Interoperability Failures: When Encryption Breaks Emergency Coordination
Police radio encryption doesn't just block public access—it creates dangerous communication gaps between the agencies that respond to emergencies together. When police encrypt and fire/EMS don't, coordination fails. This page documents the interoperability crisis and its consequences for first responder safety.
The Interoperability Problem
Understanding Interoperability
Interoperability is the ability of different public safety agencies to communicate directly during emergencies. For decades, police, fire, and EMS have monitored each other's radio channels to coordinate responses. Firefighters hearing police describe a scene can prepare accordingly. Paramedics knowing police are securing an area can stage safely.
How It Used to Work
Police respond to incident, broadcast details on open channel
Fire/EMS monitor police channel, gain situational awareness
Coordinated response: all agencies know what's happening
How It Works Now (With Encryption)
Police respond to incident, broadcast on encrypted channel
Fire/EMS cannot hear police—must wait for relay through dispatch
Delayed, incomplete information reaches responding units
Real-World Interoperability Failures
DC Fire and EMS Coordination Breakdown
When DC Metropolitan Police encrypted their radio communications, DC Fire and EMS experienced immediate interoperability failures. Firefighters responding to scenes with potential active threats could no longer hear police tactical information.
Only Encrypted Fire Department in NJ
Toms River Fire Department became the only encrypted fire department in New Jersey, creating unique interoperability challenges with neighboring departments during mutual aid responses.
P25 and the Encryption Problem
Project 25 (P25) is the digital radio standard used by most public safety agencies in the United States. While P25 was designed to improve interoperability, its encryption capabilities have paradoxically created new barriers.
What P25 Was Supposed to Do
- Standardize digital radio across agencies
- Enable multi-agency communication
- Provide clearer audio quality
- Support encryption when needed
What Happened Instead
- Agencies adopted different encryption keys
- Police encrypted everything, not just tactical
- Fire/EMS often couldn't afford encryption
- Interoperability benefits were lost
"P25 encryption was designed for tactical situations—undercover operations, hostage negotiations. It was never intended to encrypt routine dispatch and patrol communications. That's a policy choice, not a technical requirement."
— Radio communications expertFire and EMS Perspectives
Fire departments and EMS agencies have raised consistent concerns about police encryption's impact on their operations. Many have chosen not to encrypt their own communications precisely because of interoperability concerns.
Why Fire Departments Often Don't Encrypt
- Cost: Encryption equipment and key management is expensive
- Volunteer departments: Cannot afford or manage encryption infrastructure
- Mutual aid: Need to communicate with many neighboring departments
- Situational awareness: Monitoring police helps firefighter safety
- No operational need: Fire communications rarely contain sensitive information
What Fire Chiefs Have Said
"When police encrypt, we lose critical intelligence about what we're walking into. That information gap puts firefighters at risk."
"Our members have monitored police channels for decades. That situational awareness has saved lives. Encryption takes it away."
"We're expected to coordinate with police on every major incident, but we can't hear what they're doing anymore."
CISA and Federal Guidance
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and other federal bodies have emphasized interoperability as a core requirement for emergency communications. Encryption decisions that break interoperability conflict with federal guidance.
Key Federal Interoperability Principles
- All responders should be able to communicate on-scene
- Encryption should not prevent critical information sharing
- Interoperability planning should include all public safety disciplines
- Technology choices should support, not hinder, coordination
Many police departments have made encryption decisions without consulting fire and EMS partners or considering the interoperability implications. This violates the collaborative approach that federal guidance recommends.
Solutions That Preserve Both Security and Interoperability
Encryption and interoperability don't have to conflict. Hybrid approaches can protect genuinely sensitive communications while maintaining the coordination that keeps responders safe.
Tactical-Only Encryption
Encrypt SWAT, narcotics, and undercover channels. Keep routine dispatch open for interoperability.
Shared Encryption Keys
If encryption is used, provide keys to fire and EMS partners so they can monitor relevant channels.
Interoperability Channels
Maintain open interoperability channels that all agencies can access during multi-agency incidents.
Regional Coordination
Make encryption decisions collaboratively with all public safety partners, not unilaterally.
What You Can Do
Engage Fire Leadership
Ask your fire chief about interoperability concerns. Fire departments can be powerful allies against encryption.
Fire/EMS technical briefing →Question Encryption Decisions
Ask officials: Did you consult fire and EMS before encrypting? How will interoperability be maintained?
Testimony templates →Demand Hybrid Solutions
Push for tactical-only encryption that preserves dispatch interoperability.
Alternative approaches →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