My City Just Encrypted: What To Do Now
Your scanner went silent. You're not imagining it—your police department encrypted their radios. That frustration you're feeling? It's justified. Here's what happened and what you can do about it.
First: You're Right to Be Upset
For decades, maybe your whole life, you've been able to tune in to police communications. Maybe you used it for safety during emergencies. Maybe you're a journalist. Maybe you just liked knowing what was happening in your community.
Now that access is gone—often with little or no public notice. Your scanner isn't broken. Your department made a choice to hide their operations from you.
You're not alone: Thousands of communities have lost scanner access since 2020, and the trend is accelerating.
What Actually Happened
Your police department switched from open radio transmissions to AES-256 encrypted communications. This is military-grade encryption—the same standard protecting classified government communications.
No scanner, software, or device can decode it
Buying a new scanner won't help—nothing works
Encryption is optional—departments choose to encrypt
Don't Fall for Scams
Searching for solutions, you'll find products claiming to "decode encrypted police radio." These are 100% scams. Save your money—the encryption is mathematically impossible to crack.
See why decoder products don't work →What You Can Do Right Now (3 Options)
Why Did Your Department Encrypt?
When you ask, they'll likely claim one of these reasons:
They Say: "Officer Safety"
Criminals use scanners to ambush officers
They Say: "Victim Privacy"
Sensitive information goes over the air
They Say: "It's Just Part of Upgrades"
New radio systems require encryption
The Real Reason? Timing Tells the Story
Police operated with open radio for 70+ years. Then, after 2020 protests—when scanners documented misconduct, racist remarks, and discrepancies in official accounts—encryption suddenly became "essential."
The evidence suggests encryption is primarily about controlling information and avoiding accountability—not protecting safety.
What Your Community Loses
Emergency Awareness
During active shooters, wildfires, and severe weather, scanner access provided real-time information when official channels were too slow.
Highland Park families used scanners to locate loved ones during the July 4th shooting.
Independent Journalism
Reporters can no longer verify police claims independently. Your community now depends entirely on official statements.
Accountability
Scanners were the only real-time, independent oversight of police. With encryption, misconduct happens without witnesses.
Community Trust
Secrecy breeds suspicion. When police hide their operations, communities become less trusting—not more.
Take Action: Your Next Steps
- Find out who decided
Was it the police chief? City council? Did they hold public hearings? File a public records request for the decision documents.
Use our FOIA templates → - Contact your city council
Many encryption decisions happen without public input. Let your representatives know you oppose it.
Lobbying guide for elected officials → - Attend police commission meetings
Ask for evidence of scanner-related harm. Demand alternatives like hybrid systems.
- Contact local journalists
Reporters are often against encryption too—it hurts their work. They may cover your community's fight.
Media outreach guide → - Build a coalition
Fire departments, disability advocates, and civil liberties groups are natural allies. You're not alone.
Coalition building guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my police scanner suddenly stop working?
Your police department likely encrypted their radio communications. When departments encrypt, all transmissions are scrambled using military-grade AES-256 encryption. Your scanner isn't broken—the audio is intentionally blocked from public access.
Can I buy a new scanner that works with encrypted police?
No. There is no consumer scanner that can decode encrypted police communications. The encryption is mathematically unbreakable—the same standard used by the military. Any product claiming otherwise is a scam.
Are fire and EMS still available on my scanner?
Usually yes. Most fire departments and EMS services remain unencrypted even when police encrypt. Check RadioReference.com for your area's status—you may still be able to monitor emergency response.
Can my city reverse the encryption decision?
Yes! Multiple cities have reversed encryption decisions after community pressure. Palo Alto, Berkeley, and others have walked back encryption plans. It's a policy choice, not a technical requirement.
Is there any way to get scanner access back?
The only permanent solution is policy change. While you wait, you can: monitor unencrypted departments nearby, listen to fire/EMS, use online feeds for other areas, or join the advocacy effort to reverse your city's decision.
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