The Decatur Police Department is moving to encrypted digital dispatch and radio communications, a change city officials say is aimed at protecting officers, safeguarding victims and keeping sensitive investigative details out of the wrong hands. The city announced the transition on March 3.
In its announcement, the city said routine police radio traffic can include victim names, home addresses, medical details, juvenile information, officer locations and response plans. Officials also said scanner apps can allow suspects to monitor police activity in real time during active calls, which they argue creates a public-safety risk.
Officials say police radio traffic often includes private or sensitive information, such as victim names, home addresses, medical details, juvenile information, officer locations and response plans. Encryption prevents that information from being accessed by the public or used by suspects during active calls…