Upcoming Encryption

[ofd8001]

There could be some interoperability/mutual aid talkgroups that use encryption and they are wanting to be prepared for that. But I also agree (and this comes from many decades as a fire chief), general/ordinary/day to day operations don't require encryption. And the public thirst's to know why there is a big column of smoke over there may generate lots of calls to the PIO that could be avoided.

 

[CcSkyEye]

Unless there is more to the story that wasn't posted, that screenshot looks to simply be a line item to add encryption capability.

Lots of reasons to do so without fully encrypting their communications. Although a likely possibility since people just can't behave like adults.

I agree. I'm guessing this is to update a certain group of radios with encryption keys or something along those lines.

 

[radiogod_2103]

its prob because when there buying these radios the dealers are throwing in the encrp option for free to convince them to buy them.

 

[miked9372]

did some more research from prior meetings but hopefully it is just for interop and they wont use this as an "excuse" to encrypt the main.

 

[n0esc]

did some more research from prior meetings but hopefully it is just for interop and they wont use this as an "excuse" to encrypt the main.View attachment 202374

Which is pretty disingenuous phrasing when you consider that ARMER is already set up with both encrypted and clear interop TGs at the county, regional and statewide level, and can and frequently are crosspatched interagency. Really really hard pressed here to think of a situation where fire ops would need to remain encrypted and LE comms to them couldn't be in the clear. Sounds like decisions in search of validation and justification.

 

[box23]

Again, nothing there says anything about encrypting fire traffic or adding additional encrypted talkgroups. They specifically call out the recent law transition which they can't hear anymore without encryption capability. I'm not saying they don't have further plans for encryption, but everything doesn't always have to be a conspiracy.