Hopefully, they'll not encrypt EVERYTHING.
{{ Encrypted audio would remove that ability for folks on the scanner or an app to listen to
certain radio channels,” he continued. If someone wants to listen to the scanner, they can use a physical scanner radio to pick up those frequencies, or they can use a website or app that taps into the digital audio feed.
"In FY2024, the Peoria Police Department plans to spend $3.32 million from the city’s budget to upgrade its nine-year-old radios. With that upgrade, Chief Eric Echevarria is asking for equipment
capable of encryption. That means only those with capable radios will be able to hear what’s going on }}
BUT............
{{ However, for members of the public who listen to scanner traffic, like members of the media, encrypted audio could mean radio silence.
“
We’re only asking that the media who stand in the shoes of the public have access to the transmissions,” Chicago media attorney
Steve Mandell of Mandell Menkes LLC said. “
Of course, the media isn’t going to disrupt the channels of communication.”
Mandell believes some of the concern stemmed from protestors disrupting radio channels during protests against police brutality in 2020. }}
{{ He is currently representing several Chicago TV stations and newspapers as they try to regain access to the city’s scanner traffic. Mandell said he had a contentious discussion with former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and is now continuing those negotiations with Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Johnson promised to reinstate scanner access during his campaign but has yet to follow through on that promise, according to Mandell.
“People have a right to know how their government is acting,” Mandell said. “What we need is more transparency, not less.”
The encryption process will take time, according to Tuttle. The new radios and dispatch consoles will need to be modified to encrypt the audio. He suspects it will take several months to accomplish this, estimating summer or fall of 2024 could be when encryption begins. }}
Steve Tuttle --- I know you are hear --- for the love of the hobby, please don't encrypt EVERYTHING. All scanner listeners can agree that there is sensitive information that probably should not be heard.
