Can I listen to Chesapeake City Schools on a police scanner?

No. Chesapeake City Schools has fully encrypted their radio communications using P25 DES-OFB. No consumer scanner can decode encrypted transmissions.

Why did Chesapeake City Schools encrypt their radio?

Police departments typically cite officer safety and operational security as reasons for encryption. However, encryption also eliminates public oversight, prevents journalists from monitoring police activity, and can harm emergency coordination with other agencies.

Can Chesapeake County reverse the encryption decision?

Yes. Encryption is a policy choice, not a technical requirement. Multiple communities have successfully reversed encryption decisions through public pressure, city council advocacy, and coalition building. See our guide on fighting encryption for specific strategies.

What can I do about Chesapeake City Schools encryption?

You can: 1) Contact your local elected officials to express concerns, 2) Attend city council meetings during budget discussions, 3) File FOIA requests for radio recordings, 4) Join or build a local coalition advocating for transparency, 5) Support legislation requiring public access to police communications.

School District Fully Encrypted

Chesapeake City Schools

Q: Is Chesapeake City Schools radio encrypted?

Yes. Chesapeake City Schools uses P25 DES-OFB encryption. This agency encrypts all of their radio communications, including routine dispatch. The public, journalists, and even other first responders cannot monitor their activities.

Chesapeake, Virginia

What you can do right now

My city went dark — now what? Step-by-step guide for residents of newly encrypted areas. What you can still monitor Fire, EMS, and surrounding-jurisdiction channels often remain open. Request the recordings FOIA templates for Chesapeake City Schools radio archives. Reverse the decision Tactics from cities that successfully reversed police encryption.

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 DES-OFB

Scope All Bus Operations

Technical Details P25 DES-OFB

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Mar 6, 2026 High confidence

4 Total Talkgroups

3 Encrypted

1 Unencrypted

75% Encrypted

Radio System: Chesapeake, Virginia Statewide Agencies Radio System (STARS)

View 3 talkgroups

DEC	Alpha Tag	Description	Status
103	VSP Che Tac3	Chesapeake Tac 3	Encrypted
52	VSP Che Tac2	Chesapeake Tac 2	Encrypted
50	VSP Che Tac1	Chesapeake Tac 1	Encrypted

What This Means

This agency encrypts all of their radio communications, including routine dispatch. The public, journalists, and even other first responders cannot monitor their activities.

Impact on Transparency

Journalists cannot monitor police activity for breaking news or investigative reporting
Community members cannot track police response to incidents in their neighborhood
Researchers cannot study police communication patterns and response times
Other first responders may face interoperability challenges during emergencies

See encryption status nationwide Interactive map showing which US police departments have encrypted their radios. Open the encryption map →

Chesapeake City Schools Chesapeake, Virginia

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Chesapeake City Schools

What you can do right now

Encryption Details

Verified Talkgroup Data

What This Means

Impact on Transparency

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