[Scan-DC] Is FCPD unencrypted?

[Steve Thompson]

I listen a lot to Fairfax County from my QTH here near Tysons and can offer 
the following:

1.  I've never heard a data stream on FCPD's system that made me think I 
was listening to encryption.

2.  If they're handling anything sensitive, they exchange cell phone 
numbers and deal with it that way.

3.  The most-interesting comms are always related to emergency situations, 
which by definition happen suddenly and without warning.  That means that 
they happen on the talk groups that we're all able to hear and continue on 
those talk groups.  When a chase, a bank robbery or a shooting happens, 
it'll be in the clear because there's no time and no need to encrypt it, 
even if the officers involved had the capability on their radios.  They 
WANT other officers to know what's going on.

4.  The only thing I haven't been able to hear is TAC, the "SWAT" guys, who 
I think have their own radios or use NEXTEL or something similar.

So, when you can, buy the radio.  It's great listening.

Steve, N4TX

At 06:44 PM 11/9/2008, W4NNG wrote:
>Fellow Scanner Buffs
>
>For some years I've been thinking the price on APCO 25 capable scanners
>would come down.  Just looked at a BC796D.  Appears I was wrong.  Main
>interest in apco25 for FCPD.  Remember their system had the capability of
>running encrypted but they weren't using it.  Anyone know if FCPD is still
>unencrypted?
>
>Thanks for any advice,
>
>Bob  W4NNG
>Alexandria VA
>www.soalex.us/w4nng
>
>
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