New York State: NYPD's $390M Encryption, Hochul Veto & Int. 1460
New York represents one of the most consequential battlegrounds for police radio transparency. The NYPD's massive $390 million encryption project ends 92 years of public access, while Governor Hochul's veto of media access legislation and the pending NYC Council Int. 1460 highlight the ongoing fight for press freedom.
Key Facts at a Glance
NYPD: Breaking 92 Years of Transparency
The New York Police Department's encryption project is the largest and most expensive in American history. Since 1932, journalists and the public have monitored NYPD radio communications—a tradition that ends with full encryption implementation.
The $390 Million Question
NYPD's encryption represents a five-year investment of $390 million—roughly $78 million per year—to solve a problem with zero documented evidence of existing harm. When asked for documentation of scanner-related officer harm, departments nationwide have consistently found nothing.
NYPD begins radio communications. Public monitoring becomes standard practice for journalists covering the city.
George Floyd protests accelerate encryption discussions. NYPD cites "officer safety" and "operational security" as justifications.
NYPD begins phased encryption rollout. Patrol borough channels start going dark.
Full encryption implementation. 92 years of public access ends. Journalism organizations report severe impacts on breaking news coverage.
Governor Hochul's Veto: S.1265/A.2037
In December 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed legislation that would have required police departments with encrypted radio systems to provide media access. The veto dealt a significant blow to transparency advocates who had worked for years to advance the bill.
What the Bill Would Have Done
- Required encrypted police agencies to create media access policies
- Mandated "timely" access to radio communications for credentialed journalists
- Established a framework similar to Colorado's HB21-1250
- Applied statewide to all law enforcement agencies
The Governor's Rationale
- Cited "officer safety concerns"—despite no documented evidence
- Suggested "operational security" could be compromised
- Ignored bipartisan support in the legislature
- Dismissed concerns from press freedom organizations
"The governor's veto prioritizes theoretical concerns over documented public safety benefits. There are zero documented cases of scanner access harming officers, but countless examples of open scanners saving lives during emergencies."
— Press freedom advocate response to the vetoNYC Council Int. 1460: The Local Fight
While state legislation stalled, New York City Council members introduced Int. 1460 to address encryption at the local level. This bill represents the ongoing effort to restore some form of media access.
Int. 1460 Key Provisions
- Requires NYPD to provide credentialed journalists access to radio communications
- Establishes credentialing process for media organizations
- Sets timelines for access implementation
- Creates reporting requirements on access denials
Current Status
The bill has been introduced and referred to committee. Advocacy organizations are mobilizing support, and public hearings may be scheduled.
Take Action: Contact your NYC Council member to express support for Int. 1460.
The Impact on New York Journalism
New York's media landscape—one of the world's most robust—faces unprecedented challenges from NYPD encryption.
Breaking News Delays
Journalists now depend entirely on official NYPD notifications. Response times to breaking events have increased dramatically, often by 30+ minutes.
Accountability Gap
Independent verification of police activity is now impossible in real-time. The public receives only NYPD's official narrative during critical incidents.
Public Safety Concerns
Residents in active emergency situations cannot monitor what's happening in their neighborhoods. Parents during school incidents are left in the dark.
Historical Loss
92 years of journalistic practice ends. The institutional knowledge of covering breaking news via scanner is being lost.
Other New York Agencies
NYPD isn't the only New York agency moving toward encryption. The trend is spreading across the state.
Encrypted or Encrypting
- NYPD — Full encryption implementation underway
- Nassau County PD — Encrypted
- Suffolk County PD — Partially encrypted
- Westchester County — Mixed encryption status
- NY State Police — Selective encryption
Still Open
- Many upstate departments remain unencrypted
- Some suburban agencies maintain open dispatch
- Fire and EMS largely remain accessible
What You Can Do
New Yorkers have multiple avenues to fight for transparency:
Support Int. 1460
Contact your NYC Council member. Attend public hearings. Submit testimony supporting media access provisions.
Get testimony templatesPush for State Legislation
Despite the veto, advocates can push for new legislation. Contact your state representatives about reintroducing access requirements.
Lobbying guideFile FOIA Requests
Request documentation of any scanner-related officer harm incidents. The lack of evidence undermines the justification for encryption.
FOIA templatesBuild Coalitions
Connect with journalist organizations, civil liberties groups, and community organizations to build pressure for transparency.
Coalition building guideRelated 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