Illinois: Chicago's Encryption vs Highland Park's Open Scanners
Illinois presents the starkest contrast in police radio policy anywhere in America. Chicago's 30-minute delay makes scanner access "almost useless" for breaking news, while Highland Park's open scanners helped residents survive a mass shooting. The evidence couldn't be clearer about which approach serves public safety.
The Illinois Contrast
Highland Park: When Open Scanners Saved Lives
On July 4th, 2022, a gunman opened fire on the Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois, killing seven and wounding dozens. In the chaos, something remarkable happened: open police scanner access helped residents survive.
Real-Time Information Saved Lives
Residents monitoring scanners knew exactly where the shooter was, which direction to flee, and when areas were safe. This real-time intelligence helped people make life-or-death decisions.
Community Response Coordination
People with scanner access shared information with neighbors, helping coordinate evacuations and shelter-in-place decisions faster than official channels could communicate.
Journalists Provided Critical Coverage
Media organizations used scanner access to provide accurate, real-time coverage that helped people beyond the immediate scene understand the threat.
"People used police scanners to know where the shooter was, where to run, and when it was safe. Open radio access literally saved lives that day."
— Analysis of the Highland Park responseChicago: The 30-Minute Delay Problem
In contrast to Highland Park, Chicago Police Department implemented a 30-minute delay on scanner feeds—rendering them "almost useless" for breaking news coverage and public safety awareness.
What 30 Minutes Means
- Active shooter situations often resolved within 15 minutes
- Critical evacuation decisions need real-time information
- Breaking news becomes delayed news
- Public awareness lags behind unfolding events
The Journalism Impact
- "Almost useless" for breaking news - local reporters
- Delayed response to major incidents
- Dependence on official police notifications
- Reduced ability to verify police statements
"A 30-minute delay makes scanner access almost useless for breaking news coverage. By the time we hear something, the situation has often already evolved significantly."
— Chicago-area journalist on the delay systemThe Evidence Is Clear
Highland Park and Chicago provide a natural experiment in police radio policy. The results speak for themselves:
The Key Finding
Both departments have zero documented cases of scanner access harming officers. But only Highland Park has documented evidence of scanners saving lives. The evidence strongly favors open access.
Other Illinois Departments
The encryption debate extends beyond Chicago and Highland Park to departments across the state.
Encrypted or Delayed
- Chicago PD — 30-minute delay
- Cook County Sheriff — Encrypted
- Illinois State Police — Selective encryption
- Some suburban departments — Varying policies
Open Access
- Highland Park PD — Real-time access
- Many suburban departments — Unencrypted
- Downstate agencies — Largely open
- Most fire departments — Unencrypted
Legislative Landscape
Illinois has not yet passed statewide legislation addressing police radio encryption, unlike Colorado. However, the Highland Park shooting has renewed interest in transparency requirements.
Current Status
No statewide law requires transparency or media access to encrypted police radio. Departments set their own policies.
Opportunities
The Highland Park evidence provides powerful support for transparency legislation. Advocates can point to documented life-saving benefits of open access.
Model Approach
Colorado's HB21-1250 provides a legislative template that could be adapted for Illinois, with stronger enforcement provisions.
What You Can Do in Illinois
Illinois residents have multiple avenues to fight for transparency:
Contact State Legislators
Push for statewide legislation modeled on Colorado's HB21-1250. Use the Highland Park evidence as a powerful argument for open access.
Lobbying guideEngage Local Departments
If your local department is considering encryption, intervene early. Present the Highland Park evidence and alternatives to blanket encryption.
90-day timelineBuild Chicago Coalition
Chicago's 30-minute delay could be challenged. Build coalitions with journalism organizations, civil liberties groups, and community organizations.
Coalition buildingShare the Highland Park Story
The Highland Park evidence is compelling. Share it with officials, media, and the public to demonstrate the value of open access.
Full Highland Park case studyRelated Case Studies
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