Federal Way: PSERN Encryption Goes Live
In Q1 2026, Federal Way Police Department encrypted all radio communications through the new PSERN regional network—citing "best practices" with no documented evidence of harm from open communications.
Key Facts
What Happened
Federal Way Police Department announced in late 2025 that it would fully encrypt all radio communications beginning in Q1 2026. The encryption is enabled through the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN)—a new regional digital radio system serving King County and surrounding areas.
The department cited "best nationwide policing practices" as justification, a vague rationale that provided no specific evidence that open radio communications in Federal Way had ever caused harm.
PSERN: The Regional Network Enabling Encryption
PSERN represents a significant infrastructure investment across the Puget Sound region. While the system improves interoperability between agencies, it also provides the technical foundation for coordinated regional encryption.
What is PSERN?
The Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network is a modern digital radio system replacing aging infrastructure across King County. It provides improved coverage, reliability, and—critically—encryption capabilities.
Regional Coordination
Multiple agencies are transitioning to PSERN simultaneously, creating conditions for coordinated encryption similar to California's East Bay rollout. When one agency encrypts, neighbors follow.
The "Best Practices" Argument
Federal Way justified encryption by citing "best nationwide policing practices." This argument deserves scrutiny:
What They Claimed
"Best practices" suggest that encryption is a professional standard that responsible departments follow.
The Reality
No national standard requires encryption. CISA explicitly states that "not all public safety communications need to be encrypted." The decision is local, not mandated.
What's Missing
Zero documented cases of scanner access causing harm in Federal Way. No public process or community input before the decision.
The Pattern
Departments nationwide use vague "best practices" language to avoid providing evidence. When pressed, they cannot cite specific incidents justifying encryption.
Part of a Regional Wave
Federal Way's encryption doesn't exist in isolation—it's part of a coordinated regional shift across Puget Sound:
Federal Way PD
Q1 2026Full encryption via PSERN
Bothell Police/Fire
Early 2026Enhanced encryption via PSERN
Seattle PD
Q2 2026Enhanced encryption planned
More Agencies
2026+Expected to follow as PSERN expands
This regional coordination mirrors what happened in California's East Bay in October 2025, where multiple agencies encrypted simultaneously. The result is a regional blackout where communities have no alternatives for police information.
What Federal Way Lost
Breaking News Coverage
Local media covering Federal Way incidents can no longer monitor police activity in real time.
Community Awareness
Residents near ongoing incidents cannot understand what's happening in their neighborhoods during emergencies.
Independent Verification
When police issue statements about incidents, there's no way to independently verify them against original communications.
Historical Transparency
Decades of open police communications end with no documented evidence that transparency caused problems.
What Puget Sound Residents Can Do
Track the Wave
Monitor which agencies announce PSERN-enabled encryption next. Early awareness enables early advocacy.
Demand Evidence
Ask departments: "What specific incidents justify encryption? How many times has scanner access caused harm here?"
Advocate for Alternatives
Push for delayed feeds, press access policies, or critical incident channels rather than full encryption.
Contact Elected Officials
City council members can influence police policy. Make transparency a political issue before more agencies encrypt.
Sources
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
See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.
View CasesSpread Awareness
Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.
Public Testimony
Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.
Prepare to Speak