[TrunkCom] while we are on the subject of encryption

[Arthur-Bryan E. Phelps]

The original contract with the Commonwealth did include a provision for
registered "scanners" - probably radios with the transmitting circuitry
disabled - for use by LE, news media, etc.  I do not know if it would be
released to an individual. The unit ID would be displayed on a console in
the dispatch center when the scanner was powered up and could be disabled at
will if the PSP did not want sensitive information disclosed. The last I
heard, was that M/A Com OpenSky was "looking" to form a partnership with a
company, e.g. Uniden to make and license a scanner.  So, if that is true, it
negates the initial option. 

-----Original Message-----
From: trunkcom-bounces+aphelps=enter.net at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:trunkcom-bounces+aphelps=enter.net at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
Scott Berringer
Sent: Monday, November 06, 2006 4:59 PM
To: Discussion of Monitoring Trunk Radio Systems
Subject: Re: [TrunkCom] while we are on the subject of encryption

There has been talk forever about an OpenSky 'receiver' being manufactured
by MA/COM for being able to monitor the Pennsylvania system. However, that
has never come to fruit. I don't think it ever will. Honestly, I don't even
think the OpenSky systems will survive. 
Especially not with everyone trying to get everything P-25 compliant.

IMHO, Encryption should ONLY be used for sensitive ops (VICE, NARCS, SWAT,
etc...) not for day to day ops. If you need to encrypt your car-to-car
channels, you got issues. Also, encryption should only be available for law
enforcement and possibly arson investigators. But, only on an as-needed
basis for sensitive ops.

There is one city in Ohio that comes to mind that everyone is always whining
about. Canton, Ohio PD. They have all of their main PD talkgroups encrypted
in addition to them being P-25 digital modulation. 
With encryption for routine operations, if you give out a BOLO, the citizens
can't lend an additional set of eyes/ears because they don't know that the
BOLO has been issued. Some people (system administrators) have been suckered
by smooth talking sales reps (from Motorola and
MA/COM) in to thinking that they NEED full-time encryption. Those sales reps
are the ones that show up for a sales meeting in a Mercedes, or a Hummer
because they get paid WAY TOO MUCH $$$$$$$$.



Jeff Kenyon wrote:

> Hi everyone, while we are on the subject of encryption in the few 
> rumors I have seen on the net about a possible OpenSky scanner coming 
> out one thing that was mentioned was encryption there, and the fact 
> that the radio would be able to be disabled if need be.  These threads 
> have been here and there, but I would imagine anything OpenSky would 
> be a long ways out, and I know that in PA and Oakland County, Michigan 
> we have to get our systems working first!
> 
> 
> 
> 
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