Can You Listen to Encrypted Police Radio?
The short answer is no—encrypted police radio cannot be decoded by the public. But the real question is: why is your department hiding what they're doing?
The Direct Answer
No, you cannot listen to encrypted police radio.
When a police department encrypts their radio communications, the transmissions are scrambled using military-grade encryption (AES-256). Without the decryption key—which police departments closely guard—the audio is impossible to decode.
This isn't like old "scrambled" cable TV that could be unscrambled. Modern encryption is mathematically unbreakable with current technology. Even the world's most powerful computers couldn't crack it.
Why Can't Encrypted Police Radio Be Decoded?
How Police Encryption Works
Modern police departments use AES-256 encryption—the same standard used by the U.S. military and banks. Here's why it's unbreakable:
- 256-bit keys mean there are more possible combinations than atoms in the observable universe
- Even supercomputers would need billions of years to try every combination
- Each department uses unique encryption keys that change periodically
- The encryption happens in real-time within the radio hardware itself
What About "Police Scanner Decoders"?
Any product claiming to decode encrypted police radio is a scam. These products don't exist because the encryption is mathematically unbreakable. Don't waste your money.
Is Trying to Decrypt Police Radio Illegal?
Yes—It's a Federal Crime
Under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, attempting to intercept or decrypt encrypted police communications is a federal offense punishable by:
- Up to 5 years in federal prison
- Fines up to $250,000
- Civil liability to the agency whose communications were targeted
This applies even if you're unsuccessful. The attempt to decrypt is itself illegal.
What You CAN Do Legally
While you can't decode encrypted police radio, you still have options:
The Real Question: Why Is Your Department Encrypting?
If you're reading this, you've discovered that your local police have gone dark. You can no longer hear what's happening in your community. That frustration you're feeling? It's the point.
What Police Departments Claim
- "Officer safety" — criminals use scanners to ambush police
- "Victim privacy" — sensitive information goes over the radio
- "Operational security" — investigations are compromised
What the Evidence Actually Shows
- Zero documented cases of scanner-related officer harm in decades of scanning
- Hybrid systems can protect privacy without blanket encryption
- Tactical channels were always available for sensitive operations
- Encryption surged after 2020—when scanners exposed police misconduct during protests
The evidence suggests encryption is primarily about controlling the narrative—not safety. When police control what you know about their activities, accountability disappears.
What We Lose When Scanners Go Dark
Highland Park, IL (2022)
Unencrypted Police Radio
During a mass shooting at a July 4th parade, scanner listeners heard real-time alerts. Families sheltered in place, located loved ones, and spread warnings through the community. The transparency saved lives.
Read the full case study →Chicago, IL (Encrypted)
Encrypted Police Radio
When Chicago encrypted, the public lost all real-time awareness. During emergencies, residents are now dependent on delayed official statements. Journalists can't verify police claims. The 40-shot police killing of Dexter Reed? Public only learned details days later.
Read about Chicago's encryption →You Can't Decrypt the Signal—But You Can Fight the Policy
Encryption is a policy choice, not a technical inevitability. Many departments using modern digital P25 systems operate completely unencrypted. Others use hybrid systems that protect sensitive information while keeping routine dispatch open.
What You Can Do
- Contact your city council — Encryption decisions often happen without public input
- Attend police commission meetings — Demand transparency policies
- Request documentation — Ask for evidence of scanner-related harm (there likely isn't any)
- Contact local media — Journalists are often unaware until it's too late
- Join or start a coalition — Community pressure has reversed encryption policies
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 SpeakFrequently Asked Questions
Can you listen to encrypted police radio?
No. When police encrypt their radio communications using AES-256 encryption, the transmissions are mathematically impossible to decode without the decryption key. No consumer product can bypass this encryption.
How to listen to encrypted police radio?
You cannot listen to encrypted police radio—it's technically impossible and attempting to decrypt is a federal crime. However, you can monitor unencrypted departments, fire/EMS (often still open), or use apps like Broadcastify for jurisdictions that remain transparent.
Is it legal to listen to police scanners?
Yes, listening to unencrypted police scanners is completely legal in the United States. However, attempting to decrypt encrypted police communications is a federal crime under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.
Why are police encrypting their radios?
Police claim encryption protects officer safety and victim privacy. However, there are zero documented cases of scanner-related officer harm. Critics argue the post-2020 encryption surge is primarily about avoiding accountability after scanners exposed misconduct during protests.
Are there police scanner decoder products that work?
No. Any product claiming to decode encrypted police radio is a scam. AES-256 encryption is the same standard used by the U.S. military—it's mathematically unbreakable with current technology.