Of course not. Having seen many sources I realize that radio traffic is but one tool in the box. My intention is to fight for as many tools as we can keep hold of.
I think the encryption battle is lost, not that it was ever for the scanner listener to win.
I'm working on a project to completely refresh our VHF system for our PD, and it will include encryption. Making sure it's able to be monitored by consumer scanners isn't even on the table. If someone has a need to hear traffic, either phone or radio, it can be requested by FOIA request.
As often is the case, great posts mmckenna. Sometimes my replies to parts of your posts are to reach other readers and invoke thought processes.
Thanks, I appreciate that.
I understand that about the replies. A lot of people read and don't comment, so sharing useful information is always good.
You bring up some valid points. There needs to be accountability, but I don't think scanners are the answer.
Before scanners existed, before officers carried radios, none of this information was available to the public. While scanners have been nice, I think their days of openly monitoring law enforcement traffic are waning. Technology is moving to digital, and with that will come wider use of encryption.
And I don't think that encryption necessarily means an agency is trying to hide something. It's just good practice. Like I said above, making sure radio traffic is available to scanner listeners isn't necessarily on any agencies list of concerns. I've been in those discussions.