The one thing that popped out at me was that us tax payers pay for this system and we have no rights or decision making in this process.
Your rights and decision making in regards to encryption starts and stops at the voting booth. Why is this so difficult for people to comprehend? The typical scanner enthusiast is not qualified to participate in the needs assessments that take place prior to undergoing a major project like a new radio system where encryption might play a part, which is at least partially why you didn't get asked.
Want to make your voice heard? Vote out the people who made the decisions. If they get voted out of office, make sure they understand why you voted that way.
Public Safety just ignores us tax payers for the purchase and maintenance of our own systems.
Your own systems? :roll:
Tax payer dollars pays for a lot of stuff, and as a result there should be transparency in how the financial decisions are made, and where the money goes, but that does not extend to a right to listen in on communications that are not intended as broadcasts to the general public. If THAT'S what you want, listen and donate to NPR.
The police and fire departments are not chartered to provide programmed listening material.
Our tax dollars helped pay for an aircraft carrier or three, but you don't have the right to tell the Navy how to run it. Our tax dollars payed for the moon landings, but we can't demand that NASA give us all a moon rock.
The same holds true for radio systems. The law enforcement community has the perception that the threats they face are more dangerous than in years past. Encryption is just another tool to use. Hobbyists are collateral damage, oh well.
Make your feelings known at the ballot box, but know when you get there that you're probably in a minority. The preponderance of scanner users here on RR may give one the false impression that it's a popular and widespread hobby. It is not. Those of us who like to listen, are just fiercely loyal.
