SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation introduced in the Illinois House would require law enforcement agencies to provide access in real time to encrypted police scanner traffic to accredited media.
House Bill 4339 would amend the Public Records Act to grant that access to FCC licensed broadcasters and accredited newspapers.
Encrypted scanner traffic would make it more difficult for members of the public to listen to first responder communications. Peoria Police is planning to spend more than $3 million to upgrade old radio equipment that would encrypt scanner traffic. Concerns have been raised locally that the audio is too easily available.
The bill was introduced by State Representative LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago), who says he understands the need to prevent members of the public from using the information to commit crimes or evade law enforcement.
“However, the media has an obligation to report on events in a timely manner and its use of real time information from police scanners is essential. Blocking accredited media from real time access is counter to governmental transparency and does not lend itself to the original stated purpose of the encryption program,” Ford said in a statement.
Ford says the bill would provide to all jurisdictions in the state.
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