Your City Announced Police Encryption: What to Do Now
You just found out your police department is encrypting their radio communications. Don't panic—but act fast. This playbook gives you a step-by-step response plan. Communities have successfully stopped and reversed encryption. Yours can too.
Time is Critical
Encryption decisions often move quickly once announced. The window to stop implementation—or build momentum for reversal—is measured in weeks, not months. Start today.
First 72 Hours: Immediate Actions
File Public Records Requests Immediately
Request all documents related to the encryption decision. You need to understand when and how this was decided, whether proper procedures were followed, and what (if any) justification exists.
Request These Documents:
- All memos, emails, and presentations about the encryption decision
- Any documented incidents of criminals using scanner information
- Cost analysis and budget allocation for encryption
- Vendor contracts and communications
- Any public comment or input received
- City council votes or authorization (if any)
Contact Your City Council Representative
In many cities, police departments implement encryption without council approval. Your representative may not even know this is happening. Make them aware—and ask:
- Did the city council vote on this decision?
- Was there any public hearing or comment period?
- What is the justification for encryption?
- Can council require a vote or public input?
Tip: Frame this as a governance issue, not just a scanner hobby. Elected officials should make major transparency decisions, not unelected police administrators.
Alert Local Media Immediately
Journalists are directly affected by encryption and often don't know until it's too late. Contact:
- Local newspaper city desk and editorial board
- TV news assignment editors
- Radio news directors
- Local online news outlets and blogs
Pitch angle: "Police just made a major transparency decision without public input. How will reporters cover breaking news without scanner access?"
Reach Out to Fire/EMS Leaders
Fire departments and EMS agencies often oppose police encryption because it harms interoperability. Find:
- Local fire union representatives
- Fire chiefs (especially volunteer departments)
- EMS coordinators
- Emergency management officials
These voices carry weight that hobbyists alone may not have. Professional opposition is powerful.
Document Everything
Start a file with all announcements, dates, and communications. You'll need this for:
- Public testimony timeline
- Media inquiries
- Legal review if needed
- Tracking official statements (in case they change)
First Week: Build Your Coalition
Identify Allies
Who in your community has a stake in scanner access?
- Journalists — Breaking news, accountability reporting
- Fire/EMS — Interoperability concerns
- Neighborhood watch groups — Community safety
- Civil liberties organizations — ACLU, press freedom groups
- Parents/PTAs — School emergency awareness
- Business owners — Security and situational awareness
- Amateur radio operators — Technical community
- Defense attorneys — Discovery and accountability
Find the Meeting Schedule
Get on the calendar immediately:
- City council meetings (regular and special sessions)
- Police commission or civilian oversight board
- Public safety committee meetings
- Budget hearings (encryption costs money)
Sign up for public comment at the next available meeting. Even if the item isn't on the agenda, many councils allow general public comment.
Draft Your Core Message
Keep it simple and repeatable:
"This major transparency decision was made without public input. Before implementing encryption, the city should hold public hearings, present evidence of need, and consider alternatives that other cities have used successfully."
Avoid getting bogged down in technical scanner details. Focus on process (lack of public input) and evidence (no documented need).
Key Arguments to Make
No Evidence of Need
Ask for documentation of even one incident where scanner access harmed officer safety or compromised an investigation in your jurisdiction. In almost every case, none exists.
See the evidence →Process Failure
Major transparency decisions should involve elected officials and public input. If police made this decision unilaterally, demand council oversight.
Alternatives Exist
Hybrid systems protect sensitive communications while keeping routine dispatch open. Other cities have implemented these successfully.
Learn about alternatives →Cost Without Benefit
Encryption costs money—often significant amounts. What's the return on investment when there's no documented problem being solved?
See cost analysis →Journalism Impact
How will local news cover breaking emergencies? Will your community rely solely on police press releases? Ask media outlets to speak up.
Press freedom impact →Emergency Safety
During active shooters, wildfires, and other emergencies, scanner access has saved lives. What's the plan for real-time public safety information?
Emergency safety →First Month: Sustained Pressure
Attend Every Relevant Meeting
Consistent presence matters. Attend city council, police commission, and public safety committee meetings. Sign up for public comment every time.
Submit Op-Eds and Letters
Write letters to the editor and op-eds for local newspapers. Different voices make the case stronger—recruit diverse community members to write.
Get media templates →Request a Public Hearing
Formally request that city council hold a public hearing on the encryption decision before implementation. Many councils have procedures for citizen-requested hearings.
Track Your FOIA Results
When records arrive, review them carefully. Look for:
- Lack of documented need or incidents
- Process failures (no council vote, no public input)
- Vendor influence in the decision
- Internal concerns or dissent
Share relevant findings with media and council members.
Build Social Media Presence
Create a hashtag and consistent messaging. Share meeting dates, public records findings, and ways for community members to get involved.
If Encryption Is Already Implemented
Reversal Is Still Possible
Palo Alto encrypted their police radio and then reversed the decision after a 20-month community campaign. The strategies are similar:
- Keep attending meetings and applying pressure
- Document any problems caused by encryption (delayed news, emergency confusion)
- Support candidates who favor transparency in upcoming elections
- Work for policy changes requiring hybrid systems
- Connect with statewide press freedom organizations
Resources for Your Campaign
Frequently Asked Questions
My city just announced police encryption. What should I do first?
Act fast: 1) File a FOIA request for all documents justifying the decision, 2) Contact your city council representative immediately, 3) Reach out to local journalists, 4) Connect with fire/EMS leaders who may oppose it, and 5) Start organizing community opposition. Time is critical.
Can police encryption be reversed after it's implemented?
Yes. Palo Alto, California successfully reversed their encryption decision after a 20-month community campaign. Several other cities have also reversed course. It requires sustained pressure but is absolutely possible.
Who decides to encrypt police radio—the police or city council?
This varies by city. In many cases, police departments implement encryption without city council approval or public input. This is often the best angle of attack—demand that elected officials have oversight over these decisions.
What evidence should I request through public records?
Request: 1) All documents justifying the encryption decision, 2) Any documented incidents of scanner-related harm, 3) Cost analysis and budget documents, 4) Internal communications about the decision, 5) Contracts with vendors, 6) Any public input received.
How long do I have to respond before encryption is permanent?
It depends on your city's timeline, but typically you have weeks to months before full implementation. Even after implementation, reversal is possible but harder. The key is to start immediately and build momentum quickly.
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