Encrypted Federal Agencies
37 federal agencies across the United States are documented as encrypting their radio communications, blocking public access to critical safety information. Our database holds 38 records of this type; the rest are ones our own checks found in the clear.
About Federal Agencies
Federal law enforcement agencies including FBI, ATF, DEA, and others.
Impact of Encryption
Federal agency encryption is often justified by national security, but it also shields routine operations from public oversight and prevents coordination awareness during joint operations.
Affected Stakeholders
- National media
- Congressional oversight
- Civil liberties organizations
States with Most Encrypted Federal Agencies
All Encrypted Federal Agencies
Browse all 38 federal agencies 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide Federal Events | MI | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| United States Marshall Service | MI | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| New Jersey Attorney General - Bureau of Criminal Justice | NJ | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness | NJ | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Tactical Only |
| United States Marshalls Service - New Jersey | NJ | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| United States Marshall Service | FL | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Muscogee County Marshall | GA | Muscogee | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services | NY | Albany | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Federal Protective Service | LA | Parishwide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparednes | LA | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Specific Channels |
| Lafayette Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness | LA | Lafayette | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Bureau of Criminal Apprehension | MN | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| Federal Bureau of Investigation | MN | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| United States Marshall Service | MN | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Scott County Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security | KY | Scott | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| South Carolina Bureau of Protective Services | SC | Statwide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Federal Bureau of Investigation | NE | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| Bureau of Criminal Investigation | WV | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| United States Marshall Service | WV | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| United States Marshal Service | AR | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Specific Channels |
| Federal Correctional Institute Yazoo City | MS | Yazoo | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics | MS | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| FBI Washingston | WA | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Federal Protective Service | WA | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| Connecticut Bureau of Criminal Investigation | CT | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Federal Emergency Management Agency | CT | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Specific Channels |
| North Dakota Bureau of Criminal investigation | ND | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Oklahoma Bureau of Investigations | OK | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Partially Encrypted |
| Federal Bureau of investigation | AK | Borough Wide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Federal Protective Service | AK | Borough Wide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| United States Marshall Service | AK | Borough Wide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Kansas Bureau of Investigations | KS | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Tactical Only |
| United States Marshal Service | KS | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Federal Bureau of Investigation | DE | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| United States Marshal Service | DE | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Federal Bureau of Investigation | WY | Statwide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
| Bureau of Motor Vehicles | ME | Statwide | Algorithm not published | Specific Channels |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs | SD | Statewide | Algorithm not published | Fully Encrypted |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many federal agencies have encrypted their radios?
37 federal agencies are documented as encrypted: 25 fully encrypted and 12 with partial encryption.
Which state has the most encrypted federal agencies?
New Jersey leads with 3 federal agencies records, out of 38 tracked nationwide.
What encryption technology do most federal agencies use?
For most of the 38 federal agencies 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 federal agency radio matter?
Federal agency encryption is often justified by national security, but it also shields routine operations from public oversight and prevents coordination awareness during joint operations. Stakeholders most affected include national media, congressional oversight, civil liberties organizations.
What can I do if my local federal 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.
Get StartedRead Case Studies
See how encryption has affected real communities - from Chicago to Palo Alto.
View CasesSpread Awareness
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Public Testimony
Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.
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