Prince William County Police Department

Across the country, law enforcement agencies are moving toward encrypted radio systems in response to evolving public safety needs and national best practices. Encryption, in this context, refers to the use of secure, coded radio transmissions that can only be accessed by authorized users. It prevents individuals, including people using easily available scanner apps, from listening to police radio traffic in real time. This approach protects sensitive information, enhances officer safety, and prevents misuse of publicly broadcast communications.

The Police Department continues to uphold a strong commitment to transparency. We provide extensive information to the public through our website, social media platforms, Daily Incident and Arrest Reports, the County Crime Map, and responses to Virginia FOIA requests. However, we must balance transparency with the responsibility to safeguard the privacy of the community. Officers routinely transmit personal and sensitive information over the radio during calls for service, and many of these interactions occur during our residents’ most vulnerable moments. Encryption helps ensure that this information is not inadvertently shared with anyone who may misuse it.

Implementing encryption will directly support several critical public safety objectives:

• Enhance officer safety: Encryption prevents suspects from monitoring tactical decisions or anticipating officers’ next steps.Deter crime: Criminals have used scanners and mobile apps to track police activity, plan criminal acts, and avoid detection.
• Apprehend offenders: Open broadcasts have allowed suspects to evade officers or destroy evidence before police arrive.
• Protect witnesses and victims: Some individuals are reluctant to contact police if they believe their identity or sensitive circumstances will be broadcast.
• Prevent identity theft: Personal data, such as names, addresses, and birthdates, is routinely transmitted for records checks and can be exploited if publicly accessible.
• Support national security: Individuals planning attacks or targeting first responders can exploit unencrypted communications, of particular concern in the National Capital Region.

Prince William County will join numerous law enforcement agencies in the National Capital Region, and across Virginia and the Country that have already implemented similar encryption. 

As we move forward with implementation and prepare to communicate with the community next week, we will remain focused on reinforcing our commitment to transparency while clearly explaining the necessity of encryption to safeguard both the public and our officers. Please let me know if you have any questions.