Looks like all the VSP dispatch channels are not encrypted, Division 5 (Hampton Roads/Eastern Shore) is now silent. 
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GB1439
Member
Plenty of agencies in the clear voice personal information routinely. Including in VA.
Talked to a State Police user, they're using the same channel as before, so I'd guess mobile encryption was pushed out via OTAR. I assume a CAD message was sent out for Troopers to switch their portables to the ø option.
dickie757
Wired
It was OTAP. They went to a secure update site to get new Programming. Other than that, I was not informed.
Per VSP user:
They were told to switch their portables over to the ø option and there was “a button” on the APX8500s “we had to press.” The Troopers had brought their radios into the shop over the past few months to get their radios reprogrammed.
They were told to switch their portables over to the ø option and there was “a button” on the APX8500s “we had to press.” The Troopers had brought their radios into the shop over the past few months to get their radios reprogrammed.
Yes, I know. But that info being broadcast in the clear is sometimes used as a justification for encryption by agencies that encrypt everything. And we need to be mindful of the fact that there were practices that were once considered acceptable until somebody with authority determined that they were no longer acceptable. Such as an ambulance service listing the names of the patients it transported in the local newspaper. At one time, California police agencies were allowed to transmit PII over open channels. Now they aren't - they have to use a secure method of communication, such as encrypted radio, MDT, or cell phones.
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tglendye
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River- VA
My understanding (at least with DOF) was the update was done via Wifi. They drove to a VSP division headquarters and connected to their WiFi for the download. I don’t believe they even needed to get out of the vehicle.
I bought a used G5 to monitor State Police in October 2023 with being in Virginia a few times a week. It was good while it lasted.
Without having much to listen to on Stars anymore have added many more county TRS to add fire departments. Still have to use scanners to monitor Richmond and surrounding areas still being on a Smartzone.
Without having much to listen to on Stars anymore have added many more county TRS to add fire departments. Still have to use scanners to monitor Richmond and surrounding areas still being on a Smartzone.
Sounds reasonable. Updating radios wirelessly can be accomplished via private WiFi hotspots, usually located at secure facilities - like a police barrack.
There’s multiple ways they could’ve switched. Most of the time, they’ll do OTAP, and the radio tech will copy the same exact code plug except for having the TG strapped for encryption, that way when they’re ready to switch, all the end users has to do is switch to the Encrypted zone and all the TG’s and everything is the same
Eugene
Member
VDOT SSP just went dark in Div. 5. A d as far as running plates and protected info....they've been running that on MDT for a while sp that excuse doesn't hold water. Let's face it....if they can...they will
Eugene KG4AVE
Eugene KG4AVE
This is what happens when a law enforcement agency is in charge of your statewide radio network rather than a civilian agency
Eugene
Member
I've heard state troopers (and indeed other LEO's) commenting they don't like having to "be careful what they say on the radio". They may be referring to sensitive info (although they use MDT, encrypted TAC, cell phones), but I suspect the real reason is they don't like to maintain the radio discipline necessary when they know they can be heard. In any event...another one bites the dust.
Eugene KG4AVE
Eugene KG4AVE
They dont care that you care to listen!
BoxAlarm187
Level 6 RR Member (Since 1998)
As someone who's been in the position to monitor encrypted LE comms, I've found that the radio discipline is the same before and after the switch. It doesn't become unfiltered chit-chat, it's exactly what it was before.
Exactly
kg4icg
Crazy Trucking Mechanic
Maybe because everything is recorded wither encryption is used or not because of public safety records keeping, for example: DC 911 center issues.
Eugene
Member
Ok....my bad
I can say that in general, nothing changes wrt how and what info is transmitted when an agency transitions to encryption. Cell phones are still used when info not meant for general distribution is exchanged. Also, lots of info is exchanged via MCT/MDT and in-car email and never heard over the air.
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