With identity theft and cybercrime becoming a more pressing concern almost daily, local law enforcement will be making major changes to radio traffic to help safeguard personal information.
According to Lyon County Emergency Communications Center Director Roxanne Van Gundy, effective July 8 all radio transmissions for local law enforcement — Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Emporia Police and Emporia State University Police and Safety — will become encrypted. Van Gundy says a significant amount of personal data is communicated over the airwaves when it comes to emergencies.
She says many have access to these law enforcement channels whether through police scanners or apps and while the majority are likely just trying to stay informed, there are those with more sinister intentions.
While speaking with KVOE News Tuesday, Van Gundy stressed this is not a local decision but rather a Federal compliance mandate that has been in place for several years. However; the Kansas Highway Patrol has recently moved to enforce this compliance across all digital radio users.
According to Van Gundy, the changes will only affect law enforcement communications and dispatches. Fire and EMS dispatches, however, will remain on clear — open — channels.
Emporia Police Chief Ed Owens doesn’t like the move from a transparency standpoint.
Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope says this poses a few key concerns for him:
Both Cope and Owens say their agencies work well with local media and believe that relationship will continue at a high level after the scanner channels get encrypted.
If residents have questions or concerns, those may be addressed to Lyon County Public Information Officer Vici Smith by calling 620-341-3421.
