They DO have a digital frequency already, which is confusing why they would go total encrypted after a 1.2M upgrade to their radio system
Upgrades go in stages.
Rolling system out with Minimal encryption is standard. It could be few days to months, Once all kinks worked out, then flip the switch.
Unfortunate, but DHS is pushing to point of mandating enc. Not just Mass.
CHP California Highway Patrol has mentioned encryption this year.
basically they will keep dispatch unencrypted for as long as possible.
What I'm seeing on west coast, agencies jumping to private systems DMR or NXDN & going enc. They request a low budget for a grant pay for it. A small agency grant of $25,000 - $50,000 pay for the switch since radios cost roughly $500 compared to almost $10,000 APX.
In future, they will do another grant move to a P25 public safety system with APX or Harris radios. Either their own or lease off County or state etc.