Berkeley City Council Votes for Police Radio Encryption Despite Community Backlash

Berkeley, California — The Berkeley City Council voted 8-1 Tuesday to approve a police radio encryption plan, aimed at enhancing officer safety and ensuring the privacy of crime victims. This decision came despite significant pushback from transparency advocates and members of the public.

Police Chief Jen Louis testified that live police radio transmissions have previously been exploited by suspects trying to evade capture. In the last month and a half, she noted three documented instances of this occurring, prompting the department to act.

Critics, including the Police Accountability Board, expressed concerns about the loss of public access to real-time police information. They argued that the encryption could hinder media coverage of important incidents, thereby reducing accountability in law enforcement.

Sgt. Neil Egbert, president of the Berkeley police union, emphasized that the encryption was not just a privacy issue but a safety measure for victims. “Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or other crimes have no idea that their names, addresses, injuries or locations could be broadcast over the air,” he said.

Opponents of the encryption highlighted the impact on community safety, arguing that it could create a barrier for residents and journalists seeking to report on emergencies and breaking news. “Are we in a police state, or are we focused on public safety?” questioned Moni Law, an attorney and community activist.

Residents voiced their concerns during the council meeting, stressing the need for transparent communication during critical incidents. “Removing the scanner would not make Berkeley safer. It would make our city less informed,” said Taj Herzer-Baptiste, an EMT serving on the city’s Disaster and Fire Safety Commission.

In response to community concerns, Chief Louis pledged that the police department’s commitment to transparency would remain strong, stating that the department would provide more frequent updates and better public information practices.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Berkeley Police Department was still broadcasting in the open. Specific details on when the encryption will officially take effect have yet to be determined.