FDNY
New York City, New York
Encryption Details
Verified Talkgroup Data
View 22 talkgroups
| DEC | Alpha Tag | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12768 | FDNY Fire Ops | Fire Operations | Mixed |
| 12628 | FDNY BK Dispatch | Brooklyn Fire Dispatch | Encrypted |
| 12627 | FDNY QN Dispatch | Queens Fire Dispatch | Encrypted |
| 12629 | FDNY MN Dispatch | Manhattan Fire Dispatch | Encrypted |
| 12630 | FDNY BX Dispatch | Bronx Fire Dispatch | Encrypted |
| 12631 | FDNY SI Dispatch | Staten Island Fire Dispatch | Encrypted |
| 12626 | FDNY Citywide 1 | Fire Citywide 1 | Encrypted |
| 12643 | FDNY Div 13 | Fire Division 13 | Encrypted |
| 12637 | FDNY Div 1 | Fire Division 1 | Encrypted |
| 12638 | FDNY Div 3 | Fire Division 3 | Encrypted |
| 12639 | FDNY Div 6 | Fire Division 6 | Encrypted |
| 12640 | FDNY Div 7 | Fire Division 7 | Encrypted |
| 12641 | FDNY Div 8 | Fire Division 8 | Encrypted |
| 12642 | FDNY Div 11 | Fire Division 11 | Encrypted |
| 12645 | FDNY Div 14 | Fire Division 14 | Encrypted |
| 12646 | FDNY Div 15 | Fire Division 15 | Encrypted |
| 12632 | FDNY Citywide 2 | Fire Citywide 2 | Encrypted |
| 12935 | FDNY Academy 1 | Fire Academy Ch 1 | Mixed |
| 12936 | FDNY Academy 2 | Fire Academy Ch 2 | Mixed |
| 12937 | FDNY Academy 3 | Fire Academy Ch 3 | Mixed |
| 12648 | FDNY Cmd Ch 1 | Command Ch Relay 1 | Encrypted |
| 12739 | FDNY Ops B | Operations B | Encrypted |
Verification Status
We don't yet have per-talkgroup data for FDNY 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 high confidence (99%) based on how closely the wiki listing matches this agency's name and county.
If you monitor FDNY 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.
What This Means
Our records list a subset of this department's talkgroups as encrypted rather than the whole system. Verify the current per-channel status at RadioReference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FDNY radio encrypted?
Our database lists FDNY as using P25 AES-256 encryption, though this listing is unverified. Our records list a subset of this department's talkgroups as encrypted rather than the whole system. Verify the current per-channel status at RadioReference.
Can I listen to FDNY on a police scanner?
Possibly. Our database lists FDNY as encrypting specific talkgroups rather than the whole system, which would leave some channels accessible. The listing is unverified — check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why do agencies like FDNY encrypt their radio?
Agencies cite officer safety and operational security. Those are assertions rather than findings — no local evidence is typically produced — while the effects are concrete and land straight away on anyone who relied on hearing FDNY to know what was happening nearby.
Can New York City County reverse the encryption decision?
It can. The radios support open and encrypted operation equally well, so this is a configuration and a policy, not a constraint — and policies set by New York City County officials are policies those officials can revisit when constituents press for it.
What can I do about FDNY encryption?
File a FOIA request for FDNY's radio recordings and encryption-decision paperwork, then show up to speak at a council or commission meeting. Find other residents or journalists in New York City 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.