Visalia, California Police goes Encrypted

[KM6HK]

The Visalia, California Police Department is going radio silent as it has officially switched from clear to encrypted radio operations, meaning the public will no longer be able to listen to scanner traffic.

This follows a Department of Justice Policy from 2020, which requires law enforcement agencies to do more to protect Personally Identifiable Information or P.I.I.

Chief Salazar says there were other options, like having two channels but ultimately, the most efficient way was through encryption.

The communication changes cost over $1.8 million.

American Rescue Plan Funds from COVID-19 funded the project and upgrades to their radios.

 

[officer_415]

If anyone can confirm 131 NAC on channels 2 and 3, let me know.

 

[officer_415]

Also can anyone confirm if the encryption is full-time or user-selectable? I received a report that some traffic is in the clear.

 

[ke6ats]

131 NAC confirmed on all 3 channels. I'm assuming user-selectable as "at times" I have heard patrol units in the field in the clear. Clear comms have been few & far between but I have heard them. I have not heard a peep out of Dispatch since since the change over.

 

[PrivatelyJeff]

131 NAC confirmed on all 3 channels. I'm assuming user-selectable as "at times" I have heard patrol units in the field in the clear. Clear comms have been few & far between but I have heard them. I have not heard a peep out of Dispatch since since the change over.

Makes sense, sense outside agencies may need to hop on VPD on occasion during a big event.