Encrypted Corrections Agencies
11 corrections agencies across the United States have encrypted their radio communications, blocking public access to critical safety information.
About Corrections Agencies
Prisons, jails, and detention facilities at county, state, and federal levels.
Impact of Encryption
Corrections encryption can hide incidents inside facilities, preventing oversight of conditions and treatment of incarcerated individuals.
Affected Stakeholders
- Prison reform advocates
- Families of incarcerated
- Legal aid organizations
States with Most Encrypted Corrections Agencies
Encryption Technologies Used
All Encrypted Corrections Agencies
Browse all 11 corrections agencies that have encrypted their communications.
| Agency | State | County | Encryption | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean County Corrections | NJ | Ocean | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Gratiot County Jail | MI | Gratiot | MOTOTRBO | Fully Encrypted |
| Orange County Jail | FL | Orange | P25 ADP | Fully Encrypted |
| Illinois Department of Corrections | IL | Statewide | P25 ADP | Partially Encrypted |
| Dekalb County Corrections | IL | Dekalb | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Brown County Jail | OH | Brown | NXDN Scrambling | Fully Encrypted |
| Hendricks County Jail | IN | Hendricks | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Vigo County Jail | IN | Vigo | MOTOTRBO | Fully Encrypted |
| Louisville Corrections/Jail | KY | Jefferson | P25 ADP | Partially Encrypted |
| Nebraska Department of Corrections | NE | Statewide | P25 AES-256 | Partially Encrypted |
| Department of Corrections | DE | Statewide | P25 AES-256 | Partially Encrypted |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many corrections agencies have encrypted their radios?
11 corrections agencies across 9 states are documented as encrypted: 7 fully encrypted and 4 with partial encryption.
Which state has the most encrypted corrections agencies?
Illinois leads with 2 encrypted corrections agencies, out of 11 tracked nationwide.
What encryption technology do most corrections agencies use?
P25 AES-256 is the most common, used by 5 of the 11 encrypted corrections agencies tracked here (45%).
Why does encrypting corrections agency radio matter?
Corrections encryption can hide incidents inside facilities, preventing oversight of conditions and treatment of incarcerated individuals. Stakeholders most affected include prison reform advocates, families of incarcerated, legal aid organizations.
What can I do if my local corrections agency 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.
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