Can I listen to Fargo Police Dept. on a police scanner?

No. Fargo Police Dept. has fully encrypted their radio communications using P25 DES-OFB. No consumer scanner can decode encrypted transmissions.

Why did Fargo Police Dept. encrypt their radio?

Police departments typically cite officer safety and operational security as reasons for encryption. However, encryption also eliminates public oversight, prevents journalists from monitoring police activity, and can harm emergency coordination with other agencies.

Can Cass County reverse the encryption decision?

Yes. Encryption is a policy choice, not a technical requirement. Multiple communities have successfully reversed encryption decisions through public pressure, city council advocacy, and coalition building. See our guide on fighting encryption for specific strategies.

What can I do about Fargo Police Dept. encryption?

You can: 1) Contact your local elected officials to express concerns, 2) Attend city council meetings during budget discussions, 3) File FOIA requests for radio recordings, 4) Join or build a local coalition advocating for transparency, 5) Support legislation requiring public access to police communications.

Police Department Fully Encrypted

Fargo Police Dept.

Q: Is Fargo Police Dept. radio encrypted?

Yes. Fargo Police Dept. uses P25 DES-OFB encryption. This agency encrypts all of their radio communications, including routine dispatch. The public, journalists, and even other first responders cannot monitor their activities.

Cass, North Dakota

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 DES-OFB

Scope Partly Operations

Technical Details P25 DES-OFB

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Mar 6, 2026 Moderate confidence

6 Total Talkgroups

5 Encrypted

1 Unencrypted

83% Encrypted

Radio System: Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response (ARMER)

View 5 talkgroups

DEC	Alpha Tag	Description	Status
49379	CY FPD PATCH	Fargo, ND Police Patch - 151.2575	Encrypted
21047	GD CFPD	Cannon Falls Police Ops	Encrypted
49016	NDCA FGPD 1	Fargo Police 1	Encrypted
49018	NDCA FGPD 2	Fargo Police 2	Encrypted
49026	NDCA WFGPD	West Fargo Police	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

Fargo Police Dept. Cass, North Dakota

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Fargo Police Dept.

Encryption Details

Verified Talkgroup Data

What This Means

Impact on Transparency

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