![]() ![]() “We don’t have to say a word,” Speziale added. “The county communications center sends us the calls and we can view them right away.” “We have tablets that we can respond to calls,” he said. “I understand why departments decide to encrypt their transmissions because you do have criminals that listen in,” said Speziale, adding that lack of interference is another benefit.Īlready Hazleton takes a ‘silent dispatch’ approach thanks to computer technology in each officer’s vehicle. In Hazleton, Police Chief Jerry Speziale said he sees the benefits of encryption, but also acknowledged that he would need more information on funding and technology before making a decision. “However, I would encrypt sensitive talk groups, like narcotic busts or undercover operations.”īut O’Malley said he sees no overall reason to keep the media or public from hearing what is going on. “I would keep day-to-day transmissions open,” O’Malley said. In Plains Township, Police Chief James O’Malley sees the opportunity for a compromise. “A lot of people just listen to it to hear what’s going on and activity throughout the county,” he said. Rosencrans acknowledged scanner listening is a popular pastime for some area residents, and he does not expect many to invest in digital scanners, which cost hundreds of dollars for basic models without the “bells and whistles.” Under the current plan, fire department channels won’t be encrypted because they generally don’t broadcast sensitive information, he said. ![]() The county would not encrypt its general 911 law enforcement channel because it is intended to provide general bulletins and information about disasters and other regional emergencies, he said. ![]() “It’s not only an officer safety issue but also a privacy issue that has to be considered,” Rosencrans said. Some online sites rebroadcast scanner frequencies, making the information accessible to listeners anywhere, he said. Personal information, such as names and dates of birth, also are broadcast over the air when police run traffic stops, he said. Let’s face it, the bad guys listen to scanners as well,” Rosencrans said. “A lot of police departments want it for officer safety. Many local police officials expressed interest in encryption when 911 started studying the digital conversion possibility several years ago, citing concerns about suspects tracking their activity and location, which could endanger officers or give suspects a heads up to flee, Rosencrans said.ĭebates about encryption have surfaced across the country as more areas go digital, he said. ![]()
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