to fix this is to update the RadioReference Wiki entry — our data pulls from there and from the RadioReference API on a regular refresh cycle.

Shared Radio System

This page is one of 2 built from the same underlying radio record: police department here shares Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) / Rebel Communications NXDN / Southwest Airlines LAS CAP / McIntosh Communications CAP / American Airlines LAS CAP / Bearcom Radio Services / Las Vegas Club / Nevada Energy VHF DMR NET / Nevada Shared Radio System / Nevada Shared Radio System (P25) with 1 other department in Clark County, so the same traffic and the same encryption status show up on every one of those pages.

Clark County Context

Clark County is a mixed picture: 2 of 6 agencies we track here are fully encrypted (33%), which means some neighboring departments are still audible on a scanner.

What This Means

Our records list a mix here: some talkgroups encrypted, others not. The listing is unverified, so confirm what is audible at RadioReference.

See encryption status nationwide Interactive map showing which US police departments have encrypted their radios. Open the encryption map →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Las Vegas Metropolitan Police radio encrypted?

Our database lists Las Vegas Metropolitan Police as using P25 AES-256 encryption, though this listing is unverified. Our records list a mix here: some talkgroups encrypted, others not. The listing is unverified, so confirm what is audible at RadioReference.

Can I listen to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police on a police scanner?

Possibly. Our database lists Las Vegas Metropolitan Police as encrypting some of its talkgroups while leaving others open, which would leave some channels accessible. The listing is unverified — check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.

Why do agencies like Las Vegas Metropolitan Police encrypt their radio?

The reasons offered are almost always the same two: officer safety and operational security. Whether either was tested against a real Clark County incident is rarely part of the public record, whereas the consequences are easy to observe — no real-time accountability, and neighbouring agencies still in the clear left working around the gap.

Can Clark County reverse the encryption decision?

Nothing technical prevents it. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police operates encrypted because someone decided it should, and decisions of that kind get revisited when councils hear sustained, organised pressure rather than isolated complaints.

What can I do about Las Vegas Metropolitan Police encryption?

File a FOIA request for Las Vegas Metropolitan Police's radio recordings and encryption-decision paperwork, then show up to speak at a council or commission meeting. Find other residents or journalists in Clark County who want the same access — state legislation requiring public radio access is the longer-term fix, but organized local pressure is what usually moves the needle first.

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