ODOT
Statewide, Ohio
How we verified this
As of August 2026 RadioReference lists two Ohio Department of Transportation talkgroups on Ohio MARCS-IP as encrypted — EOC Operations and Freeway Service Patrol Tactical — while ODOT's maintenance, escort and central-office talkgroups are listed in the clear.
Encryption Details
What This Means
Coverage here is uneven — parts of the system are locked and parts are open, so a scanner gives you an incomplete rather than an empty picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ODOT radio encrypted?
Yes — ODOT's radio system runs on P25 AES-256 encryption. Coverage here is uneven — parts of the system are locked and parts are open, so a scanner gives you an incomplete rather than an empty picture.
Can I listen to ODOT on a police scanner?
Partially. ODOT encrypts some of its talkgroups while leaving others open, so some channels may still be accessible. Check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why did ODOT encrypt their radio?
Departments typically point to officer safety and operational security. Neither claim tends to come with evidence specific to Statewide County; what's verifiable is what's lost — journalists can't monitor other agency activity in real time, and coordination with agencies that stay unencrypted gets harder.
Can Statewide County reverse the encryption decision?
Yes. Whoever made this call for ODOT can also unmake it; there's no technical lock-in. The approach that has worked elsewhere combines public-records requests, direct council pressure, and a coordinated local coalition.
What can I do about ODOT encryption?
Start local: show up when Statewide County officials discuss the budget for ODOT, 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.