Encrypted Airport Police Departments
20 airport police departments across the United States are documented as encrypting their radio communications, blocking public access to critical safety information. Our database holds 20 records of this type; the rest are ones our own checks found in the clear.
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
All Encrypted Airport Police Departments
Browse all 20 airport police departments records. Open an agency for its verification status; records our checks found in the clear say so on their own page.
| Agency | State | County | Encryption | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Hope (Hollywood-Burbank) Airport | CA | Los Angeles | Algorithm not published | Tactical Only |
| San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | CA | San Francisco | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| Philadelphia Airport (KPHL) | PA | Philadelphia | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| Bishop International Airport Authority | MI | Genesee | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Wayne County Airport Authority | MI | Wayne | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport | FL | Pinellas | Algorithm not published | Specific Channels |
| Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport | TX | Tarrant | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| Houston Airport System | TX | Harris | Algorithm not published | Specific Channels |
| Toledo Express Airport | OH | Lucas | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Denver International Airport | CO | Denver | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Tri Cities Airport Authority | TN | Sullivan | Algorithm not published | Specific Channels |
| Lexington-Blue Grass Airport | KY | Fayette | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| Spokane International Airport | WA | Spokane | Algorithm not published | Tactical Only |
| Mass/Logan International Airport | MA | Suffolk | Algorithm not published | Specific Channels |
| Dear Valley Airport | AZ | Maricopa | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Glendale Airport | AZ | Maricopa | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Goodyear Airport | AZ | Maricopa | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport | AZ | Maricopa | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| Will Rogers (OKC) Airport | OK | Oklahoma | Algorithm not published | Dispatch Only |
| Boise International Airport | ID | Ada | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many airport police departments have encrypted their radios?
20 airport police departments are documented as encrypted: 8 fully encrypted and 12 with partial encryption.
Which state has the most encrypted airport police departments?
Arizona leads with 4 airport police departments records, out of 20 tracked nationwide.
What encryption technology do most airport police departments use?
For most of the 20 airport police departments records here, no source we have checked names the algorithm: RadioReference marks a talkgroup as encrypted without naming the cipher. 0 have a published source naming it.
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 Chicago to Palo Alto.
View CasesSpread Awareness
Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.
Public Testimony
Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.
Prepare to Speak