Starting next winter, the Seattle Police Department will fully encrypt its most sensitive radio communications, officially ending an era of public monitoring that officials say has become increasingly dangerous.

SPD announced Tuesday that it will make the upgrades and “enhance encryption to radios used for tactical communications” in early 2026:

In Quarter 2 of 2026, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will enhance encryption to radios used for tactical communications among our personnel. Encrypting radio communications means radio transmissions can only be heard internally by the intended audience. The primary reason SPD has chosen to encrypt radios is to enhance the safety of community members and first responders, and to protect the public’s sensitive information from being shared to a wide audience.

The department’s leadership says it will continue to leave its main “dispatch” channels for each precinct “open for the public to hear via radio scanners.”

CHS regularly monitors the broadcasts for our neighborhood reporting. The Tuesday announcement makes official practice that has already been in place since changes made during the 2020 protests as SPD began selectively digitally encrypting its tactical channels during a variety of incidents and scenarios.

The changes to more complete encryption have been expected though SPD was adamant a decade ago that it would not immediately encrypt its channels as officials sought approval for the the nine-year property levy to fund the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN) project to overhaul the region’s emergency radio technology.

PSERN came online here in 2023.

SPD says the enhanced network makes the transition to what it says will be safer, more secure communications possible.

“The new radio system allows first responders, particularly law enforcement, fire and EMS, to better communicate and dispatch emergency and other government services countywide,” SPD says. “The new PSERN radio system has improved coverage, capabilities and security versus traditional analog radio systems.”

SPD said this week the move to fully encrypt its tactical communications has become necessary:

When channels remain open, they can be accessed by all individuals, including some who may be actively engaging in criminal activity or behavior. There are several local and national incidents where suspects have used scanners to evade arrest or disrupt police operations in real-time.

“When officers suspect their movements are being monitored, they may resort to ‘radio silence’ to avoid compromise, which can significantly reduce coordination and increase risk during dynamic situations,” SPD says.

The department says the move to more fully encrypt its communications will help protect “data that is personal and sensitive, including names, addresses, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, access codes and other private information.”

“Names of victims and witnesses may also be spoken over the radio, and encryption helps to protect their identity,” the SPD statement reads.

Police also have access to data channels to exchange information though there are times during responses when hands-free voice communication is necessary.

While encrypting more Seattle Police radio traffic will sometimes further erode the public’s ability to track the department’s activities, there have also been examples of police using the broadcasts to provide false information. CHS reported here on the “improper ruse” as police officers faked reports about armed Proud Boys headed to CHOP during the 2020 protests.

During the protests, commanders would frequently broadcast status updates and plans to clear crowds with full knowledge the transmissions were being monitored.

While most tactical information on its radio channels is now already being encrypted, SPD says it remains “committed to sharing information with the public and media about significant incidents as they are unfolding” suggesting residents follow the department’s social media accounts including X, Facebook, and Instagram and checking SPD’s Blotter “to receive recaps of significant incidents.”

The department also said Tuesday “the public and media can file a public disclosure request” to learn more about SPD activities.

“Encryption does not change the public’s legal right to access information,” the SPD statement read.

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