[Scan-DC] G20 Summit: Police radios will shut out public

[Alan Henney]

Police radios will shut public out; 
Force set to launch $35 million encrypted system to block eavesdropping ahead of G20 summit

BYLINE: Henry Stancu, Toronto Star

SECTION: GTA; Pg. GT02

LENGTH: 606 words

Eavesdropping on police radio will soon be a thing of the past in Toronto as the force moves to launch a $35 million encrypted system that blocks out the public - including tow-truck drivers, reporters and others with a burning desire to know what's happening out there.

Though new to many cities, radio encryption has been employed for decades around the globe, spurred on by post-9/11 security concerns. It's used by the U.S. Secret Service, CIA and Department of Homeland Security, as well as some state and local forces, though not by New York City police. 

Although officials acknowledge encryption is coming to Toronto - as soon as the G20 summit in June - nobody wants to discuss specifics, citing "security concerns."

"It's about public safety, officer safety, operational security and integrity," explains Mark Pugash, director of public information for Toronto police. "When you consider how accessible the information is and the sensitivity of much of what we do, then you have to take this very seriously."

Pugash didn't give a target date, and the operating budget doesn't itemize the cost.

However, it's coming in at a time when there is extraordinary pressure to cut costs. The police services board voted Monday not to trim $5.9 million from the $892.2 million operating budget, as recommended by a review committee. Chief Bill Blair said it would be "irresponsible" and would mean 258 fewer officers on the street.

Board chair Alok Mukherjee describes encryption as a "long-term capital expense" the city will benefit from introducing now because Ottawa will pay half the cost under its commitments toward security for the G20. Though costs have dropped drastically over the past decade, just one encrypted radio costs $5,000, according to a Motorola dealer.

A communications insider said police are still maintaining the old Motorola radio system, but also testing encrypted radios for use in sensitive areas such as the emergency task force, undercover operations and summit preparations, in conjunction with the RCMP.

Meanwhile, the prospect of a blackout is causing anxiety to those who routinely monitor police, fire and ambulance calls, including media outlets, independent tow-truck drivers and scanner buffs. For suddenly stranded motorists, it may mean a longer wait for a tow - and for drivers stuck behind a stalled vehicle or an accident, a longer backup.

Wadi Alsaadli, of Metro Toronto Towing, an independent operator with two trucks on the road, says his livelihood depends on an open radio system. He figures more than 1,000 independent tow trucks work the GTA streets.

"We're not ready for it. When that happens I'm going to have to work for a company that has a contract with the police," Alsaadli said.

Radioworld, at Steeles Ave. W. and Highway 400, caters to scanner enthusiasts who listen in to learn what's going on in their neighbourhood.

"Obviously, they'll be shut out," said sales manager Tim Pacan.

When the Ontario Provincial Police switched to a digital system that blocked out the public, he said, they had to bring in a separate, open analogue channel so tow-truck operators could respond to accidents that paralyzed highways.

"Anything that should be secret already is, like the emergency task force and undercover work," Pacan argues. "And how often do you hear people committing a crime using a scanner?"

Pugash said there is no "enshrined right" of the public or news media to listen in on emergency calls, despite the freedom they've had to do so until now.

"Our job, in communicating with each other, is to resolve situations safely and be able to deploy our people safely and effectively," he said.