US Police Radio Encryption Map
For seven decades, police radio was accessible to anyone with a scanner. Today, more than 1,263 agencies across 51 states have gone silent. This map shows the spread of encryption and the communities fighting back.
Map Legend
Encryption by Region
Click any state to view detailed case studies, encrypted agencies, and local advocacy resources.
West Coast
High EncryptionSouthwest
High EncryptionMountain West
ModerateMidwest
ModerateNortheast
High EncryptionSoutheast
ModerateFind Your State
Not sure about your local area? Search our database of encrypted agencies to check if your city or county has gone dark.
The Encryption Timeline: 2018-2026
The spread of police radio encryption accelerated dramatically after 2020. What was once rare became routine as departments nationwide blocked public access.
Early adopters: Massachusetts, parts of Arizona begin encryption
LAPD encrypts all radio, setting a major precedent
Post-George Floyd protests trigger nationwide surge
Chicago, Phoenix, and dozens of major cities go dark
Philadelphia, San Diego, Denver encrypt
Chicago implements 30-minute delays, NYPD announces plans
NYPD completes $390M encryption, breaking 92 years of transparency
New Jersey statewide NJICS encryption discovered
Current state: Over 2,300+ agencies encrypted nationwide
2,300+ agenciesRegional Statistics
West Coast
Southwest
Mountain West
Midwest
Northeast
Southeast
Model Legislation: Colorado HB21-1250
Colorado passed HB21-1250 in 2021, requiring law enforcement agencies to establish policies for media access to encrypted communications. This legislation proves that states can protect both security interests and press freedom.
- Requires written media access policies
- Protects journalist access to police communications
- Sets precedent for other states
- Demonstrates bipartisan support is possible
State Action Guides
Ready to fight encryption in your state? We have detailed action guides with state-specific public records request templates, legislator contacts, and local success stories.
Listening from an encrypted area?
Encryption silences police dispatch, but fire, EMS, weather, aviation, and most county channels stay open. This gear covers what remains:
Fight Encryption in Your Community
Every encrypted department started with a decision that could have been challenged. Whether your city is already dark or still open, there's work to do.