My question is.....why does encryption (generally) have to be all or nothing. I 100% understand encryption and believe, at times, a department should use it. However, they should not use it 24/7/365. Only when needed.
During the Ferguson riots online apps were, within 60 seconds or less, broadcasting defensive and offensive plans that the PD was trying to implement. Protesters were using that info to get ahead of the PD. After I heard that, I can agree that that is a perfect time to encrypt. When the event is over, go back to in the clear communication for day to day stuff. That was definitely an officer safety situation. Dare I even say it but in almost all of the officers that I know of that have been injured, or worse, encryption would not have (and in some cases did not) prevent what happened. I have been listening to scanners for over 40 years and use radios every day in my work. And as most of us, I understand how these things work.
Just find a way to use it "when needed". That is all I/we can ask.
As always, IMHO.