Since at least the 1990s, the Dartmouth Police Department has used “scramble,” a system that made radio communications audible but unintelligible, in order to protect sensitive information from real-time exposure or unauthorized online rebroadcasts, according to Police Chief Brian Levesque.

However, this program had to be activated manually by officers prior to transmitting, which not only distracted officers, but left the communication channel open to accidental breaches of sensitive information. 

Levesque said adopting a fully-encrypted system eliminates that burden while also protecting individual’s information during active transmission. The upgrade also aims to prevent unauthorized access that could compromise emergency responses, investigations or public safety.

The FBI Criminal Justice Information System Security Policy outlines requirements that ensure law enforcement and criminal justice agencies securely handle the transmission, storage and management of personally identifiable information, such as social security numbers, criminal histories and medical information that is often shared over the radio, according to Dartmouth Police.

The department has worked with local public safety partners, including the fire districts, Emergency Medical Service and the town’s Emergency Management Agency, to maintain interoperability.