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I think the more interesting discussion here is the same cops want no encryption on user's phones or at least the ability to bypass it. The same reasons they ci

I think the more interesting discussion here is the same cops want no encryption on user's phones or at least the ability to bypass it. The same reasons they cite are the same reasons users want encryption. While not surprising that they want it both ways, just frustrating. I also wonder about FOI act consequences. They are using public spectrum and public dollars. It seems like the scanner should be unencrypted and if they need secret messaging use another channel and do it over the internet.

glenneroo 8y ago
Is it really the same cops though? I saw no mention of Colorado police being against users encrypting their phones. The FBI were the ones who were particularly upset that they couldn't decrypt Apple traffic[0]. [0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FBI%E2%80%93Apple_encryption_dispute https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FBI%E2%80%93Apple_encryption_d...
- clojurestan 8y ago
  ACAB. They basically all have the same motivations and mindset.
- dsl 8y ago
  The FBI, or sometimes the county Sheriffs office, are the ones who handle decryption of phones for local police departments. There are over 17,000 police departments in the United States, it's not reasonable for them to all have these capabilities on site. Edit: The FBI actually has walk up kiosks (in a secure area) with Cellebrite for do-it-yourself forensics.
CamperBob2 8y ago
Most common phrase heard on police scanners in areas with unencrypted systems: "Call me on my cell." So the practical upshot of encrypting public service transmissions is minimal.