Police Encryption: The Briefing
What Your Constituents Need You to Know
Before you vote on police radio encryption, you should understand who it affects, what the evidence shows, and what questions to ask. This briefing provides the information your police chief may not volunteer.
Executive Summary
The Core Issue
Police encryption eliminates public access to routine dispatch communications. For 50+ years, communities have relied on this access during emergencies, for journalism, and for accountability. Encryption changes that fundamentally.
The Evidence
When Palo Alto searched 3 years of police records for any case where scanner access harmed officers, they found zero. The claimed safety benefit has no documented evidence. Meanwhile, documented harms from encryption include missed emergency alerts and reduced accountability.
The Cost
Full encryption typically costs $2-10+ million depending on department size, plus ongoing maintenance. NYPD's system: $390 million. This expenditure has zero documented return on investment.
Alternatives Exist
Hybrid systems encrypt tactical channels while keeping dispatch open. The California Highway Patrol broadcasts badge numbers instead of names. Brief delays can protect sensitive info without blanket secrecy. Better options are available.
Who Uses Scanners in Your District
Your constituents who will be affected
Parents During Emergencies
When schools lock down, parents turn to scanners for real-time information about what's happening and whether their children are safe. Official notifications often arrive late. Encryption leaves parents in the dark during the most stressful moments of their lives.
Volunteer Firefighters
Many communities depend on volunteer fire departments. These volunteers monitor police channels to understand scene safety before arrival. Encryption breaks this situational awareness they've relied on for decades.
Local Journalists
Newsrooms use scanners to cover breaking news - accidents, fires, crimes. RTDNA ranked encryption as the #1 threat to journalism. Your local news coverage will be slower and less complete after encryption.
Neighborhood Watch Groups
Community safety organizations use scanner access to understand activity in their neighborhoods. They're often the first to report suspicious activity and coordinate with police. Encryption removes their awareness.
People With Disabilities
Scanner apps with visual alerts serve deaf and hard-of-hearing residents. Real-time information helps people with mobility limitations make evacuation decisions. Encryption eliminates these accessibility accommodations.
Truckers and Commuters
Commercial drivers and commuters monitor scanners to avoid accidents and traffic. This keeps highways safer and reduces congestion. Encryption removes this real-time traffic intelligence.
Questions to Ask Your Police Chief
Due diligence before voting
Evidence for Officer Safety
"Can you cite a specific documented case where scanner access harmed an officer in our jurisdiction?"
Palo Alto searched 3 years of records and found zero cases. If your chief claims scanner access endangers officers, ask for specific documented evidence. The answer is almost certainly that no such documentation exists.
Total Cost
"What is the total 5-year cost including equipment, licensing, maintenance, and training?"
Initial equipment costs are often quoted without ongoing expenses. P25 encryption systems require key management, software updates, and periodic hardware replacement. Get the full picture.
Alternatives Considered
"What alternatives to blanket encryption were considered, and why were they rejected?"
Hybrid systems, badge number broadcasting, and limited delays all protect sensitive information without eliminating public access. If these weren't considered, ask why.
Fire/EMS Interoperability
"How will fire and EMS maintain situational awareness at multi-agency incidents?"
Fire chiefs often oppose encryption because it breaks coordination. At active shooter scenes, fires, and major accidents, first responders need to know what police are doing. Ask how this will work.
Public Input
"Was there a public hearing before this proposal? Will there be one before implementation?"
Encryption affects everyone who uses scanner access. A decision this significant deserves public input. If there wasn't a hearing, ask why not.
Media Access
"What provisions exist for media access to cover breaking news?"
Even if you support encryption, consider whether journalists should have some access for public safety reporting. Colorado law requires media access provisions. What's the plan here?
Model Policy Options
Alternatives to blanket encryption
Option 1: Maintain Transparency
Reject blanket encryption. Require any future encryption proposal to include:
- Documented evidence of scanner-related harm
- Analysis of alternatives
- Public hearing with 30+ days notice
- Two-thirds council vote to approve
This is what Palo Alto effectively did after reversing their encryption.
Option 2: Hybrid System
Encrypt tactical channels only, keep routine dispatch open:
- SWAT and undercover operations encrypted
- Hostage situations encrypted
- Routine patrol and dispatch remain open
- Clear policy on what qualifies as "tactical"
This protects genuinely sensitive operations while preserving public access.
Option 3: Officer Identity Protection
Protect officer names without encryption:
- Broadcast badge numbers instead of names
- Use call signs for routine communications
- Train dispatchers on what to broadcast
- No expensive system changes needed
The California Highway Patrol uses this approach successfully.
Option 4: Limited Delay
Brief delay for sensitive information only:
- 5-10 minute delay for specific incident types
- Real-time access for routine calls
- Clear criteria for what triggers delay
- Media access to real-time feed with credentials
Still has problems but better than blanket encryption.
Voting Record Implications
How constituents view this issue
Press Coverage
Local journalists will cover your vote. They have a direct stake in this issue. Editorial boards often oppose encryption. Your position will be documented and remembered.
Accountability Groups
Police accountability organizations track encryption votes. ACLU, NAACP, and civil liberties groups view encryption as an accountability issue. Your vote signals your position on transparency.
Public Safety Frame
Encryption can be framed either way: "officer safety" (police argument) or "community safety" (transparency argument). Highland Park showed that public access saves lives. You choose which frame to adopt.
Fiscal Responsibility
Millions of dollars for a system with zero documented benefit is a fiscal responsibility question. Constituents who prioritize careful spending will want to know what problem this solves.
One-Pager for Your Files
Print this summary for reference
Police Radio Encryption: Key Facts
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
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Public Testimony
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