San Antonio: The 30-Year Model for Media Access
Bexar County has run encrypted police radio with full media access for over 30 years. Here is how the arrangement works and why other cities have not copied it.
Key Facts
How It Works
Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, has had encrypted police radio communications for more than three decades. What makes San Antonio different from cities that encrypt and shut out the public? A simple solution: they provide local newsrooms with access to the encrypted system.
Newsrooms Purchase Equipment
Local news organizations buy the same radio terminal hardware used by first responders. The equipment investment demonstrates commitment and accountability.
Transmit Capability Disabled
The newsroom terminals have transmission capabilities disabled—they can receive police communications but cannot transmit on police frequencies.
Government Installs Encryption Codes
Local government personnel install the encryption codes that allow the terminals to decode encrypted radio traffic. The codes remain confidential.
Ongoing Access Maintained
When systems upgrade (like the recent transition to digital), newsrooms purchase new equipment and government installs new codes—maintaining continuous access.
Why This Model Works
Security Preserved
Encryption codes are never publicly disclosed. Only vetted newsrooms with proper equipment receive access, not the general public or criminal elements.
Transparency Maintained
Journalists can still monitor police activity, cover breaking news, and provide accountability reporting exactly as they did before encryption.
Stakeholder Buy-In
Newsrooms invest in equipment, demonstrating commitment. Government maintains control over access. Both parties have skin in the game.
Cost Distribution
Equipment costs fall on newsrooms who benefit from access. Government costs limited to personnel time for code installation.
Legal Foundation
San Antonio's model became the basis for language in Texas law. The 2001 Texas anti-terrorism statute specifically allows the confidential encryption codes to be shared with vetted parties without public disclosure.
Texas Legal Framework
The Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) secured language in the 2001 anti-terrorism statute confirming that encryption codes shared with newsrooms do not become public records requiring broader disclosure. This provides legal cover for agencies implementing the San Antonio model.
This legal foundation addresses a common concern agencies raise: that sharing encryption access with anyone creates legal obligations to share it with everyone. The Texas approach shows this concern can be resolved through appropriate legislation.
30 years of operation
The San Antonio arrangement has run for over three decades. The record shows:
Three decades with no documented instances of newsroom access compromising officer safety or operations
System successfully transitioned from analog to digital encryption without disrupting media access
Multiple San Antonio newsrooms participate in the program, ensuring competitive coverage
Local government has consistently maintained the program through administration changes
Cited as a working alternative
When other Texas jurisdictions announced sudden encryption moves without public input, including Brazos County in December 2025, experts pointed to San Antonio as the arrangement that should have been considered first.
"[San Antonio is] a good example of law enforcement encrypting communications while still allowing stakeholders who rely on scanners to access information pertinent to public safety."— Mitchel Roth, Criminal Justice Professor, Sam Houston State University (KBTX, December 2025)
Cities that encrypt without planning leave communities in the dark. San Antonio shows that a department can address security concerns without cutting off accountability coverage.
Why other cities have not adopted this
If the San Antonio approach works, why haven't more cities copied it? A few reasons come up repeatedly:
Lack of Awareness
Many agencies and elected officials simply don't know San Antonio's model exists. Encryption decisions often happen quickly without research into alternatives.
Path of Least Resistance
Full encryption is operationally simpler. Setting up a media access program requires negotiation, policy development, and ongoing administration.
Legal Uncertainty
Without Texas-style statutory protection, agencies worry about public records requests forcing broader code disclosure. This can be addressed through legislation.
No External Pressure
When encryption happens without public notice, there's often no opportunity for media organizations to propose alternatives before decisions are finalized.
How to advocate for this approach
If your city is considering encryption or has recently encrypted, here is how to make the case for the San Antonio arrangement:
Document the Model
Bring specific documentation of San Antonio's 30-year success to decision-makers. Emphasize the track record.
Build Media Coalition
Unite local TV stations, newspapers, and radio outlets willing to purchase equipment. Present a unified proposal.
Address Legal Concerns
Work with state legislators to establish legal protection for shared encryption codes, similar to Texas law.
Propose Pilot Program
Suggest a trial period with limited participants to demonstrate the model works locally before full implementation.
Engage Early
The best time to propose alternatives is before encryption decisions are made—not after. Monitor local government agendas.
San Antonio vs. full encryption
San Antonio Model
- 30+ years of proven success
- Media maintains real-time access
- Breaking news coverage preserved
- Accountability journalism continues
- No documented security incidents
- Stakeholder investment ensures responsibility
Full Encryption
- No track record of improved safety
- Complete media blackout
- News delayed to press releases
- Accountability severely compromised
- No proven security benefit
- Public trust often damaged
What this means for other cities
For 30 years, San Antonio has run encrypted police radio while keeping the press informed. The arrangement is not complicated: newsrooms buy hardware, the department installs codes, and reporters cover breaking news the same as before.
When police departments argue that encryption has to mean total secrecy, San Antonio is the answer. The arrangement exists. It works. Other cities can do it.
Other approaches cities are using
San Antonio is not the only model. See what else has worked elsewhere.