One of my seven stories written on this subject. https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-radio-encryption-obliterate-nyc-news/
This page is dedicated to the thousands of journalists out there that work tirelessly every day to bring the news to the public. An educated public is equal to a healthy democracy, without which we are no better than any other dictatorship.
This is why I founded the New York Media Consortium, a group of like-minded journalism and transparency groups that oppose police radio encryption and seek to keep the media in the loop on police communications.
The Consortium is comprised of the NYS Broadcasters Association, the NYS Publishers Association, New York Press Photographers Association, the NY Press Club, the Radio Television Digital News Association, American Society of Media Photographers, Society for Professional Journalists (the Deadline Club), the National Press Photographers Association. Call Todd Maisel for contacts at 646-872-5374.
This is a list of important resource links written by myself and my many colleagues around the country who are fighting to maintain transparency of police around the country. By maintaining transparency, we keep our public servants accountable and answerable to us all.
I hope this list is helpful to guiding my colleagues and the public with the knowledge and history of our efforts to keep media access free and unfettered.
STORIES BY TODD MAISEL
Over and out? Police radio encryption bill left in limbo after failing to pass both houses in Albany AMNY June 11. 2024
https://www.amny.com/news/police-radio-encryption-bill-stalls-albany/
Over and out? ‘Keep Police Radio Public Act’ faces uncertain future as NYPD encryption moves ahead AMNY June 5, 2024
https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-radio-encryption-state-bill-uncertain/
Over and out? State bill would thwart NYPD radio encryption plan and protect public access to transmissions - Nov. 17, 2023
https://www.amny.com/news/state-bill-nypd-radio-encryption-public-access/
NYC Council sets Nov. 20 hearing to debate NYPD's plan to encrypt radio transmissions, possibly shutting out press, public
https://www.audacy.com/1010wins/news/local/nov-20-hearing-set-for-nypd-plan-to-encrypt-transmissions
The sound of silence: Four more Brooklyn NYPD precincts pull plug on radio frequencies in encryption effort - Sept 11, 2023
https://www.amny.com/news/four-more-brooklyn-precincts-nypd-radio-encryption/
Media groups assured access to NYPD radio frequencies – although ‘with a delay’ - August 19, 2023
https://www.amny.com/news/media-groups-access-nypd-radio-frequencies/
Over and out? NYPD radio encryption could obliterate various NYC news operations - July 26, 2023
https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-radio-encryption-obliterate-nyc-news/
NYPD pulls plug on press, public for Brooklyn precinct radios — and the entire city could follow soon - July 25, 2023
https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-brooklyn-precinct-radio-encryption/
‘It’s just terrible’: NYC pols, civil rights leaders pan reported NYPD radio encryption plans - October 18, 2022
https://www.amny.com/news/nyc-pols-react-nypd-radio-encryption/
By 2024, NYPD radios may ‘go dark’ with no assurances for media and public access - September 28, 2022
https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-radios-encryption-media-access/
NYPD radio encryption most likely won’t happen in 2020 – but will soon - December 19, 2019
https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-radio-encryption-most-likely-wont-happen-in-2020-but-will-soon/
Volunteer firefighters, EMTs worry they won’t have NYPD radio access to help public - December 19, 2019
https://www.amny.com/editorial/volunteer-firefighters-emts-worry-they-wont-have-nypd-radio-access-to-help-public/
‘You won’t hear anything’: NYPD radios may go silent in 2020, cutting press off - December 18, 2019
https://www.amny.com/police-fire/you-wont-hear-anything-nypd-radios-may-go-silent-in-2020-cutting-press-off/
NYPD brass tight-lipped on press access to newly encrypted radio channels
By Ethan Stark-Miller July 28, 2023 (follow up to the series)
https://www.amny.com/police-fire/nypd-brass-press-access-encrypted-radio/
Meet the Cops Running the NYPD’s 86-Member Public Relations Team New York Focus May 14, 2024
https://nysfocus.com/2024/05/14/nypd-dcpi-tarik-sheppard-protests-pr
NYPD faces backlash as it prepares to encrypt radio communications June 10, 2024 The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/03/new-york-police-encrypt-radio-nypd-transparency
NYPD extends radio encryption to Staten Island, blocking public and media access February 23, 2024 AMNY
https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-extends-radio-encryption-to-staten-island/
This move could limit public and media access and reduce police accountability. Coalition for open govt facebook interview
https://www.facebook.com/nyopengov.org/videos/900840068439036
Todd Maisel shows how he uses a scanner - Schneps 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6HKjfSgHQA
NYC Public Hearing Stories
NYPD to fully encrypt police radio scanner as press, NY pols push back at total blackout - Nov. 20, 2023
https://nypost.com/2023/11/20/metro/nypd-to-fully-encrypt-police-radio-scanner-as-press-ny-pols-push-back-at-total-blackout/
Police radio encryption, which could keep public in the dark about NYPD, faces scrutiny - Nov. 20, 2023
https://www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-policy/nypds-move-encrypted-radios-blasted-reporters-citizen-app-founder
NYPD's new radio encryption plan faces backlash at City Council hearing for possibly shutting out press, public
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/nypds-new-radio-encryption-plan-faces-backlash-at-city-council-hearing-for-possibly-shutting-out-press-public/ar-AA1kfStR
The NYPD is spending $390 million on a new, encrypted radio system - Nov. 20. 2023
https://gothamist.com/news/nypd-is-spending-390-million-on-a-new-encrypted-radio-system
NYPD expands radio encryption as journalists push back Nov. 20, 2023
https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2023/11/21/nypd-expands-radio-encryption-as-journalists-push-back
New York bill aims to preserve media’s access to NYPD radio communications Nov. 20, 2023
https://www.nydailynews.com/2023/11/20/new-york-bill-aims-to-preserve-medias-access-to-nypd-radio-communications/
Fox 5 - NYPD plan to encrypt police scanner transmissions draws criticism Nov. 20, 2023
https://news.yahoo.com/nypd-plan-encrypt-police-scanner-232030516.html?fr=yhssrp_catchall
Over and out? NYPD evades media access questions at City Council hearing on police radio encryption Nov. 20, 2023
https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-media-access-hearing-police-radio-encryption/
ABC 7 New York
City Council hold hearing on encryption of NYPD radio broadcasts Nov. 20, 2023
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/city-council-hold-hearing-on-encryption-of-nypd-radio-broadcasts/ar-AA1kffmS
Why you should care that the NYPD is encrypting their radio communication Nov. 21, 2023
https://elkue.substack.com/p/why-you-should-care-that-the-nypd?utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=45xmb&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Mayor Adams Reassures NYPD Will “Strike the Right Balance” With Encrypted Police Radios - Nov. 25, 2023
https://www.boropark24.com/news/mayor-adams-reassures-nypd-will-strike-the-right-balance-with-encrypted-police-radios-1
New York police encrypt radios to leave nightcrawlers in the dark Nov. 24, 2023
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-york-police-encrypt-radios-to-leave-nightcrawlers-in-the-dark-0hk87qpfm
Episode 315: Is This ‘A City in Crisis’? - Nov. 27, 2023
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faq-nyc/id1422065980?i=1000636723722
ARCHIVE LIST - PRINT, TELEVISION, DIGITAL MEDIA
NYPD BEGINS BLOCKING PRESS AND PUBLIC FROM LISTENING TO ITS RADIO BROADCASTS 7/17/2023
https://www.thefreelancenews.org/home/nypd-begins-blocking-press-and-public-from-listening-to-its-radio-broadcasts
Photojournalist talks NYPD’s recent encryption of police radios - August 15, 2023
https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/inside-city-hall/2023/08/14/photojournalist-talks-nypd-s-recent-encryption-of-police-radios#
Media pros raise concerns over police departments silencing radio scanners - Aug 14, 2023
https://bronx.news12.com/media-pros-raise-concerns-over-police-departments-silencing-radio-scanners
Debate on safety vs. transparency with NYPD radio broadcasts - August 5, 2023
https://abc7ny.com/nypd-police-radio-broadcasts-frequency-hijacking-safety/13586829/
Emergency agencies debate turning off radio encryption - Published October 11, 2016
https://www.fox5ny.com/news/emergency-agencies-debate-turning-off-radio-encryption
NYPD considers encrypting police radio transmissions - July 28, 2023
https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nypd-considers-encrypting-police-scanners
Nighttime Scanner, Columbia Journalism Review - July 24, 2023
https://www.cjr.org/podcast/police-radio-scanner-journalism.php
LISTEN: ‘The Radios Will Go Dark. You Will Hear Nothing.’ - Aug 6, 2023
https://www.thecity.nyc/2023/8/6/23821712/nypd-encrypted-radio-scanners-faqnyc-podcast
NYPD encryption of police radios that prevent media from tuning in will soon go citywide, officials said - July 28, 2023
https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-nypd-encryption-radios-are-on-the-horizon-20230728-iukysgelr5hdlpxyvbu4hc57q4-story.html
NYC Council sets Nov. 20 hearing to debate NYPD's plan to encrypt radio transmissions, possibly shutting out press, public
https://www.audacy.com/1010wins/news/local/nov-20-hearing-set-for-nypd-plan-to-encrypt-transmissions
The N.Y.P.D. Is Upgrading Its Radios. The Public Won’t Be Able to Tune In. Nov. 19, 2023
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/19/nyregion/nypd-police-scanner-radio.html
NYPD eyeing encrypted radios to protect criminal investigations, not hide from the public, officials say (John Miller) - Dec 19, 2019
https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-nypd-plan-encrypt-radios-20191219-52mxyd2qkjg2thf2x2aw7lmx3i-story.html
NYPD Radio Broadcasts will soon be encrypted in Boro Park - August 9, 2023
https://www.boropark24.com/news/nypd-radio-broadcasts-may-soon-be-encrypted-in-boro-park
NYPD Radio Broadcasts Go Digital to Stregthen Security, Crime Reporters will Download APP on Phones for Access (Sgt. Gedner) - August 5, 2021
https://www.boropark24.com/news/nypd-radios-to-go-digital-to-strengthen-security-crime-reporters-will-download-app-on-phones-for-access
NYPD faces backlash as it prepares to encrypt radio communications January 3, 2024
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/03/new-york-police-encrypt-radio-nypd-transparency?fbclid=IwAR2foPniYMr812oAslMCLOyGvKitsApOkyrexeca0bOKGlJzyq-UeQXLac8
NYPD Encryption Move Threatens Legacy of NYC’s Iconic Crime Photography, Endangers Historic Gritty Record January 11, 2024
https://w42st.com/post/weegee-nypd-scanners-radio-crime-photography/
Listening to police communications: Right or privacy invasion? Michael Smerconish on CNN January 13, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO3SFznS6gs
Photojournalist worries police scanner encryptions could prevent transparency January 17, 2024 by Marvin Scott WPIX
https://pix11.com/news/local-news/photojournalist-worries-police-scanner-encryptions-could-prevent-transparency/
Holding to Truth: Radio Encryption & the Press, with Todd Maisel & Lloyd Mitchell - B&H Podcast January 18, 2024
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/holding-to-truth-radio-encryption-the-press-with-todd-maisel-lloyd-mitchell
Police are encrypting scanners across the country. Here's why - February 6, 2024
https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2024/02/06/police-encrypting-scanners
The City: New Videos Contradict NYPD Account of Lead-Up to Times Square Attack on Cops February 7, 2024
https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/02/08/times-square-migrants-arrests-body-camera-footage-contradicts-nypd-account/
Eric Adams’ visibility may not mean greater transparency - City & State NY February 26, 2024
https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2024/02/eric-adams-visibility-may-not-mean-greater-transparency/394435/
Listen: FDNY’S Black History Month Mess/NYPD Scrambles Radio Traffic in Brooklyn North March 4, 2024 Work-Bites
https://www.work-bites.com/view-all/ir40ffqqz6rjt3nybo98c2b392avgy
Overtime costs soaring at NYPD as officials tell City Council they’re working to rein in expenses March 20, 2024 AMNY
https://www.amny.com/news/overtime-costs-nypd-city-council/
Over and out? NYPD brass cite ‘bad guys’ using police radios, but still lack answers on giving press access amid encryption efforts March 20, 2024 AMNY
https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-brass-police-radio-encryption-press-access/
3.20.24 Todd Maisel Testifies at City Council Public Hearing on NYPD Budget - YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH6y6kFPJRg
NYPD radio encryption a dangerous blow to public’s right to know | Our Opinion Staten Island Advance, March 28, 2024
https://www.silive.com/news/2024/03/nypd-radio-encryption-a-dangerous-blow-to-publics-right-to-know-our-opinion.html
Editor’s Note: Save the Keep Public Police Radio Act - City and state - June 24, 2024 by Ralph Ortega
https://www.cityandstateny.com/opinion/2024/06/editors-note-save-keep-public-police-radio-act/397556/
Over and out? Bronx police radios silenced in latest encryption rollout as local journalists fear apocalyptic end to NYC crime reporting 8-26-2024 by Dean Moses
https://www.amny.com/news/bronx-police-radios-nypd-encryption/
Over and out? NYPD says that some police radio channels will not be encrypted, and remain open to public 8.27.2024 by Dean Moses
https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-radio-encryption-some-channels-remain-open/
Several Bronx police precincts began encrypting communication channels - NY1 News 8.27.2024 (Also, inside city hall with Erroll Louis)
https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/inside-city-hall/2024/08/28/several-bronx-police-precincts-began-encrypting-communication-channels-
NATIONAL ENCRYPTION STORIES;
Louisville, KY – Encrypted channels access with 15 minute delay after the media complained about having no access and pressure brought to bare by elected officials. - Mar 29, 2022
https://www.wlky.com/article/watchdog-groups-criticize-louisville-police-radio-encryption/39577095
Colorado encryption statute. Colorado House adds radio encryption provision to law enforcement reform bill. Will it pass? Depends on how strong the police lobby is. Again, the political leadership like the optics, but feel pressure on the transparency. July 1, 2023
https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/leg.colorado.gov/2021A/amendments/HB1250_L.046.pdf
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb20-217
The case for encryption is strong for the police for many reasons. Just recently, the Philadephia mass shooter has a police scanner. However, could he actually understand the codes? Probably not. Sept. 2016
Anchorage Alaska encrypted fire and police – media outlets continue to complain. Once the door is closed, it is very difficult to reopen it. - Aug. 6, 2016
California Highway patrol – didn’t have gear to encrypt- they have new policy. They have been holding back broadcasting of personal information – something the NYPD already does and disseminates to their dispatch through their NYPD issued IPhones. - August 11, 2021
https://padailypost.com/2021/08/11/chp-wont-encrypt-radios-even-though-cities-like-palo-alto-have-to/#:~:text=The%20California%20Highway%20Patrol%20does%20not%20plan%20to,personal%20information%20that%20is%20transmitted%20over%20the%20airwaves
State bill on police radio encryption dies in committee - 8/31/2022
https://sd13.senate.ca.gov/news/in-the-news/august-31-2022/state-bill-police-radio-encryption-dies-in-committee
TEXT OF THE BILL PRESENTED TO CA LEGISLATURE - 2/22/2019
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1555
Sheriff’s Department encrypts radio communications; critics say the move will reduce transparency - Jan. 16, 2022
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2022-01-16/sheriffs-department-encrypts-radio-communications#:~:text=In%20San%20Diego%20County%2C%20the%20only%20policing%20agency,through%20which%20personal%20information%20can%20be%20shared%20privately.
Palo Alto police set to remove radio encryption - January 2021
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2022-01-16/sheriffs-department-encrypts-radio-communications#:~:text=In%20San%20Diego%20County%2C%20the%20only%20policing%20agency,through%20which%20personal%20information%20can%20be%20shared%20privately.
Legislator revives effort to address police radio encryption
https://www.pleasantonweekly.com/news/2023/03/20/legislator-revives-effort-to-address-police-radio-encryption?fbclid=IwAR0b-C7OEhtqsKXQY9jxovlPJDHdheP3qREgk16J-jyUEtWwUAQgBzmPa5I
Police radio encryption: Berkeley to take a different approach than Palo Alto — public involvement August 10, 2021
https://padailypost.com/2021/07/10/police-radio-encryption-berkeley-to-take-a-different-approach-than-palo-alto-public-involvement/
Palo Alto police will drop police radio encryption August 4, 2022
https://sd13.senate.ca.gov/news/in-the-news/august-4-2022/palo-alto-police-will-drop-police-radio-encryption
Palo Alto police set to remove radio encryption august 4, 2022
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2022/08/04/palo-alto-police-set-to-remove-radio-encryption
Baltimore Goes Dark: Police Scanner Encryption Creates New Danger 9/14/2021
https://nationalinterest.org/feature/baltimore-goes-dark-police-scanner-encryption-creates-new-danger-193751
A year after the legislature passed a law on police radio encryption, Denver-area news outlets are still blocked from listening August 24, 2022 FOIC
https://coloradofoic.org/a-year-after-the-legislature-passed-a-law-on-police-radio-encryption-denver-area-news-outlets-are-still-blocked-from-listening/?fbclid=IwAR2As9zqv_cDN6nLbDwjnajUAwY5XFlo4v_mTQP-foCXGfwWQe2fO6O9q3g
Baltimore Police now encrypting, delaying radio transmissions 7/6/2023
https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/baltimore-police-now-encrypting-delaying-radio-transmissions
BPD to implement timed encryption while providing public streaming of radio transmission 6/30/2023
https://www.baltimorepolice.org/news/bpd-implement-timed-encryption-while-providing-public-streaming-radio-transmission
The Wildly Popular Police Scanner Goes Silent for Many
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/22/us/police-scanner-encryption.html
TECHNICALS ON ENCRYPTION
RadioReference.com Forums - tech talk about encryption
https://forums.radioreference.com/
Encrypted Radio Transmission: What is & What is Not Safe - July 1, 2023
https://carcbradios.com/encrypted-radio-transmission/
Statement by Radio Television Digital News Association on Encryption
https://www.rtdna.org/news/why-radio-encryption-is-rtdnas-biggest-issue-in-2023
Encryption statement from City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
https://council.nyc.gov/press/2023/07/28/2448/
Police Seek a Radio Silence That Would Mute Critics in the Press = September 25, 2023
https://fair.org/home/police-seek-a-radio-silence-that-would-mute-critics-in-the-press/
Over and out? City Council hearing eyes NYPD radio encryption plan that could shut press and public out of breaking crime news Nov. 14, 2023
https://www.amny.com/news/city-council-nypd-radio-encryption-hearing-planned/
Over and out? State bill would thwart NYPD radio encryption plan and protect public access to transmissions Nov. 17, 2023
https://www.amny.com/news/state-bill-nypd-radio-encryption-public-access/
CBS Chicago Some say encrypted digital channels may garble police radio calls January 11, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssSPDCWscVs
Illinois LOCAL RECORDS-POLICE SCANNERS January 16,2024
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=4339&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=151232&SessionID=112&GA=103
Proposed Illinois law would give media access to encrypted police scanner traffic February 16, 2024 MYStateline.com
https://www.toddmaiselvisualjournalism.com/police-radio-encryption-resources
Assembly Bill A9728A
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/A9728/amendment/A
ENCRYPTION FACT SHEET - Created August 16, 2023
https://www.toddmaiselvisualjournalism.com/encryptionfactsheet