NYPD's Radio Encryption Plan Blocked by State Lawmakers

New York state lawmakers voted down the NYPD's plan to encrypt its radio communications. The "Keep Police Radio Public Act" aims to balance transparency with the need to protect sensitive information. The bill, if signed into law, would grant emergency services and reporters access to real-time police radio communications while still keeping sensitive information private. The NYPD argued encryption is necessary for officer safety and victim privacy, but supporters of the bill contend that public access to police radio is crucial for press freedom and public accountability. The bill now heads to Governor Kathy Hochul's desk.