Police Encryption in Ohio
The seventh most populous state features three major metropolitan areas—Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati—each navigating encryption decisions independently. Ohio's "3 C's" have adopted partial encryption approaches, preserving some transparency while limiting tactical communications.
Ohio at a Glance
Ohio's encryption landscape reflects its decentralized government structure. While the Ohio State Highway Patrol went fully encrypted in 2019, the state's major city police departments have largely adopted partial encryption—a middle ground that maintains some public access while securing sensitive operations.
The state's 88 counties and hundreds of municipal departments create a complex patchwork. Generally, urban areas have moved toward encryption while rural Ohio remains largely open. Recent high-profile incidents, including the 2022 Jayland Walker case in Akron, have influenced local encryption discussions.
Major Ohio Agencies
| Agency | Status | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Division of Police | Partial | 900K | State capital; partial encryption since 2021 |
| Cleveland Division of Police | Partial | 370K | Tactical channels encrypted; main dispatch accessible |
| Cincinnati Police Department | Partial | 310K | Southwest Ohio; mixed encryption status |
| Ohio State Highway Patrol | Encrypted | Statewide | Fully encrypted statewide operations |
| Toledo Police Department | Partial | 270K | Northwest Ohio; partial encryption implemented |
| Akron Police Department | Partial | 190K | Following 2022 Jayland Walker incident; mixed status |
| Dayton Police Department | Partial | 140K | Southwest Ohio; partial encryption |
| Cuyahoga County Sheriff | Partial | 1.2M | Cleveland metro area; county-wide mixed status |
| Franklin County Sheriff | Partial | 1.3M | Columbus metro area; partial encryption |
| Hamilton County Sheriff | Open | 830K | Cincinnati metro; largely open operations |
Regional Analysis
Central Ohio (Columbus)
The Columbus metro area, Ohio's largest and fastest-growing region, has implemented partial encryption. The Columbus Division of Police maintains some open channels while Franklin County and surrounding suburbs vary in their approaches.
- Columbus Police: Partial since 2021
- Franklin County Sheriff: Mixed status
- Suburban departments: Generally more open
- Ohio State University Police: Partial
Northeast Ohio (Cleveland)
Greater Cleveland and the surrounding Cuyahoga County present a varied landscape. Cleveland Division of Police has partial encryption, while the region's many suburban departments range from open to encrypted.
- Cleveland Police: Tactical encrypted
- Cuyahoga County: Mixed by municipality
- Akron: Increased encryption post-2022
- Smaller cities: Generally more open
Southwest Ohio (Cincinnati)
The Cincinnati metro area spanning into Kentucky and Indiana has taken varied approaches. Cincinnati PD has partial encryption while Hamilton County maintains more open communications compared to other major Ohio counties.
- Cincinnati PD: Partial encryption
- Hamilton County Sheriff: Largely open
- Dayton: Partial encryption
- Suburban agencies: Mixed status
Northwest Ohio (Toledo)
Toledo and the Lucas County area have been slower to encrypt than Ohio's larger metros. The region has implemented partial encryption more recently, and many surrounding communities remain open.
- Toledo PD: Partial encryption 2022
- Lucas County: Mixed status
- Bowling Green: Mostly open
- Rural areas: Generally open
Ohio Encryption Timeline
Ohio State Highway Patrol Encrypts
OSHP completes statewide encryption of all operations. As the primary state law enforcement agency covering highways and rural areas, this significantly impacts scanner access across Ohio.
Cleveland Begins Encryption
Cleveland Division of Police encrypts tactical channels following George Floyd protests. Main dispatch remains accessible but sensitive operations go dark.
Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton Follow
Ohio's other major cities implement partial encryption. County sheriff departments begin evaluating encryption options. Franklin and Cuyahoga counties expand encrypted operations.
Akron Incident Intensifies Debate
The Jayland Walker shooting in Akron brings renewed attention to police transparency. Akron PD expands encryption while community groups call for greater oversight. Toledo implements partial encryption.
Partial Encryption Standard
Ohio's major cities have settled into partial encryption models. Rural Ohio and smaller cities remain largely open, creating a population-density divide in scanner access.
Impact on Ohio Communities
Ohio Media
The Columbus Dispatch, Cleveland Plain Dealer, and Cincinnati Enquirer have adapted to partial encryption. Journalists report challenges covering breaking news but maintain some scanner access for major incidents.
Accountability Concerns
High-profile incidents like the Jayland Walker shooting in Akron highlight tensions between encryption and accountability. When officers operate without public oversight, trust erodes—especially in communities with existing police-community tensions.
Rural Communities
Ohio's Appalachian counties and rural areas largely maintain open communications. Volunteer fire departments, EMS, and small-town police continue to rely on scanners for coordination and public information.
College Towns
With major universities in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Athens, campus safety monitoring has changed. Students and parents who once monitored scanners for campus incidents now rely on delayed notifications.
What Ohioans Can Do
Engage City Councils
Ohio's home rule system means cities control their police policies. Attend city council meetings when radio system contracts or encryption policies are discussed. Local voices can influence local decisions.
Support State Transparency Laws
Contact your Ohio General Assembly representatives to support legislation establishing transparency standards for police communications. Ohio has no statewide policy on encryption—advocates can push for one.
Document Impact
When encryption prevents you from getting information you need, document it. Whether it's a journalist missing a story or a resident unable to monitor neighborhood safety, these stories matter for advocacy.
Connect with Advocacy Groups
The ACLU of Ohio, Ohio News Media Association, and local press clubs advocate for transparency. Connect with these organizations and share your experiences with encryption's impacts.