Minneapolis & Twin Cities: Scanner Access Severely Limited
The Twin Cities metro area has become one of the most encrypted regions in the Midwest. Minneapolis Police, Hennepin County Sheriff, and most suburban agencies have locked down their radio communications. Here's what happened and what options remain.
Twin Cities Metro at a Glance
The Twin Cities has largely gone dark for scanner listeners. Minneapolis Police Department, the county sheriffs, and most suburban agencies have encrypted their primary communications. This represents one of the most comprehensive encryption rollouts of any major metro area.
The ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response) statewide system made encryption technically simple to implement. What began as tactical channel encryption has expanded to cover routine dispatch and patrol operations across most agencies.
Twin Cities Agency Encryption Status
| Agency | County | Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis Police Department | Hennepin | Police | Encrypted | 6 encrypted talkgroups; P25 DES-OFB encryption |
| Minneapolis Fire Department | Hennepin | Fire | Encrypted | 1 encrypted talkgroup for operations |
| Hennepin County Sheriff | Hennepin | Sheriff | Encrypted | Multiple encrypted talkgroups for LE use |
| Ramsey County Sheriff | Ramsey | Sheriff | Encrypted | 15 encrypted talkgroups—extensive encryption |
| St. Paul Police Department | Ramsey | Police | Partial | Some channels accessible; check RadioReference |
| Dakota County Sheriff | Dakota | Sheriff | Partial | 3 tactical channels encrypted; some operations open |
| Washington County Sheriff | Washington | Sheriff | Encrypted | 2 operations talkgroups encrypted |
| Scott County Sheriff | Scott | Sheriff | Encrypted | All LE dispatch encrypted |
| Edina Police Department | Hennepin | Police | Encrypted | Car-to-car encrypted |
| St. Louis Park Police | Hennepin | Police | Encrypted | Dispatch, operations, and city common all encrypted |
| Plymouth Police Department | Hennepin | Police | Encrypted | Car-to-car encrypted |
| Coon Rapids Police | Anoka | Police | Encrypted | Car-to-car talkgroup encrypted |
Note: This list is not exhaustive. The Twin Cities has dozens of municipalities. Check RadioReference Minnesota for complete, current status.
Minneapolis Police: The Backdrop
Minneapolis Police Department's encryption expansion cannot be separated from its recent history. Following the killing of George Floyd in 2020 and subsequent civil unrest, the department accelerated encryption of previously-accessible channels.
The timing raised concerns among transparency advocates and journalists who rely on scanner access to monitor police activity. Critics argue that encryption reduces accountability precisely when public scrutiny of MPD was most intense.
The department maintains 6 encrypted talkgroups covering primary operations. While some agencies cite interoperability or officer safety, the rapid expansion during a period of heightened accountability demands suggests other motivations.
Technical Details: ARMER System
The Twin Cities operates on ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response), Minnesota's statewide P25 Phase II trunked radio system. This modern infrastructure provides excellent interoperability—but also makes encryption trivially easy to implement.
System Specifications
- System: ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response)
- Type: P25 Phase II TDMA Trunked
- Coverage: Statewide Minnesota
- Encryption Types: P25 AES-256, P25 DES-OFB
- Reference: RadioReference ARMER page
Scanner Requirements
To monitor unencrypted ARMER channels, you need a P25 Phase II capable scanner such as the Uniden SDS100, Whistler TRX-1, or similar. Budget approximately $400-600 for capable equipment. However, no consumer scanner can decode encrypted channels— which now includes most law enforcement operations.
Alternatives to Scanner Monitoring
When encryption blocks traditional scanner access, other options exist for staying informed about public safety activity:
Media Monitoring
Local news outlets maintain relationships with law enforcement PIOs. Following breaking news accounts on social media provides some situational awareness.
Citizen Apps
Apps like Citizen aggregate user reports and some public data. While not a replacement for scanner access, they provide neighborhood-level incident awareness.
FOIA Requests
You can request audio recordings of radio communications after the fact through Minnesota's Data Practices Act. This doesn't provide real-time access but creates accountability records.
FOIA templates →Advocacy
The most effective long-term solution is policy change. Engage with city councils, county boards, and state legislators to advocate for transparency requirements.
How to fight encryption →Advocate for Transparency in Minnesota
The Twin Cities' encryption expansion wasn't inevitable—it was a policy choice made by elected officials and department leadership. These decisions can be reversed or prevented elsewhere with sustained public pressure.
State-Level Action
Minnesota could follow states like Florida (SB 1000) in requiring transparency policies before encryption. Contact your state legislators about introducing similar requirements.
Local Engagement
City councils and county boards approve department budgets and policies. Attend meetings and comment during public input periods. Your voice matters.
Media Partnership
Local journalists are directly affected by encryption. Connect with newsroom advocacy and support legislation that protects press access to public safety communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minneapolis Police radio encrypted?
Yes. The Minneapolis Police Department has 6 encrypted talkgroups using P25 DES-OFB encryption. Routine scanner monitoring of MPD is no longer possible with consumer equipment.
Can I listen to St. Paul Police on a scanner?
Partially. While Ramsey County Sheriff has extensive encryption, some St. Paul Police operations may still be accessible. Check RadioReference for current talkgroup status, as encryption levels vary by channel.
What scanner do I need for Twin Cities area?
The Twin Cities uses the ARMER (Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response) P25 Phase II trunked radio system. A digital scanner like the Uniden SDS100 or Whistler TRX-1 is required. However, encrypted channels cannot be monitored regardless of scanner capability.
When did Minneapolis Police encrypt their radios?
Minneapolis Police began encrypting certain operations in the mid-2010s, with significant expansion following civil unrest in 2020. The department cited officer safety concerns, though critics note encryption coincided with increased scrutiny of police conduct.
Are there any unencrypted agencies in the Twin Cities?
Limited options remain. Some suburban departments and fire/EMS agencies maintain partially open communications. Dakota County Sheriff has only tactical channels encrypted. For the most current status, consult RadioReference's Minnesota ARMER pages.
Where can I find Twin Cities scanner frequencies?
The Twin Cities operates on the statewide ARMER system. Visit RadioReference.com and search for Hennepin County, Ramsey County, or Minnesota ARMER for current talkgroup listings. Note which talkgroups are marked as encrypted.