[Scan-DC] Fw: Silent Debate

[Alan Henney]

----- Original Message ----- 
Sent: Saturday, September 11, 2010 4:32 PM
Subject: Silent Debate


>From The Alexandria Gazette, September 9, 2010

The Silent Debate

Ever since radios were invented, the public has had access to frequencies used by police. As technology became more complex, public-safety agencies were able to block sensitive channels, like one for the SWAT team or the vice squad. Now, the Alexandria Police Department is considering a plan that could block all scanner frequencies.

"I would probably say that I’m opposed to it," said Mayor Bill Euille. "But I need to be convinced as to the rationale behind why they want to do it."

Don’t expect that debate to play out in public. The mayor didn’t even know the police were considering the proposal until a reporter asked him for comment. And Police Chief Earl Cook declined to comment on the matter.

"We are currently working on that policy," said Cook. "We would be glad to discuss it as soon as we’ve had a chance to talk through it with the city government and our partners."