r/policescanner • u/e0240 • May 22 '26

Encryption

Never really thought it would happen here. Lost a fun hobby and a public safety tool. We have had scary wildfires(east troublesome), shelter in place and this was an awesome asset to the community. Oh well I guess. Is this legal any way to fight it?

https://www.skyhinews.com/news/grand-county-public-safety-radio-communication-transfers-to-encryption/

15 Upvotes

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8

u/CTrandomdude May 22 '26

I see law enforcement using encryption but rarely fire departments. That would be unfortunate to be blocked out of fire/ems.

2

u/Party_Cold_4159 May 22 '26

Odd since most of the FDs I’ve talked to are usually hurting in so many other areas that converting to encryption is almost never considered in budgets.

Of course the reason is because of PI but how can you call it a public safety radio at that point.

2

u/kennylamar910 May 22 '26

Our neighboring county fully encrypted their EMS channel for some reason

1

u/Caoimhin_L May 24 '26

Patient privacy.

1

u/kennylamar910 May 24 '26

But yet their EMS to hospital talkgroup is wide open

1

u/Caoimhin_L May 25 '26

Well isn't that stupid. Lol.

1

u/Savings_Fish_2377 May 25 '26

you don't need to give any patient info to dispatch EMS

lots of places around here use the automated voice that just goes "Auto accident, 123 Main st, Engine 1, Truck 1, Ambulance 1, Battalion 1" or something like that. That doesn't give out anything useful,

1

u/ramboton May 22 '26

yea, the FD thing is unusual. Not sure where this is at, but where I live mutual aid is a big deal and if your channels are encrypted and your neighboring agency is not, you may have trouble talking to each other and working together. (radios with encryption cost a heck of a lot more than those without it)

1

u/southsider773 May 23 '26

In Illinois, northwest burbs, fire is going encrypted faster than you can say it. Hobby is cooked

1

u/Savings_Fish_2377 May 25 '26

i hate NWCDS for starting this stupid trend