Encrypted Airport Police Departments
20 airport police departments across the United States have encrypted their radio communications, blocking public access to critical safety information.
About Airport Police Departments
Police departments serving commercial and general aviation airports.
Impact of Encryption
Airport encryption affects travelers and aviation enthusiasts who monitor airport operations for safety and situational awareness.
Affected Stakeholders
- Travelers
- Aviation media
- Airline employees
- TSA coordination
States with Most Encrypted Airport Police Departments
Encryption Technologies Used
All Encrypted Airport Police Departments
Browse all 20 airport police departments that have encrypted their communications.
| Agency | State | County | Encryption | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Hope (Hollywood-Burbank) Airport | CA | Los Angeles | P25 DES-OFB | Tactical Only |
| San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | CA | San Francisco | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Philadelphia Airport (KPHL) | PA | Philadelphia | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Bishop International Airport Authority | MI | Genesee | P25 ADP | Fully Encrypted |
| Wayne County Airport Authority | MI | Wayne | P25 DES-OFB | Fully Encrypted |
| St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport | FL | Pinellas | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels |
| Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport | TX | Tarrant | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Houston Airport System | TX | Harris | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels |
| Toledo Express Airport | OH | Lucas | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Denver International Airport | CO | Denver | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Tri Cities Airport Authority | TN | Sullivan | P25 ADP | Specific Channels |
| Lexington-Blue Grass Airport | KY | Fayette | P25 AES-256 | Partially Encrypted |
| Spokane International Airport | WA | Spokane | P25 AES-256 | Tactical Only |
| Mass/Logan International Airport | MA | Suffolk | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels |
| Dear Valley Airport | AZ | Maricopa | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Glendale Airport | AZ | Maricopa | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Goodyear Airport | AZ | Maricopa | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport | AZ | Maricopa | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Will Rogers (OKC) Airport | OK | Oklahoma | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Boise International Airport | ID | Ada | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many airport police departments have encrypted their radios?
20 airport police departments across 14 states are documented as encrypted: 13 fully encrypted and 7 with partial encryption.
Which state has the most encrypted airport police departments?
Arizona leads with 4 encrypted airport police departments, out of 20 tracked nationwide.
What encryption technology do most airport police departments use?
P25 AES-256 is the most common, used by 16 of the 20 encrypted airport police departments tracked here (80%).
Why does encrypting airport police radio matter?
Airport encryption affects travelers and aviation enthusiasts who monitor airport operations for safety and situational awareness. Stakeholders most affected include travelers, aviation media, airline employees, tsa coordination.
What can I do if my local airport police is encrypted?
Encryption is a policy choice made by department or elected leadership, not a technical requirement — it can be revisited. File a public-records request for the encryption decision, raise it at a city council or county commission meeting, and connect with others who rely on scanner access in your area.
Take Action for Transparency
Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.
Contact Your Representatives
Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.
Get StartedRead Case Studies
See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.
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Public Testimony
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