Boise Police Scanner: Radio Remains Open
Unlike many major U.S. cities, Boise and the Treasure Valley have largely maintained open police communications. Here's what you can monitor, how to listen, and how to help preserve this transparency.
Boise Area at a Glance
The Treasure Valley remains one of the best metro areas in the country for scanner access. The Boise Police Department, Boise Fire, and most surrounding agencies maintain open communications, allowing residents, journalists, and community members to stay informed about public safety activities.
This transparency isn't guaranteed forever—many Idaho residents don't realize how rare this has become nationally. Community awareness and engagement can help ensure Boise doesn't follow the encryption path that cities like Denver, Seattle, and Los Angeles have taken.
Boise Area Agency Status
| Agency | Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise Police Department | Police | Open | Main dispatch and operations remain accessible to the public |
| Boise Fire Department | Fire | Open | Fire and EMS communications unencrypted |
| Ada County Sheriff's Office | Sheriff | Partial | Some tactical channels encrypted; main operations open |
| Meridian Police Department | Police | Open | Growing suburb maintains open communications |
| Nampa Police Department | Police | Open | Canyon County city remains accessible |
| Garden City Police Department | Police | Open | Small department within Boise metro |
| Idaho State Police District 3 | State | Partial | Some encryption on tactical channels; most operations accessible |
| Canyon County Sheriff's Office | Sheriff | Open | Neighboring county remains largely open |
| Caldwell Police Department | Police | Open | Canyon County city maintains transparency |
| Boise Airport (BOI) Fire/Security | Airport | Partial | Some secure airport operations encrypted |
How to Listen to Boise Area Scanners
Online Streaming
The easiest way to listen is through Broadcastify and similar services. Search for "Ada County" or "Boise" to find active feeds covering police, fire, and EMS.
Find online feeds →Digital Scanner
Boise uses the Southwest Idaho Regional Communications (SWIRC) P25 Phase II trunked system. You'll need a digital scanner capable of P25 Phase II decoding.
Scanner buying guide →Software-Defined Radio
Tech-savvy users can use SDR dongles with software like SDR# and DSD+ to decode digital signals. This is the most flexible but technically demanding option.
SDR guide →Technical Details
- System: Southwest Idaho Regional Communications (SWIRC)
- Type: P25 Phase II Trunked
- Counties: Ada, Canyon, Gem, Boise, Valley, Owyhee
- Frequencies: Check RadioReference SWIRC page for current details
Beyond Boise: Treasure Valley & Idaho
Canyon County
Nampa, Caldwell, and Canyon County Sheriff remain largely open. The county uses compatible P25 systems that can be monitored alongside Ada County.
Idaho State Police
ISP District 3 (Treasure Valley) has some tactical encryption but most operations remain accessible. Statewide ISP communications vary by district.
Northern Idaho
Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, and Kootenai County have mixed encryption status. Check RadioReference for specific agency details.
Eastern Idaho
Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and surrounding areas maintain varying levels of access. Rural departments generally remain more accessible.
Help Preserve Scanner Access in Idaho
Boise's open communications are increasingly rare—and not guaranteed. Here's how you can help ensure Idaho doesn't follow other states toward full encryption:
Stay Informed
Monitor city council and county commissioner meetings for any encryption discussions. Budget cycles are when these decisions often get made quietly.
Engage Locally
Thank your local agencies for maintaining transparency. Positive reinforcement matters—let them know the community values open communications.
Know the Arguments
When encryption comes up, be prepared to explain why transparency matters. Our evidence pages provide research-backed talking points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boise Police Department radio encrypted?
No. As of 2025, the Boise Police Department has not encrypted their main radio communications. Dispatch and most operations remain accessible to the public via police scanners.
Can I listen to Boise Fire Department on a scanner?
Yes. Boise Fire Department communications are unencrypted and can be monitored using a scanner capable of receiving P25 digital signals or through online streaming services like Broadcastify.
Is Ada County Sheriff encrypted?
Partially. The Ada County Sheriff's Office has encrypted some tactical and investigative channels, but main dispatch and routine operations remain accessible to the public.
What scanner do I need for Boise area agencies?
Boise area agencies use a P25 Phase II trunked radio system. You'll need a digital scanner capable of P25 Phase II, such as the Uniden SDS100, Whistler TRX-1, or similar. Online feeds on Broadcastify also cover the area.
Why hasn't Boise encrypted like other cities?
Idaho has traditionally valued government transparency, and Boise-area agencies have maintained open communications as a matter of policy. However, this could change—community engagement helps preserve this access.
Where can I find Boise scanner frequencies?
The most accurate and up-to-date frequency information is available on RadioReference.com under the Ada County, Idaho section. The area uses the Southwest Idaho Regional Communications (SWIRC) P25 system.