BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
As more law enforcement agencies move to encrypted radios, the police scanner on the left side of my desk is looking more like a paper weight these days.
The latest department to cut out public access to radio traffic is the Millbrook Police, who shut it down this week. If you are one of those who monitor their police traffic, Millbrook has been very busy. But you just cannot hear the activity anymore.
This debate over whether police activity should be public or encrypted is not new. It has been raging for most of my career in the media, and I have been told many times to get ready for radio silence. However, this time they meant it.
Gathering information involving police activity is continually getting more difficult. I even offered to sign up as a Reserve Officer so I could have access to a radio. Want to take bets on how far that got me? (cough, cough.)
One argument for encryption is that criminals monitor radio traffic and can get a heads up. Or, officers can be ambushed. There is also a very real issue with personal information being shared over the radio, such as a social security number, driver license information, etc. I see the legitimacy in most of these arguments.
Others argue the public has a right to know about criminal activity, and if there is a possible danger in their neighborhood. And I agree with some of those sentiments, too.
But, it is what it is.
I am not trying to argue either way because I think both have merit. But the reality is simple. The times, they are a’changing. More departments are moving to radio silence, at least as far as the public is concerned.
This is where our readers come in. Even if all area departments could be monitored via police scanner or base units, listening to all of them just in Autauga and Elmore counties is a tall order.
The term “If you See Something, Say Something” applies. Call emergency officials first, but then remember your local media if there is a danger to the public, or you think serious criminal activity is afoot.
But the information you share is very important, at least when it comes to my end.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO message us and let us know if there is a large police presence, serious accident with traffic issues, storm damage, police chase, etc. The best way to do that is my email at editorsarah@yahoo.com. You can also message us through our website at www.elmoreautauganews.com or our Facebook page.
But, please, DO NOT just type in, “Why are there so many police on my street.”
Should I be in a sarcastic mood, I am liable to say “Shark attack” or “Aliens have landed.”
It helps to have specific locations. Where do you live? What county for starters, what city or town. What police department is involved or is it multiple agencies? What fire department? What are you SEEING?
Another one I get frequently is, “There are bunch of cops at (name any well-known chain store).” I need to know which store, what town. Please.
For the past 30 years, I have had a police scanner next to my desk in whatever state or newspaper I worked at the time. Particularly in the past few years, it has become less useful.
Our goal at the EAN is to be your local source for all news, breaking or otherwise. More than ever, the best tool in our tool box is YOU.
For more information on this subject, check out this article that covers different aspects of the subject – https://builtin.com/cybersecurity/police-radio-encryption-broadcastify
And, we would love to hear your opinions however you feel.
Sarah Stephens is the owner of the Elmore/Autauga News. She can be reached at editorsarah@yahoo.com.
