Encrypted Transit Police Departments
15 transit police departments across the United States have encrypted their radio communications, blocking public access to critical safety information.
About Transit Police Departments
Police departments serving public transit systems, airports, and ports.
Impact of Encryption
Transit police encryption affects commuters who rely on scanner information to make transportation decisions and journalists covering public transit safety.
Affected Stakeholders
- Commuters
- Transit advocacy groups
- Travel media
- Transit unions
States with Most Encrypted Transit Police Departments
Encryption Technologies Used
All Encrypted Transit Police Departments
Browse all 15 transit police departments that have encrypted their communications.
| Agency | State | County | Encryption | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange County Transportation Authority | CA | Orange | Unknown | Fully Encrypted |
| Transportation Security Administration | MI | Statewide | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Alachua Regional Transportation System | FL | Alachua | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority | FL | Pinellas | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Harris County Transit Authority | TX | Harris | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels |
| Denver Metro Tash Force | CO | Denver | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| El Paso County Department of Transportation | CO | El Paso | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels |
| Missouri State Highway Patrol (Kansas City Metro) | MO | Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte Counties | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| City of Johnson City Transit Authority | TN | Washington | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Department of Transportation | MN | Statewide| | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| North Metro Dug Taskforce | MN | Anoka | P25 AES-256 | Tactical Only |
| Maryland Department of Transportation | MD | Statwide | P25 AES-256 | Partially Encrypted |
| Maryland Transit Administration | MD | Statewide | P25 AES-256 | Tactical Only |
| Wyoming Department of Transportation | WY | Statewide | P25 AES-256 | Partially Encrypted |
| Oahu Transit | HI | Honolulu | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many transit police departments have encrypted their radios?
15 transit police departments across 11 states are documented as encrypted: 9 fully encrypted and 6 with partial encryption.
Which state has the most encrypted transit police departments?
Florida leads with 2 encrypted transit police departments, out of 15 tracked nationwide.
What encryption technology do most transit police departments use?
P25 AES-256 is the most common, used by 14 of the 15 encrypted transit police departments tracked here (93%).
Why does encrypting transit police radio matter?
Transit police encryption affects commuters who rely on scanner information to make transportation decisions and journalists covering public transit safety. Stakeholders most affected include commuters, transit advocacy groups, travel media, transit unions.
What can I do if my local transit 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
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Public Testimony
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