Can I listen to Seattle Police on a police scanner?

No. Seattle Police has fully encrypted their radio communications using P25 AES-256. No consumer scanner can decode encrypted transmissions.

Why did Seattle Police 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 King 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 Seattle Police 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.

Police Department Fully Encrypted

Seattle Police

Q: Is Seattle Police radio encrypted?

Yes. Seattle Police uses P25 AES-256 encryption. This agency encrypts all of their radio communications, including routine dispatch. The public, journalists, and even other first responders cannot monitor their activities.

King, Washington

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 Seattle Police radio archives. Reverse the decision Tactics from cities that successfully reversed police encryption.

Encryption Details

Encryption Type P25 AES-256

Scope Hostage Negotiation TG's

Technical Details P25 DES-XL

Verified Talkgroup Data

Verified Apr 21, 2026 Moderate confidence

65 Total Talkgroups

3 Encrypted

1 Mixed

61 Unencrypted

5% Encrypted

Radio System: Justice Integrated Wireless Network, TRBOWEST (WA-OR-ID-CA), WA State Patrol, Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN)

View 4 talkgroups

DEC	Alpha Tag	Description	Status
2807	SPD Enc 44912	Encrypted	Encrypted
2815	SPD Enc 45040	Encrypted	Encrypted
2817	SPD Enc 45072	Encrypted	Encrypted
2821	SPD Tac 9	Police Tactical 9	Mixed

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 →

Seattle Police King, Washington

! Loading encrypted agencies in King County, Washington... Browse agencies

Who do you want to contact?

Your Name

Your City

Personal Story (Optional) Personal stories make your message more impactful

Getting Started

Campaign Tools

Strategic Actions

Quick Response

Featured Cases

City & Regional

State Analyses

Databases & Tools

Learn & Understand

Scanner Guides

Gear & Equipment

Emergency Kits

Radio Comparisons

Specialized Guides

Research & Policy

For Stakeholders

About & Support

Seattle Police

What you can do right now

Encryption Details

Verified Talkgroup Data

What This Means

Impact on Transparency

Take Action