Police Department Tactical Only

Columbia Police Department

Richland, South Carolina

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 AES-256
Scope Only SWAT TG is encrypted
Technical Details P25 DES

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Jan 2, 2026 Moderate confidence
17 Total Talkgroups
5 Encrypted
1 Mixed
11 Unencrypted
32% Encrypted
Radio System: Palmetto 800
View 6 talkgroups
DEC Alpha Tag Description Status
1776 NCPD NORTH PD North Dispatch Encrypted
1778 NCPD SOUTH PD South Dispatch Encrypted
1779 NCPD CENTRAL PD Central Dispatch Encrypted
28151 VA Hosp PD Cola VA Hospital Columbia & SC Clinics Police Dispatch Mixed
24723 W Cola PD 8 West Columbia Police 8 Encrypted
24724 W Cola PD 9 West Columbia Police 9 Encrypted

What This Means

This agency encrypts tactical channels used for special operations, SWAT, and sensitive investigations. Regular dispatch may still be accessible.

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

Take Action

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Public Testimony

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Take Action for Transparency

Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.

πŸ“§

Contact Your Representatives

Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.

Get Started
πŸ“š

Read Case Studies

See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.

View Cases
πŸ“’

Spread Awareness

Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.

πŸ“Š

See the Evidence

Review the facts, myths, and research on police radio encryption.

View Evidence
🎀

Public Testimony

Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.

Prepare to Speak
πŸ“₯

Download Resources

Get FOIA templates, talking points, and materials for advocacy.

Access Toolkit

Take Action for Transparency

Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.

πŸ“§

Contact Your Representatives

Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.

Get Started
πŸ“š

Read Case Studies

See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.

View Cases
πŸ“’

Spread Awareness

Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.

πŸ“Š

See the Evidence

Review the facts, myths, and research on police radio encryption.

View Evidence
🎀

Public Testimony

Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.

Prepare to Speak
πŸ“₯

Download Resources

Get FOIA templates, talking points, and materials for advocacy.

Access Toolkit

Take Action for Transparency

Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.

πŸ“§

Contact Your Representatives

Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.

Get Started
πŸ“š

Read Case Studies

See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.

View Cases
πŸ“’

Spread Awareness

Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.

πŸ“Š

See the Evidence

Review the facts, myths, and research on police radio encryption.

View Evidence
🎀

Public Testimony

Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.

Prepare to Speak
πŸ“₯

Download Resources

Get FOIA templates, talking points, and materials for advocacy.

Access Toolkit