To comply with federal policy, the Overland Park Police Department will encrypt its police radios starting on January 23.
Radio encryption means that the public will no longer be able to listen to Overland Park Police Department’s radio channels on a police scanner or online.
In lieu of police radio traffic being available over the air, the Overland Park Police Department is taking proactive steps to share much of the same information digitally. The department created a calls for service log that is available 24/7 on the City website. It automatically refreshes with updated calls as dispatch receives them.
Encryption of police radio traffic will protect victim, witness and suspect privacy. In order to effectively do their jobs, police officers at times must share names, social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers and medical or mental health conditions over the radio.
It also allows officers to efficiently and effectively respond to calls for service and communicate operational tactics without fear of suspects intercepting sensitive information, and protects officer safety on the job.
The calls for service log shows the location, nature of the call and call status with a 15-minute delay from real-time, meaning anyone can keep up with the department’s operations.
The FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy requires that departments encrypt criminal justice information, including personal data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the City doing to ensure the public, residents and the media can remain aware of what police activity is happening in the community?
While police radios were never intended to be used as a form of public communication, the Overland Park Police Department is aware that residents and the public use police radio channels to listen to police operations.
In lieu of police radio traffic being available over the air, the Overland Park Police Department is taking proactive steps to share much of the same information digitally. The department created a calls for service log that is available 24/7 on the City website. It automatically refreshes with updated calls as dispatch receives them.
The department, in consultation with the City Manager’s Office, is also reviewing and updating its policies regarding media outreach. We will work to ensure the media is notified as soon as possible when critical incidents occur.
Is every call the Police Department receives listed on the calls for service log?
The vast majority of calls police dispatch receives are listed on the calls for service log, but not every call is listed. Calls that are excluded from the call log involve highly sensitive information such as calls involving tactical information for warrant services.
Why can’t the police department use tactical channels for sensitive information rather than encrypting all its channels?
In emergencies, an officer’s primary focus is on the situation at hand. Switching to tactical channels can require precious seconds while officers are driving with lights and sirens on or handling sensitive situations.
How can I listen to police radio traffic for a specific incident, call, investigation or date?
Police radio traffic is subject to the Kansas Open Records Act. You can submit an open records request on the City’s website.
What is the federal mandate that requires the Overland Park Police Department to encrypt its radio channels?
The FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy requires that departments encrypt personal data that could be shared over police radios. The Kansas Highway Patrol conducts audits related to criminal justice information and will audit local agencies, including the Overland Park Police Department, for compliance with FBI policy. You can read the full policy on the FBI website.