Police Department Fully Encrypted
Seattle Police
King, Washington
Encryption Details
Encryption Type P25 AES-256
Scope Hostage Negotiation TG's
Technical Details P25 DES-XL
Verified Talkgroup Data
Verified Jan 2, 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
Take Action
Want to help restore transparency to King County? Here's how you can make a difference: