OPD's decision to encrypt its radio feeds caught city officials by surprise

"OPD first announced this decision in late April. In August, the department said its radio channels would go dark on Sept. 3 at 4 a.m. The department did not issue a press release, hold a press conference, or give the public an opportunity to weigh in before deciding to encrypt its radio transmissions. Some technical problems have emerged, making the feeds still publicly available as of this story's publication."

""Encrypting our channels is a critical step in strengthening operational security, enhancing the safety of our first responders, and continuing to support public safety," the spokesperson's email read. Critics say the move to hide radio communications from the public will eliminate a vital source of information about crime and emergencies while diminishing transparency and accountability for OPD. These issues don't appear to have ever been discussed by Oakland's elected leaders."

Oakland Police Department has decided to encrypt its radio and dispatch channels, with the department announcing the change in April and specifying a Sept. 3 activation. The department did not hold a press release, public meeting, or solicit community input before making the change. Technical problems have temporarily left some feeds publicly accessible, but the department confirmed it will proceed with full encryption. A spokesperson said encryption will protect community and officer safety and strengthen operational security. Critics contend the change will remove an essential public information source about crime and emergencies and reduce transparency and accountability. Local elected officials were largely unaware of the decision.

Read at The Oaklandside