Van Bert Police
Van Bert, Ohio
How we verified this
As of August 2026 RadioReference lists the Van Wert Police tactical talkgroup on Ohio MARCS-IP as encrypted while the Van Wert Police operations talkgroup is listed in the clear.
Encryption Details
Van Bert County Context
Of the 2 public-safety agencies we track in Van Bert County, Van Bert Police is currently the only one we have flagged as encrypted.
See every agency we track in Van Bert County → County encryption overview →
What This Means
Tactical channels are encrypted while routine dispatch is not, so day-to-day activity may still be audible even though special operations are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Van Bert Police radio encrypted?
Yes — Van Bert Police's radio system runs on P25 AES-256 encryption. Tactical channels are encrypted while routine dispatch is not, so day-to-day activity may still be audible even though special operations are not.
Can I listen to Van Bert Police on a police scanner?
Partially. Van Bert Police encrypts its tactical channels, so some channels may still be accessible. Check RadioReference for specific talkgroup status.
Why did Van Bert Police encrypt their radio?
Departments typically point to officer safety and operational security. Neither claim tends to come with evidence specific to Van Bert County; what's verifiable is what's lost — journalists can't monitor police department activity in real time, and coordination with agencies that stay unencrypted gets harder.
Can Van Bert County reverse the encryption decision?
Yes. Whoever made this call for Van Bert Police 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 Van Bert Police encryption?
Ask for the paperwork first — the policy that authorised encryption for Van Bert Police, and the recordings themselves — because a specific request is harder to wave away than a general complaint. Then take what you learn to a council meeting, and bring others from Van Bert County with you.