This page is dedicated to the thousands of journalists out there that work tirelessly every day to bring the news to the public. An educated public is equal to a healthy democracy, without which we are no better than any other dictatorship.

This is why I founded the New York Media Consortium, a group of like-minded journalism and transparency groups that oppose police radio encryption and seek to keep the media in the loop on police communications.

The Consortium is comprised of the NYS Broadcasters Association, the NYS Publishers Association, New York Press Photographers Association, the NY Press Club, the Radio Television Digital News Association, American Society of Media Photographers, Society for Professional Journalists (the Deadline Club), the National Press Photographers Association. Call Todd Maisel for contacts at 646-872-5374.

This is a list of important resource links written by myself and my many colleagues around the country who are fighting to maintain transparency of police around the country. By maintaining transparency, we keep our public servants accountable and answerable to us all.

I hope this list is helpful to guiding my colleagues and the public with the knowledge and history of our efforts to keep media access free and unfettered.

STORIES BY TODD MAISEL

Over and out? State bill would thwart NYPD radio encryption plan and protect public access to transmissions - Nov. 17, 2023

https://www.amny.com/news/state-bill-nypd-radio-encryption-public-access/

NYC Council sets Nov. 20 hearing to debate NYPD's plan to encrypt radio transmissions, possibly shutting out press, public

https://www.audacy.com/1010wins/news/local/nov-20-hearing-set-for-nypd-plan-to-encrypt-transmissions

The sound of silence: Four more Brooklyn NYPD precincts pull plug on radio frequencies in encryption effort - Sept 11, 2023

https://www.amny.com/news/four-more-brooklyn-precincts-nypd-radio-encryption/

Media groups assured access to NYPD radio frequencies – although ‘with a delay’ - August 19, 2023

https://www.amny.com/news/media-groups-access-nypd-radio-frequencies/

Over and out? NYPD radio encryption could obliterate various NYC news operations - July 26, 2023

https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-radio-encryption-obliterate-nyc-news/

NYPD pulls plug on press, public for Brooklyn precinct radios — and the entire city could follow soon - July 25, 2023

https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-brooklyn-precinct-radio-encryption/

‘It’s just terrible’: NYC pols, civil rights leaders pan reported NYPD radio encryption plans - October 18, 2022

https://www.amny.com/news/nyc-pols-react-nypd-radio-encryption/

By 2024, NYPD radios may ‘go dark’ with no assurances for media and public access - September 28, 2022

https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-radios-encryption-media-access/

NYPD radio encryption most likely won’t happen in 2020 – but will soon - December 19, 2019

https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-radio-encryption-most-likely-wont-happen-in-2020-but-will-soon/

Volunteer firefighters, EMTs worry they won’t have NYPD radio access to help public - December 19, 2019

https://www.amny.com/editorial/volunteer-firefighters-emts-worry-they-wont-have-nypd-radio-access-to-help-public/

‘You won’t hear anything’: NYPD radios may go silent in 2020, cutting press off - December 18, 2019

https://www.amny.com/police-fire/you-wont-hear-anything-nypd-radios-may-go-silent-in-2020-cutting-press-off/

NYPD brass tight-lipped on press access to newly encrypted radio channels

By Ethan Stark-Miller July 28, 2023 (follow up to the series)

https://www.amny.com/police-fire/nypd-brass-press-access-encrypted-radio/

NYPD extends radio encryption to Staten Island, blocking public and media access February 23, 2024 AMNY

https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-extends-radio-encryption-to-staten-island/

This move could limit public and media access and reduce police accountability. Coalition for open govt facebook interview

https://www.facebook.com/nyopengov.org/videos/900840068439036

Todd Maisel shows how he uses a scanner - Schneps 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6HKjfSgHQA

NYC Public Hearing Stories

NYPD to fully encrypt police radio scanner as press, NY pols push back at total blackout - Nov. 20, 2023

https://nypost.com/2023/11/20/metro/nypd-to-fully-encrypt-police-radio-scanner-as-press-ny-pols-push-back-at-total-blackout/

Police radio encryption, which could keep public in the dark about NYPD, faces scrutiny - Nov. 20, 2023

https://www.crainsnewyork.com/politics-policy/nypds-move-encrypted-radios-blasted-reporters-citizen-app-founder

NYPD's new radio encryption plan faces backlash at City Council hearing for possibly shutting out press, public

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/nypds-new-radio-encryption-plan-faces-backlash-at-city-council-hearing-for-possibly-shutting-out-press-public/ar-AA1kfStR

The NYPD is spending $390 million on a new, encrypted radio system - Nov. 20. 2023

https://gothamist.com/news/nypd-is-spending-390-million-on-a-new-encrypted-radio-system

NYPD expands radio encryption as journalists push back Nov. 20, 2023

https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/politics/2023/11/21/nypd-expands-radio-encryption-as-journalists-push-back

New York bill aims to preserve media’s access to NYPD radio communications Nov. 20, 2023

https://www.nydailynews.com/2023/11/20/new-york-bill-aims-to-preserve-medias-access-to-nypd-radio-communications/

Fox 5 - NYPD plan to encrypt police scanner transmissions draws criticism Nov. 20, 2023

https://news.yahoo.com/nypd-plan-encrypt-police-scanner-232030516.html?fr=yhssrp_catchall

Over and out? NYPD evades media access questions at City Council hearing on police radio encryption Nov. 20, 2023

https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-media-access-hearing-police-radio-encryption/

ABC 7 New York

City Council hold hearing on encryption of NYPD radio broadcasts Nov. 20, 2023

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/city-council-hold-hearing-on-encryption-of-nypd-radio-broadcasts/ar-AA1kffmS

Why you should care that the NYPD is encrypting their radio communication Nov. 21, 2023

https://elkue.substack.com/p/why-you-should-care-that-the-nypd?utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=45xmb&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Mayor Adams Reassures NYPD Will “Strike the Right Balance” With Encrypted Police Radios - Nov. 25, 2023

https://www.boropark24.com/news/mayor-adams-reassures-nypd-will-strike-the-right-balance-with-encrypted-police-radios-1

New York police encrypt radios to leave nightcrawlers in the dark Nov. 24, 2023

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-york-police-encrypt-radios-to-leave-nightcrawlers-in-the-dark-0hk87qpfm

Episode 315: Is This ‘A City in Crisis’? - Nov. 27, 2023

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faq-nyc/id1422065980?i=1000636723722

ARCHIVE LIST - PRINT, TELEVISION, DIGITAL MEDIA

NYPD BEGINS BLOCKING PRESS AND PUBLIC FROM LISTENING TO ITS RADIO BROADCASTS 7/17/2023

https://www.thefreelancenews.org/home/nypd-begins-blocking-press-and-public-from-listening-to-its-radio-broadcasts

Photojournalist talks NYPD’s recent encryption of police radios - August 15, 2023

https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/inside-city-hall/2023/08/14/photojournalist-talks-nypd-s-recent-encryption-of-police-radios#

Media pros raise concerns over police departments silencing radio scanners - Aug 14, 2023

https://bronx.news12.com/media-pros-raise-concerns-over-police-departments-silencing-radio-scanners

Debate on safety vs. transparency with NYPD radio broadcasts - August 5, 2023

https://abc7ny.com/nypd-police-radio-broadcasts-frequency-hijacking-safety/13586829/

Emergency agencies debate turning off radio encryption - Published October 11, 2016

https://www.fox5ny.com/news/emergency-agencies-debate-turning-off-radio-encryption

NYPD considers encrypting police radio transmissions - July 28, 2023

https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nypd-considers-encrypting-police-scanners

Nighttime Scanner, Columbia Journalism Review - July 24, 2023

https://www.cjr.org/podcast/police-radio-scanner-journalism.php

LISTEN: ‘The Radios Will Go Dark. You Will Hear Nothing.’ - Aug 6, 2023

https://www.thecity.nyc/2023/8/6/23821712/nypd-encrypted-radio-scanners-faqnyc-podcast

NYPD encryption of police radios that prevent media from tuning in will soon go citywide, officials said - July 28, 2023

https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-nypd-encryption-radios-are-on-the-horizon-20230728-iukysgelr5hdlpxyvbu4hc57q4-story.html

NYC Council sets Nov. 20 hearing to debate NYPD's plan to encrypt radio transmissions, possibly shutting out press, public

https://www.audacy.com/1010wins/news/local/nov-20-hearing-set-for-nypd-plan-to-encrypt-transmissions

The N.Y.P.D. Is Upgrading Its Radios. The Public Won’t Be Able to Tune In. Nov. 19, 2023

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/19/nyregion/nypd-police-scanner-radio.html

NYPD eyeing encrypted radios to protect criminal investigations, not hide from the public, officials say (John Miller) - Dec 19, 2019

https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-nypd-plan-encrypt-radios-20191219-52mxyd2qkjg2thf2x2aw7lmx3i-story.html

NYPD Radio Broadcasts will soon be encrypted in Boro Park - August 9, 2023

https://www.boropark24.com/news/nypd-radio-broadcasts-may-soon-be-encrypted-in-boro-park

NYPD Radio Broadcasts Go Digital to Stregthen Security, Crime Reporters will Download APP on Phones for Access (Sgt. Gedner) - August 5, 2021

https://www.boropark24.com/news/nypd-radios-to-go-digital-to-strengthen-security-crime-reporters-will-download-app-on-phones-for-access

NYPD faces backlash as it prepares to encrypt radio communications January 3, 2024

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/03/new-york-police-encrypt-radio-nypd-transparency?fbclid=IwAR2foPniYMr812oAslMCLOyGvKitsApOkyrexeca0bOKGlJzyq-UeQXLac8

NYPD Encryption Move Threatens Legacy of NYC’s Iconic Crime Photography, Endangers Historic Gritty Record January 11, 2024

https://w42st.com/post/weegee-nypd-scanners-radio-crime-photography/

Listening to police communications: Right or privacy invasion? Michael Smerconish on CNN January 13, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO3SFznS6gs

Photojournalist worries police scanner encryptions could prevent transparency January 17, 2024 by Marvin Scott WPIX

https://pix11.com/news/local-news/photojournalist-worries-police-scanner-encryptions-could-prevent-transparency/

Holding to Truth: Radio Encryption & the Press, with Todd Maisel & Lloyd Mitchell - B&H Podcast January 18, 2024

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/holding-to-truth-radio-encryption-the-press-with-todd-maisel-lloyd-mitchell

Police are encrypting scanners across the country. Here's why - February 6, 2024

https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2024/02/06/police-encrypting-scanners

The City: New Videos Contradict NYPD Account of Lead-Up to Times Square Attack on Cops February 7, 2024

https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/02/08/times-square-migrants-arrests-body-camera-footage-contradicts-nypd-account/

Eric Adams’ visibility may not mean greater transparency - City & State NY February 26, 2024

https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2024/02/eric-adams-visibility-may-not-mean-greater-transparency/394435/

Listen: FDNY’S Black History Month Mess/NYPD Scrambles Radio Traffic in Brooklyn North March 4, 2024 Work-Bites

https://www.work-bites.com/view-all/ir40ffqqz6rjt3nybo98c2b392avgy

Overtime costs soaring at NYPD as officials tell City Council they’re working to rein in expenses March 20, 2024 AMNY

https://www.amny.com/news/overtime-costs-nypd-city-council/

Over and out? NYPD brass cite ‘bad guys’ using police radios, but still lack answers on giving press access amid encryption efforts March 20, 2024 AMNY

https://www.amny.com/news/nypd-brass-police-radio-encryption-press-access/

3.20.24 Todd Maisel Testifies at City Council Public Hearing on NYPD Budget - YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH6y6kFPJRg

NYPD radio encryption a dangerous blow to public’s right to know | Our Opinion Staten Island Advance, March 28, 2024

https://www.silive.com/news/2024/03/nypd-radio-encryption-a-dangerous-blow-to-publics-right-to-know-our-opinion.html

NATIONAL ENCRYPTION STORIES;

Louisville, KY – Encrypted channels access with 15 minute delay after the media complained about having no access and pressure brought to bare by elected officials. - Mar 29, 2022

https://www.wlky.com/article/watchdog-groups-criticize-louisville-police-radio-encryption/39577095

Colorado encryption statute. Colorado House adds radio encryption provision to law enforcement reform bill. Will it pass? Depends on how strong the police lobby is. Again, the political leadership like the optics, but feel pressure on the transparency. July 1, 2023

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/leg.colorado.gov/2021A/amendments/HB1250_L.046.pdf

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb20-217

The case for encryption is strong for the police for many reasons. Just recently, the Philadephia mass shooter has a police scanner. However, could he actually understand the codes? Probably not. Sept. 2016

https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/20160830%20Considerations%20for%20Encryption_Final%20Draft508_0.pdf

Anchorage Alaska encrypted fire and police – media outlets continue to complain. Once the door is closed, it is very difficult to reopen it. - Aug. 6, 2016

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/content/news/Police--Fire-Dept-radios-to-be-encrypted-no-internet-audio-feeds-389361412.html#:~:text=The%20public%20and%20news%20media%20used%20to%20be,had%20been%20temporarily%20halted%2C%20will%20not%20be%20resumed.

California Highway patrol – didn’t have gear to encrypt- they have new policy. They have been holding back broadcasting of personal information – something the NYPD already does and disseminates to their dispatch through their NYPD issued IPhones. - August 11, 2021

https://padailypost.com/2021/08/11/chp-wont-encrypt-radios-even-though-cities-like-palo-alto-have-to/#:~:text=The%20California%20Highway%20Patrol%20does%20not%20plan%20to,personal%20information%20that%20is%20transmitted%20over%20the%20airwaves

State bill on police radio encryption dies in committee - 8/31/2022

https://sd13.senate.ca.gov/news/in-the-news/august-31-2022/state-bill-police-radio-encryption-dies-in-committee

TEXT OF THE BILL PRESENTED TO CA LEGISLATURE - 2/22/2019

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1555

Sheriff’s Department encrypts radio communications; critics say the move will reduce transparency - Jan. 16, 2022

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2022-01-16/sheriffs-department-encrypts-radio-communications#:~:text=In%20San%20Diego%20County%2C%20the%20only%20policing%20agency,through%20which%20personal%20information%20can%20be%20shared%20privately.

Palo Alto police set to remove radio encryption - January 2021

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/public-safety/story/2022-01-16/sheriffs-department-encrypts-radio-communications#:~:text=In%20San%20Diego%20County%2C%20the%20only%20policing%20agency,through%20which%20personal%20information%20can%20be%20shared%20privately.

Legislator revives effort to address police radio encryption

https://www.pleasantonweekly.com/news/2023/03/20/legislator-revives-effort-to-address-police-radio-encryption?fbclid=IwAR0b-C7OEhtqsKXQY9jxovlPJDHdheP3qREgk16J-jyUEtWwUAQgBzmPa5I

Police radio encryption: Berkeley to take a different approach than Palo Alto — public involvement August 10, 2021

https://padailypost.com/2021/07/10/police-radio-encryption-berkeley-to-take-a-different-approach-than-palo-alto-public-involvement/

Palo Alto police will drop police radio encryption August 4, 2022

https://sd13.senate.ca.gov/news/in-the-news/august-4-2022/palo-alto-police-will-drop-police-radio-encryption

Palo Alto police set to remove radio encryption august 4, 2022

https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2022/08/04/palo-alto-police-set-to-remove-radio-encryption

Baltimore Goes Dark: Police Scanner Encryption Creates New Danger 9/14/2021

https://nationalinterest.org/feature/baltimore-goes-dark-police-scanner-encryption-creates-new-danger-193751

A year after the legislature passed a law on police radio encryption, Denver-area news outlets are still blocked from listening August 24, 2022 FOIC

https://coloradofoic.org/a-year-after-the-legislature-passed-a-law-on-police-radio-encryption-denver-area-news-outlets-are-still-blocked-from-listening/?fbclid=IwAR2As9zqv_cDN6nLbDwjnajUAwY5XFlo4v_mTQP-foCXGfwWQe2fO6O9q3g

Baltimore Police now encrypting, delaying radio transmissions 7/6/2023

https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/baltimore-police-now-encrypting-delaying-radio-transmissions

BPD to implement timed encryption while providing public streaming of radio transmission 6/30/2023

https://www.baltimorepolice.org/news/bpd-implement-timed-encryption-while-providing-public-streaming-radio-transmission

The Wildly Popular Police Scanner Goes Silent for Many

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/22/us/police-scanner-encryption.html

TECHNICALS ON ENCRYPTION

RadioReference.com Forums - tech talk about encryption

https://forums.radioreference.com/

Encrypted Radio Transmission: What is & What is Not Safe - July 1, 2023

https://carcbradios.com/encrypted-radio-transmission/

Statement by Radio Television Digital News Association on Encryption

https://www.rtdna.org/news/why-radio-encryption-is-rtdnas-biggest-issue-in-2023

Encryption statement from City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams

https://council.nyc.gov/press/2023/07/28/2448/

Police Seek a Radio Silence That Would Mute Critics in the Press = September 25, 2023

https://fair.org/home/police-seek-a-radio-silence-that-would-mute-critics-in-the-press/

Over and out? City Council hearing eyes NYPD radio encryption plan that could shut press and public out of breaking crime news Nov. 14, 2023

https://www.amny.com/news/city-council-nypd-radio-encryption-hearing-planned/

Over and out? State bill would thwart NYPD radio encryption plan and protect public access to transmissions Nov. 17, 2023

https://www.amny.com/news/state-bill-nypd-radio-encryption-public-access/

CBS Chicago Some say encrypted digital channels may garble police radio calls January 11, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssSPDCWscVs

Illinois LOCAL RECORDS-POLICE SCANNERS January 16,2024

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=4339&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=151232&SessionID=112&GA=103

Proposed Illinois law would give media access to encrypted police scanner traffic February 16, 2024 MYStateline.com

https://www.toddmaiselvisualjournalism.com/police-radio-encryption-resources

ENCRYPTION FACT SHEET - Created August 16, 2023

https://www.toddmaiselvisualjournalism.com/encryptionfactsheet