Palo Alto: How Community Pressure Reversed Police Radio Encryption
In January 2021, Palo Alto police quietly encrypted all radio communications without public notice or City Council involvement. Twenty months later, after sustained community advocacy led by Councilman Greer Stone, the department reversed course—proving that encryption decisions can be overturned when communities organize effectively.
Key Facts at a Glance
How It Started: The Surprise Encryption
In January 2021, City Manager Ed Shikada and Police Chief Robert Jonsen made the decision to fully encrypt Palo Alto Police Department radio communications. The decision was made:
- Without City Council involvement — Elected officials weren't consulted
- Without public notice — Residents learned about it after the fact
- Without community input — No public meetings or comment periods
The Official Justification
Police leadership cited an October 2020 California Department of Justice order requiring law enforcement agencies to protect personally identifiable information (PII) transmitted over radio. They claimed encryption was necessary for compliance.
The Problem With This Argument
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and many other agencies comply with the same DOJ order without encrypting all communications. They use alternative methods—like having officers read only partial information over the radio or using cell phones for sensitive details. Palo Alto's claim that encryption was legally required was misleading.
The 20-Month Fight
Councilman Greer Stone became the champion for transparency, leading a sustained campaign to reverse the encryption decision.
Palo Alto quietly encrypts all police radio communications
Councilman Stone begins public push to end encryption
State Sen. Josh Becker introduces SB 1000 to restrict police encryption statewide, citing Palo Alto
City Council discussion; police push back against reversal
Acting Chief Andrew Binder announces encryption will end—transparency wins
Public access to Palo Alto police radio fully restored
Public Voices Made the Difference
At a crucial City Council meeting, eight members of the public spoke—and seven of them were in favor of unencrypting police radios.
Bob Moss, Resident
"A reporter getting to a scene would help prevent excessive force by police officers because they know they're being watched."
Eric Scheie, Former Police Review Commissioner
"It's a question of having free access to information, as well as basic transparency and accountability... Secrecy in government has a bad track record."
Councilman Greer Stone
"Sometimes the road to doing the right thing can be windy and long, but I think we got it right here."
This overwhelming public support—combined with the leadership of Councilman Stone—created the political pressure needed to reverse the decision.
The Solution: The CHP Model
Instead of encrypting all communications, Palo Alto adopted the model used by the California Highway Patrol, which protects sensitive information without blocking public access:
Partial Information Over Radio
Officers read only portions of sensitive information over the radio—enough for dispatch coordination, but not full PII.
Cell Phones for Sensitive Details
For truly private information, officers call the dispatch center on cell phones rather than broadcasting over radio.
DOJ Compliance Maintained
This approach fully complies with California DOJ requirements—proving encryption was never legally necessary.
Public Access Preserved
The community can once again monitor police activity in real time, maintaining transparency and accountability.
"By Sept. 1, Palo Alto would follow the model of the CHP, which protects personal information by having officers read only pieces of the information over their radios."
— Acting Chief Andrew Binder, announcing the reversalWhy Palo Alto Succeeded
Palo Alto's successful reversal offers a blueprint for other communities facing encryption:
Political Champion
Councilman Greer Stone provided sustained leadership, keeping the issue on the agenda and organizing support. Every successful transparency fight needs an elected champion.
Public Engagement
Seven of eight public speakers at a key meeting supported unencryption. Showing up and speaking at public meetings matters enormously.
Viable Alternative
The CHP model provided a concrete alternative that addressed police concerns while preserving transparency. Offering solutions—not just opposition—strengthened the case.
State-Level Support
Senator Becker's SB 1000 legislation applied additional pressure, showing that the issue had statewide attention.
Leadership Change
Acting Chief Andrew Binder was more receptive than his predecessor. Sometimes progress requires waiting for new leadership—or creating pressure for that change.
Persistence
Twenty months is a long time. The advocates didn't give up after initial setbacks. Sustained pressure eventually won.
The Broader Impact
Palo Alto's reversal has become a model cited by transparency advocates nationwide:
Oakland Advocates Cite Palo Alto
Civil rights attorneys urging Oakland's police chief to reconsider encryption specifically pointed to Palo Alto's reversal as proof that alternatives exist.
Legislative Momentum
Senator Becker's legislation drew on Palo Alto's experience, proposing that all California agencies adopt similar transparency-preserving alternatives.
National Attention
Palo Alto's success has been covered by press freedom organizations and journalism groups as a model for other communities.
"This is a good example of public advocacy leading to positive change."
— Councilman Greer StoneLessons for Your Community
If your community is facing police radio encryption, Palo Alto's success shows that reversal is possible. Here's how to apply their lessons:
Find Your Champion
Identify a City Council member, commissioner, or elected official who will lead the fight. Without political leadership, progress is much harder.
Show Up and Speak
Public comment at council meetings matters. When seven of eight speakers support transparency, it's hard for officials to ignore.
Propose the CHP Model
Don't just oppose encryption—offer the CHP alternative. Show that privacy concerns can be addressed without eliminating public access.
Build a Coalition
Connect with local journalists, press freedom groups, civil liberties organizations, and community watchdogs. Strength in numbers.
Be Persistent
Palo Alto took 20 months. Don't expect immediate victory, but don't give up either. Sustained pressure eventually works.
Document Everything
Track police claims, note when alternatives are rejected, and build a record that can be used to hold officials accountable.
Sources
Use This Playbook
Palo Alto's tactics can work in your community. Here are the guides to get started.
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