approach the right people
Now that youve gotten your reply stating the obvious, its time to contact your elected officials. First, look around for encryption information in the forums section here and get as much of the opposing viewpoints as you can get. Then fire off a note to your elected officals. State your reasons for your being upset. The reply you get will probably be the same as the previous one you got from the Chief. Because thats where the elected official is going to forward your note to. So be sure and mention in the note you already got a reply from the Chief... your intent is to not accept the stated reasons for encryption. After you get no where with your elected officials, attend the public meetings and ask why in front of an audience. Most voters become very paranoid at the thought of encryption and ideas such as a police state start spreading quickly. there's nothing like someone asking where is the justification for encrypting ALL transmissions? What statistics did they use to justify not letting us listen? What are they saying thats so private we arent allowed to hear?
It is harder to change back than if we became involved up front before the new system was installed but its worth a try. And for all those that fear encryption is coming to a city or town near you, jump in early... talk it up amongst the townspeople. Get to it before its part of a proposed budget and influence the amount of encryption that will be tolerated. Remember, once that encrypted comm system is part of the proposed budget and is printed, it can only be voted up or down. Rarely is it ever changed once proposed before the vote. I contact my town radio authority once a year and ask whats in the pipeline. Its a matter of public record. They have to respond truthfully. If I hear encryption is in the mix, I will make that known before the system specs are finalized to better influence the outcome. Thats the only way we have a chance to make encryption a limited option instead of a fully encompassing option.
