POLICE SCANNER ENCRYPTION SUCKS!

Police scanner encryption is becoming common across the United States. I break down why it's happening and why I think it's a disturbing trend. Let me know your thoughts by "liking" and commenting below!

[kepm]

I AGREE WITH YOUR OPINION. There are times when certain channels or operations should be encrypted but the routine dispatch channels should be in the clear.

[theodorebear]

I think everyone should be allowed to use encryption.

If police can encrypt their transmissions, why can't I?

[kdkdf]

If we are paying for the equipment, we should be able to listen.

[graymaquilter]

I really appreciate this video. I have listened to police and emergency channels for over forty years. My local police department recently encrypted their transmissions, which to me is hugely detrimental to the citizens of our small town. For decades it has been the ONLY meaningful way to know what was going on. I agree that sting operations, etc., should be encrypted somehow but ours already were. Frankly I find it frightening.

[IvyANguyen]

I think as a member of the public we shouldn't be kept in the dark on what's going on in the area. Especially in such dangerous times with the coronavirus out there. I'm all for open communications for all emergencies so we can use our brains and avoid them when possible, or have the most up to date information so we can best weather them. As taxpayers I think we also have a right to know where our taxes are going, too.

[bluehorseshoe]

To totally encrypt all communications in a county is total BS and a complete waste of taxpayer money. Yes, encrypt SWAT or undercover channels if you want, but why does the Fire/EMS need to be encrypted? Main dispatch? It's going to take a law change to open this back up to us. The radio salespeople are very good at their jobs and this makes them a ton of money.

[streak]

We need an Edward Snowden for the scanner world.

[johnsawyers]

Don't forget you also have volunteer firefighters and EMS that always listen to police scanners to

[tooge]

That's no "federal grant, " that's MY stolen money

[montanaprepper]

As a former swat instructor I can tell you we stayed radio silent. There are other encrypted options other than radio that we deployed. One such option most folks can utilize is encrypted cell network calling. It's digital. As long as the cell signal is good it is a great secure alternative and Google play has a couple apps. But Android based apps have security limitations which brings encrypted Linux based communications into the arena. Linux even has fairly secure gps not based on Google. So don't get too hung up on just encrypted digital radio because the big boys aren't even using it.

[MrAntisocialGuy]

100% agree. I miss listening to scanner traffic and knowing what was going on in my area.

[myroadtours]

Dispatch yes sensitive no. My friends and I used to have fun listening to police chatter, especially police copters.

[TampaMaximumMike]

At least I can still hear the security guards at the local mall.

[MichiganMaker]

I agree with each of your points. Listening also increases my appreciation for the work our public servants do each day. With Encryption, we are moving toward a secret police state.

[Sunsetdrivein]

In my area, the police will say on the air if something is sensitive, they should move to the cell phone instead.

[carlossantini]

Encryption should be for sensitive information, dispatch shouldn't be encrypted. If you want confidentiality, use cellphones and Zello.

[Keeganshero]

Having been a Denver resident for over 20 years and a scanner enthusiast I hope Colorado can pass a sensible bill on this. I had the app on the iPhone and I remember the time where I was like oh it no longer works. I think there is a need for public to know what their civil servants are doing. I understand also undercover swat and those types that need encryption.

[jrforsythe]

I am disabled and use a scanner to be aware of areas where there may be trouble and to keep myself safe.

[bobcosgrove]

Police transmission should be a matter of public record.

[skypilot]

I'm a long time scanner monitor. I believe it's ok to encrypt some channels, but leave primary dispatch alone. (30+ years in public safety.)