More Twin Cities Law Enforcement Locking Down Police Radio Traffic, Stirring Debate

[kayn1n32008]

Really the workload isn’t that much.

Some times it isn't about workload.

It’s done very effectively around here. Any time you’re giving a phone number, sharing any sensitive CJIS stuff, describing anything personal in serious detail, you switch to your channel 3 (ops) which is encrypted. Same for complicated events best kept secret-ish. Normal dispatch stuff stays in the clear except for that. I believe that’s the best way for it to be done.

depending on the intensity of an event, it may not be feasible.

Better interoperability with clear dispatch channels when agencies don’t have the same encryption keys, without having to tie up statewide talkgroups.

All VERY easily solved with OTAR, and multiple KMF's if agencies are paranoid.

Keeps the public informed enough to be happy

LMFAO. The VAST majority of the public doesn't listen to publicsafety radio comms. Like a very small fraction of 1%.

and public safety accountable.

You don't need to listen to radio comms to keep public safety accountable.

 

[wogggieee]

LMFAO. The VAST majority of the public doesn't listen to publicsafety radio comms. Like a very small fraction of 1%.

You don't need a large amount of people to listen to them. The people who do are often media or recording transmissions who can tell others what happened. Short of that we're left filing FOIA requests that are probably going to be redacted beyond being useful or waiting for official statements from the PIO which are often less than truthful. It's funny how the law enforcement statement changes when video, audio, and radio transmissions come out, especially from a third party. Police work for us and should be monitored closely, especially with their less than stellar record of honesty.

If so few people really do listen then law enforcement doesn't have to worry.

 

[kayn1n32008]

The people who do are often media or recording transmissions who can tell others what happened.

Then the media can make the case to have access via an agency controlled radio.

Short of that we're left filing FOIA requests

Such is life.

If so few people really do listen then law enforcement doesn't have to worry.

Thankfully, they have the option to keep their comms private.

 

[wogggieee]

Thankfully, they have the option to keep their comms private.

Thankfully they don't have to deal with being transparent. Praise the lord! We definitely want the people who act on behalf of the government with the ability to murder citizens to be able to keep their communications private. That's really what's best for the people and the country.

 

[mmckenna]

This is going to get me flamed, but it needs to be said:

I always find it humorous when people seem to think that the -ONLY- way an agency can be transparent is by catering to the needs of scanner hobbyists.

Seriously, take a step back and think about that before responding. If you really, really think that that is the only way they can, you just might be biased.

 

[ofd8001]

Well, if I hear a lot of sirens in my area along with a helicopter orbiting overhead, I kinda like being able to turn the scanner on to get some idea of why. Then when I hear units clearing, I know it's safer to go outside.

If I am driving, I like to monitor channels to know if there is a crash that I need to avoid.

The way things are now, it will require PIO notification, PIO finding out what is happening, draft a statement and disseminate it, all of which takes time.

Then monitoring law enforcement will help me gauge which areas seem to attract most attention, so I can avoid these areas.

All that said I understand there are certain activities (narcotics, stake-outs, warrant service, SWAT, etc.) where secrecy is key to successful outcome. But regular dispatch channels, should be in the clear.

That's applicable whether I'm at home in Louisville or in the Twin cities visiting relatives.

 

[wogggieee]

This is going to get me flamed, but it needs to be said:

I always find it humorous when people seem to think that the -ONLY- way an agency can be transparent is by catering to the needs of scanner hobbyists.

Seriously, take a step back and think about that before responding. If you really, really think that that is the only way they can, you just might be biased.

Never said it was the only way. It's one of the tools which is used by many. I mentioned FOIA, video, and audio in previous comments as well. Seriously work on your reading comprehension. If you really, really think that is the only way I said, you might be biased.

 

[mmckenna]

If you really, really think that is the only way I said, you might be biased.

Not biased, just experienced and realistic.

Like many others here, I got my start with a scanner. That lead to a career spanning multiple decades. That has allowed me to see things from many different angles, most others will never experience that. I understand the frustration that hobbyists have with encryption, but I can also understand why it happens. Encryption does not preclude transparency. Many of us would be happy to have respectful discussions about that, and have in other posts.

 

[EAFrizzle]

Transparency is not an object; it is a mindset.

Encryption is a tool for privacy and protection. It's also a lazy way to approach opacity and secrecy.

The solution is to elect honest officials.

 

[bearcatrp]

The solution is to elect honest officials.

If thats the case, no one will get elected.

 

[knockoffham]

Some times it isn't about workload.

depending on the intensity of an event, it may not be feasible.

All VERY easily solved with OTAR, and multiple KMF's if agencies are paranoid.

LMFAO. The VAST majority of the public doesn't listen to publicsafety radio comms. Like a very small fraction of 1%.

You don't need to listen to radio comms to keep public safety accountable.

I don’t understand what’s so funny about less than 1% of people listening to public safety radio comms. As other people said, the 1% that do are media who love to make mountains out of molehills especially when all they hear is bits and pieces of dispatch, and then give us 500 phone calls about something that ultimately isn’t news worthy at all because it is something boring.