Cohoes Police Department
Albany, New York
Encryption Details
Verified Talkgroup Data
View 1 talkgroup
| DEC | Alpha Tag | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11943 | Cohoes PD 3 | Police TAC 3 | Encrypted |
Verification Status
We don't yet have per-talkgroup data for Cohoes Police Department from the RadioReference API. The encryption scope and type above come from the RadioReference Wiki, which is community-maintained rather than independently confirmed channel-by-channel. Our automated matching put this at low confidence (50%) based on how closely the wiki listing matches this agency's name and county.
If you monitor Cohoes Police Department 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.
Albany County Context
Albany County is a mixed picture: 1 of 18 agencies we track here are fully encrypted (6%), which means some neighboring departments are still audible on a scanner.
See every agency we track in Albany County → County encryption overview →
What This Means
Our records list only the tactical side as encrypted here, with routine dispatch possibly in the clear. Verify against the live RadioReference database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cohoes Police Department radio encrypted?
Our database lists Cohoes Police Department as using P25 AES-256 encryption, though this listing is unverified. Our records list only the tactical side as encrypted here, with routine dispatch possibly in the clear. Verify against the live RadioReference database.
Can I listen to Cohoes Police Department on a police scanner?
Possibly. Our database lists Cohoes Police Department as encrypting its tactical channels, which would leave some channels accessible. The listing is unverified — check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why do agencies like Cohoes Police Department encrypt their radio?
The standard justification nationwide is officer safety and operational security, regardless of whether a documented local incident ever required it. The tradeoff that follows is consistent too: public oversight drops, and reporters lose the ability to track police department response as it happens.
Can Albany County reverse the encryption decision?
Nothing technical prevents it. Cohoes Police Department 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 Cohoes Police Department encryption?
File a FOIA request for Cohoes Police Department's radio recordings and encryption-decision paperwork, then show up to speak at a council or commission meeting. Find other residents or journalists in Albany 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.