How to Fight Police Encryption at City Council Meetings
Your city council has the power to stop or reverse police radio encryption. Here's how to effectively advocate for transparency at local government meetings—from finding when they meet to delivering testimony that makes an impact.
Why City Council Matters
Police encryption is typically a local decision. Your city council:
- Approves the police department budget, including radio equipment purchases
- Sets policy direction for the police chief
- Has authority to require transparency in police operations
- Responds to constituent concerns—that's you
The Decision Isn't Always Public
Often, encryption happens without public debate. A police chief decides to encrypt during a radio system upgrade, and council approves it as part of a larger budget without discussion. Public attention can force actual deliberation before (or even after) the decision.
What You're Asking For
Be clear about your ask. Depending on the situation, you might request:
- Before encryption: A public hearing before any encryption decision
- During consideration: Rejection of full encryption; adoption of selective encryption only
- After encryption: Reversal or modification of the encryption policy
- At any time: A formal policy requiring transparency in police communications
Finding and Tracking Meetings
Where to Find Meeting Information
- City website: Look for "City Council," "Government," or "Meetings" sections
- City clerk's office: Call or email for meeting schedules
- Local newspaper: Often publishes meeting notices
- Social media: Many cities post schedules on Facebook/Twitter
Types of Meetings
Regular Council Meetings
Usually twice monthly. Include public comment periods where anyone can speak on any topic (typically at the beginning or end).
Committee Meetings
Smaller groups handle specific topics. Public Safety Committee is most relevant for police issues. Often more substantive discussion than full council.
Work Sessions
Informal discussions where council digs into issues. May or may not allow public comment, but attending shows commitment.
Public Hearings
Required for certain decisions. If encryption is on the agenda, this is your best opportunity for extended testimony.
Tracking Agendas
- Sign up for city email newsletters or meeting alerts
- Set Google Alerts for "[Your City] city council police" and related terms
- Follow local journalists who cover city hall
- Check agendas weekly—most are posted 72 hours before meetings
- Request to be notified when police-related items are scheduled
Look for These Agenda Items
- Radio system upgrades or purchases
- Police technology budgets
- Public safety communication policies
- Interoperability agreements
- P25 or digital radio migration
Preparing Your Testimony
Research Before You Speak
- Know your council members: Who represents your district? What have they said about police issues?
- Understand the current situation: Is encryption already in place, being considered, or not yet proposed?
- Gather local facts: Has your department addressed encryption? What have they said publicly?
- Find allies: What local organizations might support transparency?
Structure Your Comments
With limited time (usually 2-3 minutes), every word counts. Structure your testimony:
1. Introduction (15 seconds)
Your name, that you're a resident/taxpayer, and one sentence on why you're there.
2. Personal Connection (30 seconds)
How does this affect you personally? Are you a scanner listener? Neighborhood watch? Journalist? Parent?
3. Key Arguments (60-90 seconds)
Choose 2-3 of your strongest points. Don't try to cover everything—depth beats breadth.
4. Clear Ask (15 seconds)
What specific action do you want the council to take? Be concrete.
5. Close (15 seconds)
Thank them for listening. Offer to provide more information.
Key Arguments to Make
Public Safety
Encryption blocks emergency information. Reference cases like Highland Park where residents couldn't learn about ongoing threats.
Accountability
Public access to police communications is a century-old transparency norm. Encryption reverses 100 years of oversight.
Media Access
Journalists use scanners to inform the public. Encryption means you'll learn about police activity only when police choose to tell you.
Alternatives Exist
Selective encryption of tactical channels is possible. Full encryption is a choice, not a technical requirement.
Community Relations
Transparency builds trust. Encryption signals that police have something to hide, even if they don't.
Local Impact
Name specific local groups affected—your neighborhood watch, local news stations, community organizations.
Delivering Effective Testimony
Before the Meeting
- Arrive early: Sign up to speak (usually a sign-in sheet), find a seat, observe the room
- Dress appropriately: Business casual is fine; you want to be taken seriously
- Bring copies: Written testimony for the clerk and each council member (usually 7-9 copies)
- Turn off your phone: Respect the proceedings
At the Podium
Do
- Speak clearly and at a measured pace
- Make eye contact with council members
- Stick to your prepared remarks
- Respect the time limit exactly
- Stay calm, even if challenged
- Thank the council for their time
Don't
- Read monotonously from a script
- Go over your time (they will cut you off)
- Get emotional or confrontational
- Attack council members personally
- Use jargon they won't understand
- Ramble or repeat yourself
Handling Questions
Council members may ask questions. Be prepared:
- "Doesn't encryption protect officers?" - Address the selective encryption option; routine dispatch doesn't need secrecy
- "How many people actually use scanners?" - Mention Broadcastify listeners, media organizations, neighborhood groups
- "Isn't this a police department decision?" - Emphasize council's budget authority and policy-setting role
- Technical questions you can't answer - Say you'll follow up with information; don't bluff
Building Coalitions
Individual voices matter, but coalitions have more impact. Identify and recruit allies:
Potential Partners
Local Media
Newspapers, TV stations, and radio news all use scanners. They have reporters, resources, and credibility. Contact news directors.
Neighborhood Groups
Neighborhood watch, HOA boards, and community associations represent organized constituents council members care about.
Amateur Radio Clubs
HAM operators understand radio technology and often provide emergency communications. Credible technical voices.
Civil Liberties Organizations
Local ACLU chapters, transparency advocacy groups, and First Amendment organizations may take interest.
Emergency Volunteers
CERT teams, volunteer fire departments, and disaster response groups often monitor public safety radio.
Private Security
Security companies that protect local businesses have operational reasons to oppose encryption.
Coordination Strategy
- Make contact: Reach out to potential allies; explain the issue and ask for support
- Share information: Keep everyone updated on meeting dates and agenda items
- Divide topics: Have different speakers cover different angles (media, safety, accountability)
- Show up together: Multiple speakers on the same topic demonstrates broad concern
- Follow up together: Coordinate written communications to council after meetings
Following Up After the Meeting
Immediate Actions
- Thank supporters: Email council members who seemed receptive
- Document what happened: Note who said what; save any recordings
- Share with allies: Brief your coalition on the outcome
- Contact media: If there's a story, tip off local journalists
Ongoing Engagement
- Attend future meetings, even briefly—familiarity builds relationships
- Write follow-up letters to council members
- Request meetings with individual council members or their staff
- Monitor for related agenda items
- Build relationships with city staff who handle public safety issues
If You Didn't Succeed
Policy change often takes multiple attempts. If encryption was approved despite your efforts:
- Document problems caused by encryption (FOIA requests, media stories)
- Build a larger coalition for the next attempt
- Look for new council members who might be allies
- Keep the issue in public discussion
- Request periodic reviews of the encryption policy
Sample Testimony
Example: Neighborhood Watch Perspective (2 minutes)
"Good evening, Mayor and Council. I'm [Name], a resident of [Neighborhood] and coordinator of our neighborhood watch program.
For eight years, I've monitored our police scanner to help keep our neighborhood safe. When there's a burglary nearby, I alert our watch network. When there's a dangerous situation, we know to keep children inside. This scanner access makes us better partners with our police department.
If you encrypt police radio, you don't just block criminals—you block us. You block the journalists who keep you informed. You block the private security that protects our businesses. You block me from knowing when there's danger in my neighborhood.
I'm not asking you to compromise officer safety. I'm asking you to require selective encryption—encrypt the tactical channels, but keep routine dispatch public. Other cities do this. We can too.
Please don't approve full encryption without a public hearing. Our community deserves a voice in this decision. Thank you."
Example: Accountability Focus (2 minutes)
"Council members, I'm [Name], a taxpayer in this city for 20 years.
Police radio has been public for a century. My grandfather listened. I listen. It's how Americans have observed their police departments for four generations.
Encryption changes that relationship. When police operate in secret, accountability suffers. We've seen what happens when there's no independent verification of police conduct—we've seen it in cities across America.
I'm not accusing our officers of anything. But the principle matters: public employees, doing public work, on public airwaves, should be observable by the public they serve.
If there are specific tactical operations that need protection, encrypt those channels. But routine dispatch—the bread and butter of police work—should remain accessible.
I urge you to reject full encryption and instead adopt a policy that balances operational needs with the transparency our community expects. Thank you."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an expert to speak at city council?
No. Council members want to hear from constituents. Your personal experience with police scanners—whether as a neighborhood watch member, journalist, or concerned citizen—is valuable. You don't need technical expertise; authentic local voices matter most.
How much time do I get to speak at public comment?
Typically 2-3 minutes, sometimes up to 5. Confirm your city's rules before attending. Prepare remarks that fit the time limit—going over makes a poor impression. Practice beforehand and bring a written copy in case you get nervous.
Should I attend even if encryption isn't on the agenda?
Yes, if your city has general public comment periods. Many cities allow residents to speak on any topic during designated time. You can also request that encryption be added to a future agenda through your council representative.
What if the decision has already been made?
Keep advocating. Encryption policies can be reversed. Continued public pressure, especially combined with negative outcomes (like emergency information blackouts), can lead to reconsideration. Document problems caused by encryption to build your case for reversal.
Can I bring other people with me?
Absolutely. Numbers matter. Coordinate with neighborhood watch groups, local journalists, amateur radio clubs, and other stakeholders. Having multiple speakers on the same topic demonstrates broad community concern.
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