Public Meetings & Events
Where Transparency Decisions Happen
Police encryption decisions are made in public meetings. When you show up, you change the conversation. Officials notice filled seats and informed citizens asking hard questions.
Why Attending Meetings Matters
Your presence is more powerful than you think
Officials Assume No One Cares
Empty public comment periods signal approval. When you show up, you prove the community is watching. Many encryption decisions pass without a single public commenter.
You Create an Official Record
Public testimony becomes part of the meeting minutes. Your words are preserved in the official record, creating accountability for future decisions and reversals.
You Influence Undecided Officials
Council members often vote based on constituent feedback. A well-prepared speaker with facts can shift a 5-4 vote. Your voice directly impacts their decisions.
You Inspire Others to Act
When community members see organized opposition, they join. One speaker becomes five. Five becomes a coalition. Your presence multiplies impact.
Upcoming Events
Meetings where encryption may be discussed
Community Event Calendar Coming Soon
We're building a database of upcoming public meetings where police encryption policies may be discussed. In the meantime, use the resources below to find meetings in your area.
Submit an EventRecent Meeting Highlights
NYC Local Law 46 took effect, requiring NYPD to provide press access to encrypted radio communications.
Read the case studyAfter 20 months of community pressure and council meetings, Palo Alto reversed its encryption decision.
Read the case studyHB21-1250 passed, becoming the first statewide law requiring media access provisions in encryption policies.
Read the case studyHow to Find Meetings in Your Area
Different bodies make different decisions
City Council Meetings
Most CommonCity councils approve police department budgets, equipment purchases, and policy changes. Encryption decisions often require council approval for funding.
How to Find
- Search "[Your City] city council meeting schedule"
- Check your city's official website under "Government" or "City Council"
- Look for "Agenda" sections mentioning "radio," "encryption," "P25," or "communications"
- Sign up for meeting notifications or agenda alerts
What to Watch For
- Police budget line items for "radio system upgrades"
- Consent agenda items that may include encryption
- Public safety committee meetings
County Commissioner Meetings
Regional ImpactCounty boards often control sheriff's office communications and regional radio systems. Their decisions can affect entire counties.
How to Find
- Search "[Your County] board of commissioners meetings"
- Check county government websites for meeting calendars
- Look for "Board of Supervisors" in some states
- Monitor sheriff's office budget discussions
What to Watch For
- Regional radio system contracts (STARCOM, P25 networks)
- Multi-agency communication agreements
- Emergency services interoperability discussions
Police Commission Meetings
Direct OversightPolice commissions provide civilian oversight and often approve operational policies. Some cities require commission approval for encryption.
How to Find
- Search "[Your City] police commission" or "police oversight board"
- Check if your city has civilian police oversight
- Look for "public safety commission" in smaller cities
- Many livestream meetings on YouTube
What to Watch For
- Equipment acquisition reports
- Technology and surveillance policy discussions
- Community input sessions on police practices
State Legislative Hearings
Statewide ChangeState legislatures can pass laws requiring transparency standards for all police departments. Colorado's HB21-1250 set a national precedent.
How to Find
- Search "[Your State] legislature" and find bill tracking tools
- Monitor public safety or judiciary committees
- Sign up for bill alerts on topics like "police communications"
- Contact your state representative's office for hearing schedules
What to Watch For
- Bills addressing press access to police communications
- Public records act modifications
- Statewide radio system funding discussions
Pro Tips for Finding Meetings
Create alerts for "[Your City] police encryption" and "[Your City] radio system" to catch news about upcoming decisions.
Beat reporters covering police often tweet about upcoming meetings. Follow your local newspaper's public safety reporter.
Many cities post agendas 72 hours before meetings. Check regularly during budget season (typically spring).
Local transparency advocates often track meetings. Search Facebook for "[Your City] police accountability" or similar groups.
What to Expect at a Meeting
Be prepared, not surprised
Before the Meeting
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early to find parking and the meeting room
- Sign up for public comment (often required in advance or at sign-in)
- Review the agenda to know when your item will be discussed
- Bring printed copies of your testimony for the clerk and council members
During the Meeting
- Sit where council members can see you (filled seats matter)
- Wait for your item or general public comment period
- When called, approach the podium and state your name
- Speak clearly into the microphone (you're being recorded)
- Respect the time limit (usually 2-3 minutes)
After the Meeting
- Submit written testimony for the official record if not already done
- Note which council members seemed supportive
- Talk to other attendees about forming a coalition
- Follow up with sympathetic officials via email
Common Meeting Formats
General Public Comment
A period at the start or end of meetings where anyone can speak on any topic. Good for introducing the encryption issue even if it's not on the agenda.
Agenda Item Comment
Comments allowed only when a specific item is being discussed. You can only speak when the encryption-related item comes up.
Public Hearing
A formal session dedicated to gathering public input on a specific proposal. Often has extended time limits and more structure.
Submit an Event
Help us build the community calendar
Know of an upcoming meeting where police encryption will be discussed? Help other advocates find it by sharing the details.
How to Submit
Email us the following information:
- Meeting Name: City Council Meeting, Police Commission Hearing, etc.
- Date & Time: When the meeting takes place
- Location: Physical address or virtual meeting link
- Agenda Item: Which item covers encryption (if known)
- Source Link: Link to official agenda or announcement
- Your Contact: Optional, in case we need clarification
Note: We verify all submissions against official sources before publishing. Events typically appear within 48 hours of verification.
Past Events & Victories
Community action that made a difference
NYC Local Law 46 Takes Effect
January 2026After years of advocacy, New York City became the first major American city to require press access to encrypted police radio. Community testimony at multiple council meetings was crucial to passage.
Read the full storyPalo Alto Encryption Reversed
2024A 20-month campaign of public testimony, council lobbying, and coalition building resulted in Palo Alto restoring public access to police radio.
Read the case studyColorado HB21-1250 Signed
2021Journalists, fire officials, and community advocates testified at legislative hearings to pass the first statewide law requiring media access provisions.
Read the case studySeattle Keeps Dispatch Open
2026Seattle's PSERN system launch included a balanced approach keeping dispatch channels accessible while encrypting tactical communications.
Read the case studyPrepare Your Testimony
Resources to help you speak effectively
Public Testimony Guide
Scripts, tips, and strategies for delivering effective testimony. Includes ready-to-use templates for different speaking angles.
Read the guideBuild Coalitions
Recruit fire/EMS, journalists, and community allies. Coordinated speakers have more impact than individuals.
Build your team90-Day Campaign
A week-by-week action plan for stopping encryption. Know exactly what to do and when.
See the timelineMyths vs Facts
Counter common encryption arguments with documented evidence. Know the facts before you speak.
Review the evidence