FCC: Amateur & Personal Radio Users Reminded Not to Use Radios in Crimes

[nd5y]

FCC: Amateur & Personal Radio Users Reminded Not to Use Radios in Crimes

Amateur & Personal Radio Users Reminded Not to Use Radios in Crimes

The FCC Enforcement Bureau issued today an advisory to remind licensees and operators in the Amateur and Personal Radio Services that they may not use radio equipment to commit or facilitate crimes.

www.fcc.gov

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-73A1.pdf

 

[FIRE321FIGHTER1985]

Don't take this the wrong way, but that is COMMON SENSE. very good advice !!!

 

[GlobalNorth]

Crime as in a purse snatching gang or an Orwellian thought-crime?

 

[mmckenna]

Crime as in a purse snatching gang or an Orwellian thought-crime?

Crime as in ignorant people doing stupid things because they didn't get what THEY wanted.

 

[AK9R]

The Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission issues this Enforcement Advisory to remind licensees in the Amateur Radio Service, as well as licensees and operators in the Personal Radio Services, that the Commission prohibits the use of radios in those services to commit or facilitate criminal acts.

The Bureau has become aware of discussions on social media platforms suggesting that certain radio services regulated by the Commission may be an alternative to social media platforms for groups to communicate and coordinate future activities. The Bureau recognizes that these services can be used for a wide range of permitted purposes, including speech that is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Amateur and Personal Radio Services, however, may not be used to commit or facilitate crimes.

Personal Radio Services includes GMRS, FRS, and CB.

Full advisory downloadable from FCC website here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-73A1.pdf

 

[KB4MSZ]

Ah yes, the old "I just robbed a bank and now I'll call the getaway car with my GMRS radio" trick.

 

[INDY72]

Umm duhhhh Antifa and BLM and almost all the "militia' roll on FRS, MURS, GMRS, and CB... Everyone is panicked about this week. FCC actually waking up NOW? uh huh yeah.

 

[KevinC]

Something tells me this won't deter very many of them.

 

[KB4MSZ]

Something tells me this won't deter very many of them.

You must be joking. The ARRL has spoken.

 

[bb911]

That wouldn't have stopped the insurgents who appeared on photographs and videos with their radios (I've been told that they were the higher cost Baofengs) complete with about 15 in antennas. A Ham took a screenshot of their website and 146.52 was one of the freqs listed. I don't think it will stop them the next time, but the Sec Serv won't be caught watching the paint dry in the future.

 

[prcguy]

So the FCC suggests not to use radios in crimes but they are not saying not to do the crime. I'm ok with that.

Instead they should point out that the use of a radio in this or that crime will add more punishable offenses, but it seems that's never enforced so its all meaningless and we should do whatever we want because nobody cares.

 

[INDY72]

That wouldn't have stopped the insurgents who appeared on photographs and videos with their radios (I've been told that they were the higher cost Baofengs) complete with about 15 in antennas. A Ham took a screenshot of their website and 146.52 was one of the freqs listed. I don't think it will stop them the next time, but the Sec Serv won't be caught watching the paint dry in the future.

This has been standard since back in late 90's. Look at almost any of the prepper/militia sites and the pics from 2016, the "peaceful protests" all last year. They pack everything from the CCR's, to expensive radios but all using the Ham, FRS, MURS, GMRS, and in spots they can use it for longer ranges, CB, and CB-SSB. Ain't just the DC event... But they are about to use that as an excuse. I monitor the "peaceful protestors" locally on FRS, GMRS, MURS etc... And ain't one of them involved in the DC event.. They are all Antifa and BLM. This radio game is played by all groups. But again,... This stuff has been popping off since at least 2016, and the gov'ment ain't really give a darn til the DC thing.

 

[RaleighGuy]

" licensees and operators in the Amateur and Personal Radio Services "

So, if I'm not licensed and using the business or public safety band it is perfectly okay for them to do it?

 

[eaf1956]

They will just buy those encrypted radios that can't be monitored.

 

[mmckenna]

And yet you’re missing the whole point of the insidious partisan/political censorship happening right before your eyes in the name of “fighting crime and violence”. It’s almost like history books are not read anymore...

Or maybe I'm well aware of what's happening and still laugh at the people that try to twist it into something else.

None the less, we know the FCC won't be out there ticketing people for Baofengs. The people buying these radios are not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed. If they knew what they were doing, they'd find something better than a $25 analog radio. To the guys who love to play dress up, it's just another piece of the costume jewelry, especially when the run the big ribbon antennas and tactical vests.

 

[nd5y]

They will just buy those encrypted radios that can't be monitored.

Probably the ones with 50 "privacy codes".

 

[INDY72]

Lol some already have the 75 buck baofengs that do DMR and can encrypt. Luckily those are the few and far between ones.

 

[eaf1956]

Of course, if you are going to commit a crime then why would you obey the FCC

 

[trentbob]

The warnings put out by the FCC are obligatory only, they are on the record now as saying it, the only enforcement will be done by federal law enforcement. They got caught with their pants down around their ankles last time. Now they're ready.

 

[jhooten]

What do you want to bet the noise floor on VandUHF goes way up in the DC area this week, if you know what I mean?