Moorhead Police Department encrypts radio communications – InForum

MOORHEAD — Police scanners will no longer have real-time Moorhead Police Department radio communications as the department moves to encrypted radio transmissions.

In a press release Monday, Nov. 3, the Moorhead Police Department said the department was transitioning to encrypted radio transmissions to “enhance security and protect sensitive operational information.”

The change, which started Monday, is designed to “prevent unauthorized access to police communications while maintaining transparency through public data requests,” the release said. The change aligns with modern law enforcement practices in response to evolving technological threats, the department said.

The department’s top priority is protecting the people it serves, Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmick said in the release.

“This transition to encrypted radio communication is about safeguarding the privacy and dignity of community members who may be involved in police responses — whether as victims, witnesses, or others impacted by unfolding events,” Helmick said. “It also enhances the safety of our officers by preventing the unauthorized monitoring of tactical operations.

Before the change, the Moorhead Police Department used unencrypted communications but had the option to hide certain communications from public channels, according to Sgt. Joseph Brannan. Now, radio communications will be encrypted all the time.

The Moorhead Police Department joins

other area law enforcement agencies

in encrypting radio communications.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office encrypted its radio communications in February, according to Sheriff Mark Empting. Encrypting information protects information like names and dates of birth that are said on air, he said.

“There’s a lot of information that we’re running over our radios through dispatch that is sensitive information that we really shouldn’t have out there for people that are listening or monitoring the scanner,” Empting said.

The Fargo Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Department and West Fargo Police Department also encrypt their radio communications.

Moorhead police communication records will still be accessible through the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, the city of Moorhead release said. The Moorhead Police Department will continue to share information through channels like Facebook, Instagram and the city of Moorhead website.