Maryland: Montgomery County's Push & Baltimore's Delay Model
Maryland presents two competing approaches to police radio policy: Montgomery County's push toward full encryption in the DC suburbs, and Baltimore's 15-minute delay model that attempts to balance transparency with operational concerns. Both approaches offer lessons for other jurisdictions.
Key Facts at a Glance
Montgomery County: DC Suburb Encryption
Montgomery County, Maryland—one of the most populous counties in the DC metro area—has moved toward encrypted police radio communications. As a wealthy, influential suburban county, its decisions often influence neighboring jurisdictions.
County Profile
- Population: ~1 million residents
- Location: Northwest DC suburbs
- Influence: Often sets trends for MD suburbs
- Current Status: Encrypted police radio
Encryption Impact
- Local journalists lose real-time access
- Residents can't monitor during emergencies
- DC metro-wide coordination questions
- Sets precedent for neighboring counties
The DC Metro Coordination Challenge
The DC metropolitan area includes jurisdictions from Maryland, Virginia, and DC itself. When some agencies encrypt and others don't, interoperability challenges emerge. Montgomery County's encryption decision affects coordination across the entire metro region.
Baltimore: The 15-Minute Delay Model
Baltimore has implemented a different approach: a 15-minute delay on scanner feeds rather than full encryption. This model attempts to address operational concerns while preserving some public access.
How It Works
- Radio communications are still broadcast publicly
- Public feed is delayed by 15 minutes
- Journalists and public receive the same delayed feed
- No special media credentials required for access
Advantages Over Full Encryption
- Public access is preserved (with delay)
- No credential system needed
- Lower implementation cost than encryption
- Information eventually becomes public
Limitations
- 15 minutes is still too long for breaking news
- Emergency decisions need real-time info
- Still blocks accountability during critical moments
- May normalize delays as "acceptable"
"A 15-minute delay is better than complete encryption, but it still prevents the real-time coverage that serves public safety during emergencies. It's a compromise that satisfies neither side fully."
— Analysis of delay-based approachesComparing the Approaches
Montgomery County and Baltimore represent two points on the spectrum between full transparency and full encryption:
The Better Alternative
Neither full encryption nor significant delays adequately serve public safety. The best approach is hybrid encryption: encrypt genuinely tactical channels while keeping routine dispatch open. This is what communities like Palo Alto adopted after reversing their encryption decision.
Other Maryland Jurisdictions
Maryland's encryption landscape varies significantly across its 24 jurisdictions:
Encrypted or Moving to Encrypt
- Montgomery County — Encrypted
- Prince George's County — Partially encrypted
- Howard County — Mixed policies
- Anne Arundel County — Evaluating encryption
Delay or Open Access
- Baltimore City — 15-minute delay
- Baltimore County — Mixed policies
- Many rural counties — Open access
- Most fire departments — Unencrypted
Legislative Landscape
Maryland has not passed statewide legislation addressing police radio encryption. However, the state's proximity to DC and its mix of urban, suburban, and rural jurisdictions make it an important battleground.
Current Status
No statewide requirements for transparency or media access. Each jurisdiction sets its own policies, creating a patchwork of approaches.
Key Considerations
- DC metro coordination needs
- Diverse county demographics
- Strong local journalism presence
- Existing FOIA framework to build on
Model Approach
Maryland could adopt legislation similar to Colorado's HB21-1250 but with stronger enforcement and clearer deadlines for compliance.
What You Can Do in Maryland
Maryland residents have multiple avenues to fight for transparency:
Engage Montgomery County
Push the County Council to reconsider encryption or implement media access provisions. The Palo Alto reversal provides a model.
Palo Alto case studyChallenge the Baltimore Model
While better than encryption, 15 minutes is too long. Push for shorter delays or hybrid systems that preserve real-time access.
Alternative approachesPush for State Legislation
Contact state legislators about transparency requirements. Maryland's Public Information Act could be strengthened to address radio access.
Lobbying guideProtect Open Jurisdictions
If your county still has open access, organize early to prevent encryption. Build coalitions before decisions are made.
Coalition buildingRelated 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
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View CasesSpread Awareness
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Public Testimony
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