Chicago Police Scanner Encryption: A Case Study in Information Control

How Chicago's Encrypted System Works

Unlike cities with open police scanner access, Chicago operates under a heavily restricted model:

• 30-minute mandatory delay: All scanner audio is delayed by at least half an hour before public release
• Active censorship: Police department staff review and remove transmissions before they become available
• No real-time access: Media, residents, and emergency managers cannot hear live police communications
• Limited channels: Only select dispatch channels available, not tactical or investigative channels
• No appeals process: Removed transmissions are gone permanently with no public record

The Courthouse Shooting: When Encryption Hid Danger

In 2022, a gunman fired more than 40 shots outside a Chicago courthouse. It was an active, dangerous situation requiring immediate public awareness.

But because Chicago's police radios are encrypted, the public never knew in real time.

Active Censorship: Transmissions That Disappear

Beyond the delay, Chicago actively removes transmissions before they reach the public. This practice has been described by media critics as "censorship in its purest form."

Impact on Journalism

Chicago's encryption policy has fundamentally changed how local journalism works—and not for the better.

"The 30-minute delay is almost useless for breaking news. By the time we get the audio, the incident is over and the official statement is already out. We've essentially lost our ability to independently report on police activity in real time." — ABC7 Chicago reporter

The "Officer Safety" Justification Falls Apart

Chicago officials justified encryption by citing officer safety concerns. But their own records tell a different story.

When pressed for evidence—any actual incident where scanner access led to officer injury or operational compromise—Chicago police have provided zero documented cases.

This mirrors findings from other cities. Palo Alto, California conducted a 3-year records search and found "no responsive records" of scanner-related incidents. The CEO of Broadcastify, the largest scanner streaming platform, has stated publicly that in decades of operation, they've never received evidence of harm.

Community Impact: Who Gets Hurt

Encryption doesn't affect everyone equally. Certain communities bear a disproportionate impact:

Comparison: Chicago vs. Open Scanner Cities

To understand what Chicago lost, consider what remains available in cities that haven't encrypted:

The 2020 Connection: Why Now?

Chicago's encryption policy, like many across the nation, accelerated after the 2020 protests following George Floyd's murder. During those protests, open police scanners revealed:

• Racist remarks by officers during demonstrations
• Coordination of aggressive crowd control tactics
• Discrepancies between official accounts and actual police communications
• Evidence of misconduct that contradicted public statements

Shortly after, encryption efforts intensified nationwide. The timing suggests encryption isn't about safety—it's about control.

Alternative Solutions: What Chicago Could Do Instead

Encryption isn't the only way to address legitimate concerns about privacy or tactical operations. Chicago could implement:

What You Can Do

If you're a Chicago resident, journalist, or community member concerned about this issue:

• Contact your alderman: City council members have oversight authority over police policies
• File FOIA requests: Ask for documentation of incidents where scanner access caused harm (there likely is none)
• Attend city council meetings: Public comment periods allow you to raise these concerns directly
• Support local journalism: Subscribe to outlets that are fighting for scanner access and transparent reporting
• Join advocacy groups: Organizations like the ACLU of Illinois and local press freedom groups are working on this issue
• Share real examples: When encryption hides important information, document it and share with decision-makers