KALAMAZOO ENCRYPTION

[garryd451]

We missed everything... Lansing Fire has been on MPSCS since 1997 so we hadn't heard anything more than a dispatch for years (they used to simulcast dispatch only on VHF until around 2000.) We didn't ask for any encrypted comms because LFD doesn't do that.

We originally got just dispatch - they wouldn't give us fireground. I called back daily until they finally caved and gave us the fireground channels (2 & 3.) Then the first call I heard when the radio came back went to channel 4 ;> It was the EMS / Trauma channel, so I called again and they added 4 & 5 (Admin.)

I imagine if a media outlet wanted any dispatch channel, even if encrypted as it sounds like Kazoo will do, it would be allowed. Can't imagine the state would want to wage a legal battle for dispatches. Based on what I've seen elsewhere, it would be a losing battle

MPSC

- Rob

I thought the Michigan State Police was the first agency to go on the MPSCS in the arly 2000's. But You stated that the Lansing Fire Department went on the MPSC in 1997. Can You explain that or unconfuse me>

Thanks,
Garry

 

[rdale]

"I thought the Michigan State Police was the first agency to go on the MPSCS in the arly 2000's."

No, they were the first in 1997. I'm not sure which agency actually keyed up the mike first but I'd guess MSP.

"But You stated that the Lansing Fire Department went on the MPSC in 1997."

Either '97 or '98, I didn't move here until '99.

http://www.michigan.gov/mpscs/0,1607,7-184-25408-71405--,00.html

- Rob

 

[newsdork]

macomb monitor brought up the point that there may be some legal ramifications. a friend e mailed me this from the associated press

Wichita Falls/Media Reach Agreement About Police Scanners
WICHITA FALLS, Texas (AP) - More than a month after new encrypted police scanners went silent for the media and public, news organizations have reached an agreement with the city to allow access to the communications.
The media outlets had threatened to sue for the same access to real-time police and fire communications they had in the past. By listening to scanners, reporters find out about car accidents, crimes, fires, road closures and public safety threats.
But the new 800-MHz digital radio system requires specific equipment, plus encryption codes for police transmissions, for someone to hear the traffic.
In the agreement approved Monday, the city will allow television stations KFDX and KAUZ and the Wichita Falls Times Record News each to buy as many as two digital radios.
The radios will be programmed to receive dispatching information from the Wichita Falls Fire Department as well as the Police Department's primary traffic channel.
"We feel it is important that the citizens know that it is our sincere desire to have a transparent city government," Mayor Lanham Lyne said in a news release.
For weeks, Wichita Falls officials insisted that the media and other outside parties should not have access. Officials said officers' safety was at risk if the public knew where police were going.
They also said information officers need to give to each other during an incident, such as someone's health condition or criminal activities, cannot be broadcast with others listening.
As the scanners turned quiet, media outlets asked citizens to call when they saw breaking news events. Drew Hadwal, KAUZ news director, said those tips were invaluable. Others agreed.
"I think it's particularly extraordinary that the two TV stations and the newspaper were all able to put competitive impulses aside and work as one to negotiate with the Police Department and city officials to come up with this contract," said Carroll Wilson, editor of the Times Record News.

 

[OmensEdge]

Well, I spent the weekend programming a 2096 for my friend and I've heard just about every Kalamazoo County and Public Safety talkgroup. I've even heard talkgroups that would be considered more sensitive such as the tactical officers and detectives. What exactly were you hearing when you made this thread? Was it a lack of traffic in the talkgroups or were they actually talking about encryption on their radios?

 

[rdale]

Reports are that this month users are taking their radios in to be reprogrammed with the encryption key - not that it has taken place yet.

 

[newsdork]

Maybe they are in the midst of testing, i have heard it several times in the last few weeks on various tgs, then the next day they will be back clean. The scanner read ENC when ever it happens.