Tucson Fire Department gets Motorola APX Next XN radios

[ScanRafael]

TFD is rolling out the new Motorola APX Next XN radios this month.

Remainder of post and pictures at: x.com

 

[kd7eir]

Once the rollout is complete, they will be encrypted, according to the city manager's office.

Tucson police seek $1M in high-tech gear to curb street racing

The Tucson City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to begin pursuing the suggestions to add or expand technology available to police in their fight against street racing.

tucson.com

 

[ScanRafael]

Once the rollout is complete, they will be encrypted, according to the city manager's office.

Tucson police seek $1M in high-tech gear to curb street racing

The Tucson City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to begin pursuing the suggestions to add or expand technology available to police in their fight against street racing.

tucson.com

Where in that article does it state that Tucson Fire Department's radios will be encrypted?

 

[kd7eir]

Where in that article does it state that Tucson Fire Department's radios will be encrypted?

"

Encrypting pubic safety radios​

"The city manager’s office proposed its departments move toward encrypting their radio feeds, as nearby jurisdictions like those in Phoenix have done.
There is currently no additional cost required to encrypt its radios, the city says, as they recently purchased new mobile and portable radios “that come with this encryption technology available.” Street racers have access access to city communications and are “able to stay one step ahead,” the city said.


The city expects to have its new radios fully deployed by June 2024."

 

[oracavon]

As stated, that was only a proposal by the city manager. Neither TPD nor TFD have officially responded to, much less accepted, that proposal. Don't jump to conclusions. It's now August of 2024, two months after the expected full deployment date, and nothing has been encrypted.

In April, TPD Chief Kasmar expressed concern regarding the ongoing costs of maintaining new equipment, and how the city would pay for it. Encryption was one of the many things being considered, but spending money on encryption would reduce the amount of available funds for the other equipment needed to combat street crime. Again, no official decisions have been announced.

Tucson using technology to put brakes on street racing, takeovers

The Tucson Police Department shared its list of ways to slow down street racing with the council during a meeting on Thursday, April 25.

www.kold.com

 

[oracavon]

As further support for my last post, see the TFD messages on their X (aka Twitter) feed (which the OP referred to). TFD is showing off their new radios and and talking about all the new capabilties. They say absolutely nothing about encryption. There is no basis for assuming that they will eventually be encrypted. Again, the city manager doesn't make these decisions. He only makes proposals, which individual departments are free to either accept or reject.

x.com

x.com

 

[GlobalNorth]

PCWIN and the City of Tucson public safety agencies have the big say over what is encrypted and what is not. The FD really has no need of encryption beyond criminal incidents they are involved in - so after a dedicated encryption channel or two is specified for tactical scenes - the FD is better equipped from a PR point.

 

[Ravenfalls]

FD is just a user. Employees have no idea nor care about enc or not. The horrible Tucson incident a few years ago is why Tucson is looking at encryption.

It's about the enjoyment having the latest technology which enables long distance communication and user safety.