Print this card and bring it to meetings. It fits in a pocket and covers the main points and counter-arguments.
Talking Points
Police Radio Encryption 1
No evidence supports the "officer safety" claim
Zero documented cases of scanner-related officer harm in 100+ years of open radio.
2
Encryption costs millions with no proven benefit
NYPD: $390M. Philadelphia: $80M. No ROI for public safety.
3
Alternatives address the real concerns
Tactical-only encryption, delayed feeds, and hybrid models protect sensitive operations without going dark entirely.
4
Fire and EMS leaders have testified against it
Encryption creates interoperability gaps that slow multi-agency emergency responses.
5
Highland Park proves scanners save lives
2022 parade shooting: open scanners enabled faster public warning.
Counter-Arguments
Responding to Claims"Officers' safety is at risk"
→ Ask for documented incidents. There are none. The risk is theoretical.
"Criminals use scanners to evade police"
→ Modern criminals use cell phones and encrypted apps. The scanner argument is decades out of date.
"We provide press releases instead"
→ Press releases are written after the fact and only say what the department chooses to share.
"Media can apply for access"
→ Credential programs shut out freelancers and new outlets, and typically still don't provide real-time access.
"Other cities have done it"
→ Some have. Others reversed it after community pressure — including Palo Alto and Boulder.
How to use this card
- Print on cardstock if possible for durability
- Cut along the dotted lines
- Fold in half or keep both sides visible
- Bring to city council meetings and public comment sessions
- Review key points before speaking
- Reference counter-arguments when responding to officials