Washington State's 2026 Encryption Wave
PSERN's regional radio infrastructure is enabling coordinated encryption across the Puget Sound region. Seattle, Federal Way, Bothell, and others are going dark in 2026.
Regional Overview
What is PSERN?
The Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) is a major regional infrastructure upgrade that replaced aging radio systems across King County. The $273 million project, funded by a voter-approved levy, provides modern P25 digital radio capabilities to police, fire, and EMS agencies throughout the region.
Infrastructure Enables Encryption
PSERN itself is not an encryption mandate—it's infrastructure. But modern P25 systems make encryption a simple configuration choice rather than a costly capital project. Once agencies joined PSERN, enabling encryption became administratively easy.
This pattern mirrors what happened in New Jersey with NJICS and Minnesota with ARMER: regional radio systems that make encryption trivial to implement, leading to rapid adoption.
Agency-by-Agency Status
| Agency | Status | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Police | Partial | Q2 2026 | Dispatch open, tactical encrypted |
| Seattle Fire | Partial | Q2 2026 | Dispatch open, tactical encrypted (HIPAA) |
| Federal Way Police | Full | Q1 2026 | All communications encrypted |
| Bothell Police | Full | Early 2026 | Enhanced encryption on PSERN |
| Bothell Fire | Full | Early 2026 | Enhanced encryption on PSERN |
Seattle's Middle-Ground Approach
Seattle stands out in the 2026 wave for taking a partial encryption approach. Both Seattle Police and Seattle Fire will encrypt tactical channels while keeping dispatch channels open to the public.
What Stays Open
- Dispatch channels
- When and where incidents occur
- General response status
- Public-facing information
What Gets Encrypted
- Tactical communications
- Officer-to-officer channels
- Sensitive operational details
- Personal/health information (Fire)
This approach preserves some public access while addressing agency concerns about tactical security. It's similar to models used in other cities and could serve as a template for compromise elsewhere.
"SPD's dispatch channels, which communicate when and where incidents are occurring, will remain open for the public to hear via radio scanners."— Seattle Police Department announcement, June 2025
Federal Way's Full Encryption
In contrast to Seattle, Federal Way implemented full encryption in Q1 2026. The department announced that only first responders would be able to listen to radio communications, and traditional scanners would no longer receive any Federal Way police traffic.
No Public Access
Federal Way has not announced any delayed feed, press access program, or other public alternative to scanner access. This represents the more restrictive end of the encryption spectrum.
Bothell Fire & Police
Bothell announced that both its Fire and Police departments would enhance encryption in early 2026. The city cited the same rationale as Seattle—protecting sensitive personal and health information from wide broadcast.
Bothell's implementation appears to follow Seattle's approach, though specific details about which channels remain open have not been publicly clarified.
Seattle Fire: The HIPAA Rationale
Seattle Fire Department's encryption announcement emphasized HIPAA and patient privacy. When firefighters and EMTs respond to medical emergencies, radio traffic often includes sensitive health information.
Analyzing the HIPAA Argument
- Legitimate concern: Medical calls do involve protected health information
- But not new: EMS agencies have managed privacy without encryption for decades
- Selective application: Most fire departments nationwide remain unencrypted
- Alternative approaches: Tactical channels for medical details, dispatch open for general information
Seattle Fire's approach—encrypting tactical channels while keeping dispatch open—represents a reasonable middle ground that addresses HIPAA concerns without eliminating all public access.
The Regional Domino Effect
Washington's 2026 wave illustrates how regional infrastructure creates regional encryption. Once PSERN was in place, the question shifted from "Can we encrypt?" to "Why haven't we encrypted?"
Infrastructure Upgrade
PSERN provides modern P25 capabilities to King County agencies
Early Adopters
Some agencies enable encryption, citing security concerns
Regional Pressure
"Why are we the only ones still open?" becomes the question
Coordinated Wave
Multiple agencies announce encryption in similar timeframes
This pattern has played out in New Jersey (NJICS), Minnesota (ARMER), and the East Bay California. Advocates must understand that regional systems require regional responses.
What Makes Washington Different
Washington's 2026 wave has some unique characteristics:
Seattle's Partial Model
The state's largest city is preserving dispatch access, providing a template for compromise.
Fire Department Inclusion
Unlike many areas where fire stays open, Seattle Fire and Bothell Fire are encrypting tactical channels.
Federal Way Full Encryption
Shows that even within the same region, approaches vary significantly.
What You Can Do
For Seattle Area Residents
- Monitor Seattle's partial encryption implementation
- Document any issues with dispatch access post-encryption
- Engage with city council on transparency concerns
- Support journalism that covers public safety
For Other Puget Sound Communities
- Check if your city is planning PSERN encryption
- Advocate for Seattle's partial model over full encryption
- Contact elected officials before encryption decisions are made
- Build coalitions with media and civil liberties groups
For Washington Statewide
- Track which regions are implementing similar systems
- Advocate for state legislation requiring press access
- Learn from Colorado's HB21-1250 as a model
- Connect with statewide journalism organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PSERN and how does it enable encryption?
PSERN (Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network) is a new digital radio system serving King County and surrounding areas. While designed to improve emergency communication, its modern infrastructure makes encryption technically simple for participating agencies.
Is Seattle police radio encrypted?
Seattle Police is implementing partial encryption in Q2 2026. Tactical channels will be encrypted while dispatch channels remain open to the public. This is a middle-ground approach compared to full encryption.
Is Seattle Fire encrypted?
Seattle Fire Department is encrypting tactical communications in Q2 2026, citing HIPAA and patient privacy concerns. Dispatch channels will remain open, similar to Seattle Police's approach.
Is Federal Way police encrypted?
Yes. Federal Way Police Department encrypted all radio communications in Q1 2026. Unlike Seattle's partial approach, Federal Way implemented full encryption with only first responders able to access radio traffic.
Why are so many Washington agencies encrypting in 2026?
The PSERN regional system rollout made encryption technically easy and cost-effective. Once the infrastructure was in place, agencies could enable encryption without major new investments, leading to coordinated regional adoption.
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