Governor Hochul should officially approve the Keep Police Radio Public Act
In New York, a significant piece of legislation known as the Keep Police Radio Public Act (NY S00416) has recently been enacted, aiming to ensure that police radio communications remain accessible to the public while safeguarding sensitive information [2]. The Act, which is now awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul's signature, has been approved by both the New York State Assembly and Senate.
The legislation, introduced by state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Karines Reyes, seeks to preserve access to police radio, a move that has been strongly advocated for by the New York Media Consortium, along with The NewsGuild of New York and Communications Workers of America [5]. The Act, if passed, would provide access to encrypted law enforcement communications to emergency services and journalists.
The need for such legislation arises from the increasing trend of law enforcement agencies encrypting their radio transmissions to protect sensitive information and prevent misuse. However, this trend has sparked concerns because encrypted channels can limit transparency and public oversight [1]. Some police-involved deaths have only been uncovered because their radios were public [1].
The New York City Police Department has encrypted its police radio signals since last year, keeping the media in the dark [4]. Todd Maisel, founder of the New York Media Consortium, believes that this is an attempt to keep the media from hearing police discussions [3]. The NYPD's stated reason for encryption is to prevent communication from being heard by "the bad guys" [3].
However, the Act's implementation may face potential obstacles. There are worries that law enforcement may resist the requirement to keep radios publicly accessible. Police departments justify encryption for operational security and crime prevention, and some agencies nationwide have already moved toward full encryption despite the law [1]. This creates tension between public access advocates pushing for transparency and police departments prioritizing security and tactical advantages.
Governor Kathy Hochul's approval is needed urgently for the Act to become law. The Act is critical for a free press, according to state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, who also recognizes the need for police transparency and the media's right to monitor encrypted radio [3]. If signed into law, the Act would grant access to encrypted law enforcement communications to emergency services organizations and professional journalists, helping to preserve the freedoms and protections afforded by the public availability of police radio information.
The Act, if implemented successfully, will strike a balance between law enforcement needs and the rights and interests of New Yorkers, ensuring that both transparency and security are maintained in the state's police communications.
The Keep Police Radio Public Act, supported by state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Karines Reyes, aims to provide access to encrypted law enforcement communications to emergency services and journalists, which is crucial for a free press and maintaining transparency in politics. However, concerns have arisen about potential pushback from law enforcement agencies, as the Act could face resistance from departments prioritizing operational security and crime prevention.
