Myth #4

Delayed Feeds and FOIA Provide Sufficient Access

This claim is not supported by evidence.

The Claim

Even with encryption, the public and media can access police radio audio through delayed streaming (like Chicago's 30-minute delay) or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

The Evidence

"Almost useless for breaking news."

  • Chicago's 30-minute delay: Media outlets describe it as nearly worthless for timely reporting; by the time audio is available, incidents are over
  • Active censorship: Chicago removes transmissions deemed 'sensitive' before release—censorship in its purest form with no oversight
  • FOIA delays: Requests can take weeks or months; some departments charge thousands of dollars in fees
  • Public safety impact: During active emergencies (shooters, natural disasters), delayed information is too late to help people take protective action

The Reality

Real-time access and delayed access serve completely different purposes:

  • Real-time: Immediate public safety alerts, breaking news coverage, situational awareness, independent verification, family notification
  • Delayed/FOIA: Historical research only, after-the-fact accountability (maybe), censored/incomplete records, too slow for emergencies
  • Journalist quote: 'By the time we get the audio, the police have already issued their official statement and controlled the narrative. We've lost our ability to independently verify what actually happened.'

Bottom Line

When police departments make this claim, ask them for evidence. The documented facts don't support it.

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