Partner Organizations
Coalition Partners Fighting for Transparency
These organizations share our commitment to public access, police accountability, and First Amendment rights. Connect with them to strengthen your local advocacy efforts.
Media Coalitions
News organizations united for press access
NYC Media Consortium
Regional CoalitionCoalition of New York City news organizations that successfully lobbied for Int. 1460-2025, requiring NYPD to provide credentialed journalists with access to encrypted radio communications.
California News Publishers Association
State AssociationRepresents over 1,200 daily and weekly newspapers in California. Advocates for press freedom, public records access, and transparency in law enforcement communications.
State Press Associations
Nationwide NetworkEvery state has a press association representing local newspapers and digital news outlets. These organizations often lead legislative efforts against encryption and provide legal support for access disputes.
- New Jersey Press Association
- Texas Press Association
- Florida Press Association
- Illinois Press Association
Find your state's press association through the America Press Institute
Civil Liberties Organizations
Defending constitutional rights and government accountability
ACLU
National & State ChaptersThe American Civil Liberties Union has championed police transparency for decades. State chapters often take the lead on local encryption fights, providing legal expertise and advocacy infrastructure.
- NYCLU - Led NYC coalition against NYPD encryption
- ACLU of Illinois - Monitoring Chicago encryption
- ACLU of California - Statewide advocacy
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
National OrganizationProvides free legal resources to journalists and news organizations. Their Legal Defense Hotline offers guidance on access issues, including police scanner encryption disputes.
First Amendment Coalition
California-Based National AdvocacyDefends free speech and access to public information. Active on police transparency issues throughout California and provides model advocacy strategies for other states.
Government Accountability Groups
Watchdogs ensuring transparent government
Project On Government Oversight (POGO)
National WatchdogNonpartisan independent watchdog investigating government misconduct and advocating for reform. Works on transparency issues across federal, state, and local agencies.
Sunlight Foundation
Technology & TransparencyAdvocates for government openness through technology and policy. Pioneer in open government data and transparency standards.
State Open Government Coalitions
Local Advocacy NetworksMany states have dedicated open government coalitions bringing together journalists, activists, and transparency advocates. These groups often lead FOIA litigation and legislative efforts.
- New York Coalition for Open Government
- Florida First Amendment Foundation
- Texas Freedom of Information Foundation
- California Aware
Professional Associations
Industry voices for journalism and accountability
RTDNA
Radio Television Digital News AssociationThe world's largest professional organization for broadcast and digital journalists. RTDNA has formally opposed police encryption, citing its direct impact on breaking news coverage.
SPJ - Society of Professional Journalists
National Journalism OrganizationThe nation's most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism. SPJ chapters often advocate against encryption at local and state levels.
IRE - Investigative Reporters and Editors
Investigative Journalism NetworkA grassroots nonprofit dedicated to improving investigative journalism. IRE members have documented encryption's impact on accountability reporting and provide training on alternative investigation methods.
How to Connect
Building relationships with partner organizations
Research First
Before reaching out, understand the organization's current priorities and recent work. Look for existing statements on police transparency or encryption.
Find the Right Contact
Look for policy directors, legal counsel, or local chapter leaders. National organizations often refer you to state or local affiliates for on-the-ground work.
Lead with Shared Values
Frame your outreach around values you share: transparency, accountability, public safety, First Amendment rights. Make it easy for them to see alignment.
Bring Specific Information
Come with documentation: your city's encryption plans, relevant case studies, or evidence of encryption's impact. Make it easy for them to understand the issue.
Propose Clear Actions
Have specific asks ready: join our coalition, provide legal analysis, write a letter to the city council, assign a reporter to cover the issue.
Maintain the Relationship
Keep partners informed of developments. Share wins and setbacks. Make it easy for them to stay engaged without constant effort.
Building Local Coalitions
National organizations provide credibility and resources, but local coalitions win local fights. Here's how to build one:
Start with Media
Local TV stations and newspapers have the most to lose from encryption. Contact news directors first—they often become coalition anchors.
Engage Fire & EMS
Fire departments often oppose police encryption due to interoperability concerns. Their public safety credibility is invaluable.
Recruit Civil Liberties Allies
State ACLU chapters, local bar associations, and press freedom groups bring legal expertise and advocacy experience.
Include Community Voices
Neighborhood associations, parent groups, and community organizations demonstrate grassroots support and electoral pressure.