MPSCS Policy - Prep Programming / Monitoring Encryption

[Keithrl79]

I know the discussion of hacking the encryption of encrypted talkgroups has come up. The legality of it is of course one issue that usually trumps anyone from giving any information on the subject.

However, the legality part of monitoring encrypted talkgroups aside -- I do have some questions relating to if this is possible, and policies of the MPSCS regarding this.

So I am in communications for an agency that encrypts some channels. I also have a prep radio assigned to me for my agency, and we are apart of the MPSCS. I do not work for Livonia PD and my "goal" would be to listen to Livonia PD (as that is the city I reside in). This is purely for hobbyist interest, and the audio heard would be for my ears only. (I would not be looking to rebroadcast chases or such on youtube... which I had heard was a reason for them going to encryption). Keep in mind as well, as in my position I am privy to LEIN information as well as inter-department messages that contain confidential info... including info that would never go out over the air.

So obviously - with the correct setup of the prep (and permission/programming from Livonia) I could monitor Livonia's talk groups. Being I have a radio fully capable of this system (and apparently encryption/decryption for my agency) -- it stands to reason it 'would' work.

So I have a better understanding of the different factors at play, as far as programming as well as policy... here are some questions:

1) Without ever talking with Livonia (and setting MPSCS policy aside)... would it be even possible to simply program my prep to monitor Livonia's encrypted channels? (Assuming radio programming done by a tech).... is their encryption key something only Livonia knows? Like a password?

2) This is more of a MPSCS policy question --- What about programming & monitoring NON-encrypted talkgroups? (Again assuming radio programming done by a tech) -- I assume this one would be more of a programming policy thing, since any radio scanner can monitor... so is there a policy that dictates how an agency's radio programming map needs to be. Does a changed programming map affect how the radio is recognized or operates on the MPSCS system?

3) Getting an agency's permission to monitor their encrypted channel... would this (the encryption key) have to be specially given by the agency? If the agency used a rolling encryption key, would this automatically be updated with all the preps? Is it something like, they know each of the 'allowed' preps by serial number and are remote updated?

Again... this is nothing in attempts to pull a fast one... just really trying to better understand the system, and what my options might be for legitimately monitoring Livonia PD for example. I am also considering joining CERT for Livonia -- and with my various credentials, I am wondering if the person in charge at LPD might make an exception or something...

Thanks

Keith

 

[Thunderbolt]

1) Without ever talking with Livonia (and setting MPSCS policy aside)... would it be even possible to simply program my prep to monitor Livonia's encrypted channels? (Assuming radio programming done by a tech).... is their encryption key something only Livonia knows? Like a password?

It's my understanding that each agency's encryption key is proprietary in nature. You would first have to obtain permission from Livonia, and then if granted, have their radio technician load it onto your radio, provided that your unit will support the type of encryption algorithm being used by the city. Once you clear those hurdles you should be able to listen to their talkgroups.

2) This is more of a MPSCS policy question --- What about programming & monitoring NON-encrypted talkgroups? (Again assuming radio programming done by a tech) -- I assume this one would be more of a programming policy thing, since any radio scanner can monitor... so is there a policy that dictates how an agency's radio programming map needs to be. Does a changed programming map affect how the radio is recognized or operates on the MPSCS system?

When the MPSCS first started, you had to obtain written permission from the agency in question, to have your radio programmed with their talkgroups. Non law enforcement Statewide Event talkgroups are exempt from this policy. However, you might want to check with the MPSCS HQ in E. Lansing to find out the most current policy regarding this matter.

3) Getting an agency's permission to monitor their encrypted channel... would this (the encryption key) have to be specially given by the agency? If the agency used a rolling encryption key, would this automatically be updated with all the preps? Is it something like, they know each of the 'allowed' preps by serial number and are remote updated?

Yes it would, and the keys are closely guarded by the agency. I know the MPSCS fully supports OTAR, but it all depends on the type of encryption being used by the agency in question. Some agencies have multiple encryption codes that are used by different levels within the department. This means that a radio assigned to a regular patrol officer, would not be able to monitor encrypted talkgroups used by command and administration level employees.

73's

Ron

 

[rdale]

Written permission still needed to get a TG outside of your template. We had to go through a lot of hoops in EatonCo to add disaster related TGs from Calhoun.


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[RadioRon]

Yes, permission is needed from another agency to add their talkgroup to your radio. The written permission can be as simple as an email. The hardest part is usually finding the person that can give permission. This is submitted to the MPSPS Radio Program Unit. They will rewrite the template with the new talkgroup ( and encryption key if necessary ). MPSCS are the only ones who can modify talkgroup related items in the template. Other radio items like button function or radio behavior can be modified by anyone with the proper software (it has to be the proper version number). All MPSCS asks if that a copy of the changed template be sent back to them so they have a current copy.