Troy residents and law enforcement officials debate encryption of police scanners

There was pushback during a public safety meeting in Troy Thursday night.

Locals and officials from the Troy Police Department both made their cases regarding the encryption of scanners in the Collar City.

If police scanners were encrypted, officers in Troy would be able to restrict certain pieces of information from going over the radio like names, ages, and race.

The encryption of scanners could help future investigations, according to officials.

Some of the locals in attendance, however, disagreed with this sentiment.

Local photographer Jeffrey Belschwinder discussed his thought on what this lack of transparency could mean for the community.

“The scanners serve as a bridge between our emergency services and community, nurturing trust and understanding.” Belschwinder said. “…my rights to endure the liberty and pursuit of happiness feels completely compromised.”

The Chief of the Troy Police Department, Daniel Dewolf pushed back on that notion, stating “We are more transparent than any department in the city.”

Police encryption has been implemented in multiple cities throughout the country. Places like Louisville, Las Vegas and San Diego have moved to fully encrypted radio channels, according to News Nation.