Police Encryption in Pennsylvania
America's fifth most populous state presents a complex encryption landscape. While Pennsylvania State Police went fully encrypted in 2019, the state's major cities— Philadelphia and Pittsburgh—maintain partial access, creating a patchwork of transparency across the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania at a Glance
Pennsylvania's encryption story centers on its two major metropolitan areas: Philadelphia in the east and Pittsburgh in the west. Both cities have implemented partial encryption, maintaining some public access while encrypting tactical and sensitive operations. This measured approach contrasts sharply with states where major cities have gone fully dark.
The Pennsylvania State Police's 2019 statewide encryption was a significant shift, but the decentralized nature of Pennsylvania law enforcement—with over 1,100 municipal police departments—means decisions are made locally. Many smaller departments and rural areas remain open, particularly in Central Pennsylvania.
Major Pennsylvania Agencies
| Agency | Status | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Police Department | Partial | 1.6M | Main dispatch partially open; tactical channels encrypted since 2020 |
| Pittsburgh Bureau of Police | Partial | 300K | Progressive encryption began 2021; main channels still accessible |
| Pennsylvania State Police | Encrypted | Statewide | Fully encrypted statewide operations |
| Allegheny County Police | Partial | 1.2M | County-wide system with mixed encryption; covers Pittsburgh suburbs |
| Montgomery County Police | Partial | 850K | Philadelphia suburb; partial encryption on major channels |
| Delaware County | Partial | 570K | Philly suburb transitioning; some departments remain open |
| Bucks County | Open | 630K | Largely open communications across most departments |
| Lancaster City Police | Open | 60K | Central PA city maintains open dispatch |
| Erie Police Department | Partial | 95K | Lake Erie city with partial encryption |
| Allentown Police Department | Partial | 125K | Lehigh Valley department with mixed status |
Regional Analysis
Greater Philadelphia
The Philadelphia metro area has adopted a partial encryption approach. The Philadelphia Police Department maintains some open channels while encrypting tactical operations. Surrounding counties like Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester vary in their approaches.
- Philadelphia PD: Main dispatch partially open
- Montgomery County: Mixed by municipality
- Delaware County: Transitioning to encryption
- Bucks County: Largely remains open
Greater Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh and Allegheny County present a varied landscape. The City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has implemented partial encryption, while surrounding communities range from fully open to fully encrypted depending on resources and priorities.
- Pittsburgh Police: Partial encryption since 2021
- Allegheny County: Mixed by department
- Suburban departments: Generally more open
- County-wide system coordination ongoing
Central Pennsylvania
The rural heart of Pennsylvania remains largely transparent. Smaller departments in the region haven't prioritized encryption, and budget constraints make expensive radio system upgrades impractical for many agencies.
- Harrisburg: State capital, partial encryption
- Lancaster: City police remain open
- State College: Penn State area, mostly open
- Rural sheriffs: Generally open
Lehigh Valley & Northeast
The Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro area and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre region have taken varied approaches. Larger cities have begun encryption while smaller departments and townships maintain open communications.
- Allentown PD: Partial encryption
- Bethlehem: Mixed status
- Scranton: Transitioning
- Wilkes-Barre: Mostly open
Pennsylvania Encryption Timeline
Pennsylvania State Police Encrypts
PA State Police completes statewide encryption of all operations. As a major state agency covering rural areas and interstate highways, this significantly impacts scanner listeners across the Commonwealth.
Philadelphia Begins Partial Encryption
Following protests and civil unrest, Philadelphia PD encrypts tactical channels while maintaining some open communications. The measured approach draws both criticism and praise from different stakeholders.
Pittsburgh and Suburbs Follow
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police implements partial encryption. Montgomery County and other Philadelphia suburbs begin transitioning various agencies. Allentown and Lehigh Valley departments also begin changes.
Regional Systems Expand
Allegheny County and Erie implement broader encryption. Delaware County accelerates transition. However, many Central PA departments remain open.
Patchwork Continues
Pennsylvania remains a state of contrasts—major cities with partial encryption, state police fully encrypted, and many smaller departments maintaining traditional open communications.
Impact on Pennsylvania Communities
Philadelphia Media
The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News, and local TV stations have navigated partial encryption for breaking news coverage. While some access remains, reporters note challenges covering police activity in real-time, particularly during major incidents.
Pittsburgh Journalism
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Tribune-Review have adapted to Pittsburgh's partial encryption. Steel City journalists maintain some scanner access but report gaps in coverage of police response to breaking news.
Rural Communities
In Pennsylvania's vast rural areas, scanner access remains a lifeline for communities with limited emergency notification infrastructure. Volunteer fire departments and EMS still rely on open communications for coordination.
Police Accountability
Pennsylvania's partial encryption approach has preserved some accountability mechanisms while limiting others. The measured approach may serve as a model for other states seeking balance between security and transparency.
What Pennsylvanians Can Do
Engage Local Government
With over 1,100 municipal police departments, many encryption decisions are made at city council or township supervisor level. Attend public meetings when radio system purchases are discussed. Your voice can influence local policy.
Support State Legislation
Pennsylvania's General Assembly has the power to set statewide transparency standards. Contact your state representative and senator to support legislation requiring public access provisions for police communications.
Recognize Open Agencies
Departments like Lancaster City Police and Bucks County agencies that remain open deserve recognition. Publicly acknowledge their commitment to transparency to encourage others to maintain access.
Connect with Advocacy Groups
Organizations like the ACLU of Pennsylvania and state press associations advocate for transparency. Connect with local journalism advocacy groups and share your experiences with encryption impacts.