Unencrypted Police Departments: Where You Can Still Listen
Your local police may have encrypted, but many departments remain open. This guide helps you find agencies you can still monitor—and reminds you that the fight for transparency isn't over.
Good News: Not Everything Is Encrypted
Despite the encryption trend, significant scanner access remains. Fire and EMS are almost always open. Many county sheriffs, state police divisions, and smaller municipalities haven't encrypted. And hundreds of online feeds stream unencrypted departments nationwide.
How to Find Unencrypted Departments
1. RadioReference.com (Best Resource)
The most comprehensive database of public safety radio systems in the world. Free to search, with detailed information on encryption status.
How to use it:
- Go to RadioReference.com
- Click "Database" → Select your state
- Choose your county
- Look at agency listings—avoid those marked "Encrypted"
- Fire/EMS sections are usually open
Pro tip: Check neighboring counties too. You might find open departments within scanner range.
2. Broadcastify.com (Online Feeds)
Live streaming scanner feeds from across the country. Even if your area is encrypted, you can listen to hundreds of other locations.
Browse Broadcastify feeds →3. Scanner Enthusiast Communities
Local scanner groups on Facebook, Reddit (/r/amateurradio, /r/rtlsdr), and RadioReference forums often have the most current information on what's accessible.
Types of Agencies That Often Remain Open
State Police / Highway Patrol
Many state police agencies remain unencrypted for interoperability and public transparency.
Often includes:
- Various state patrol divisions
- Highway patrol units
- State bureau of investigation (dispatch)
County Sheriff Departments
County sheriffs often cover large rural areas where encryption is less common and interoperability is critical.
Often includes:
- Rural county dispatch
- Sheriff patrol
- County corrections transport
Fire & EMS
Fire departments and emergency medical services are almost always unencrypted—even when police encrypt.
Often includes:
- City fire dispatch
- County EMS
- Rescue operations
- Wildfire coordination
Smaller Municipalities
Small towns and suburban departments often lack the budget or motivation to encrypt.
Often includes:
- Small city police
- Township police
- Campus police (some)
Fire & EMS: Your Best Bet
Even when police encrypt, fire departments and EMS almost always stay open. This gives you:
- Emergency incident awareness (fires, accidents, medical calls)
- Severe weather response information
- Natural disaster coordination
- General situational awareness for your area
Fire/EMS access doesn't replace police scanner access, but it's a significant resource that remains available.
State-by-State Transparency
Some states have stronger transparency laws than others. Here's a quick overview:
More Transparent States
- Colorado - Strong transparency laws
- States with pending transparency legislation
- States where community pushback has succeeded
Mixed Access
More Challenging
- Large metro areas trending toward encryption
- States without transparency requirements
See our case studies for specific cities and departments.
Scanner Equipment for Unencrypted Channels
If you're new to scanning or looking to access unencrypted digital channels, here's what you need:
Recommended Scanners (for unencrypted digital)
- Uniden SDS100/SDS200 - Best P25 Phase I & II support
- Whistler TRX-1/TRX-2 - Good digital trunking support
- Uniden BCD436HP/536HP - HomePatrol database, easy setup
Important: These work for unencrypted digital signals. No scanner can decode encrypted channels—don't waste money on products claiming otherwise.
Software Options (SDR)
With software-defined radio (SDR) and the right software, you can monitor unencrypted digital channels on your computer:
- SDR# + DSD+ - Popular combination for P25 decoding
- OP25 - Open-source P25 decoder for Linux
- RTL-SDR dongles - Low-cost hardware (~$25-40)
Online Resources for Scanner Access
Broadcastify
Largest network of live scanner feeds. Free and premium options.
RadioReference
Database of frequencies, talkgroups, and encryption status.
OpenMHz
Open-source scanner streaming platform. Community-run feeds.
Scanner Apps
5-0 Radio, Police Scanner Radio, Scanner Radio - mobile access to feeds.
The Bigger Picture: Fight for Transparency
Finding unencrypted departments is a short-term solution. The long-term answer is policy change—pushing back against unnecessary encryption and advocating for transparency.
Every department that encrypts didn't have to. It was a choice. And communities can pressure them to choose differently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find unencrypted police departments near me?
Use RadioReference.com—the most comprehensive database of police radio systems. Search by county or city, and look for agencies without 'Encrypted' markers. Fire and EMS are usually unencrypted even when police encrypt.
Are any major cities still unencrypted?
Yes, though the number is shrinking. Some state police agencies remain open, and many county sheriffs and smaller municipalities haven't encrypted. The encryption trend accelerated after 2020, but significant coverage remains.
Will all police eventually encrypt?
Not necessarily. Several states have proposed legislation requiring transparency. Colorado has strong transparency laws. Community pushback has reversed encryption in cities like Palo Alto. The trend is not inevitable.
Can I listen to police from other states online?
Yes. Broadcastify.com streams live scanner feeds from across the country. While your local department may be encrypted, you can access hundreds of unencrypted feeds nationwide.
Are fire departments usually encrypted?
No. Fire and EMS typically remain unencrypted even when police encrypt. This is a key alternative for emergency awareness—you may lose police but keep fire/EMS access.
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