Highlands Township Police
Orange, New York
How we verified this
As of August 2026 RadioReference lists the Highlands PD Tac talkgroup on the Orange County Public Safety Radio System (OCPSRS) as encrypted ("T Enc"); it is the only Highlands police talkgroup shown on that system.
Encryption Details
Orange County Context
Of the 10 public-safety agencies we track in Orange County, Highlands Township Police is currently the only one we have flagged as encrypted.
See every agency we track in Orange County → County encryption overview →
What This Means
This agency encrypts some of its communications while leaving others open. Which channels are affected depends on the operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highlands Township Police radio encrypted?
Yes — Highlands Township Police's radio system runs on P25 AES-256 encryption. This agency encrypts some of its communications while leaving others open. Which channels are affected depends on the operation.
Can I listen to Highlands Township Police on a police scanner?
Partially. Highlands Township Police encrypts some of its talkgroups while leaving others open, so some channels may still be accessible. Check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why did Highlands Township Police encrypt their radio?
Ask why, and the answer is usually officer safety, sometimes operational security. What is harder to obtain is any documented case in Orange County where an open channel caused harm. The costs need no such documentation: reporting on police department response slows down, and mutual-aid coordination gets more awkward, immediately.
Can Orange County reverse the encryption decision?
Yes. Encryption is a policy choice made by department leadership or elected officials, not a technical requirement, so it can be reversed the same way. Public pressure, city council advocacy, and organized local coalitions have reversed encryption decisions elsewhere.
What can I do about Highlands Township Police encryption?
Start local: show up when Orange County officials discuss the budget for Highlands Township Police, and ask specifically why full encryption was chosen over a delayed feed or tactical-only approach. File a FOIA request for recordings or policy documents, and connect with others nearby who want the same information — a coordinated ask carries more weight than an individual one.