Washington County Law Enforcement Should Adopt a Transparent Radio Policy (Opinion)

For over 10 years now, Hagerstown and Washington County have kept residents in the dark, literally, when it comes to police dispatch activities. With recent questions regarding the county government’s transparency, including the 2022 cybersecurity incident, It’s time for a county-wide push for improved transparency in all matters of government, including law enforcement.

In 2023, the Baltimore Police Department’s (BPD) adopted a timed encryption policy for radio communications which serves as a model that could benefit our own local law enforcement. This approach blends transparency with safety by providing the public with access to emergency communications on a slight delay. Given the concerns surrounding fully encrypted police communications in Washington County, local agencies such as the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and Hagerstown Police Department could consider following Baltimore’s lead.

Baltimore implemented a 15-minute delay for radio transmissions, accessible via Broadcastify. This step is part of a broader modernization effort, allowing for enhanced interoperability with neighboring agencies while safeguarding sensitive information. The delayed public feed ensures operational integrity, keeping critical tactical communications secure. At the same time, it allows residents, news organizations, and watchdog groups to stay informed about unfolding incidents in their communities. The policy reflects national best practices, balancing officer safety with the public’s right to know.

In Washington County, law enforcement’s current encryption policy is a significant transparency concern. While Fire and EMS dispatch communications remain publicly available, police radio communications are fully encrypted, leaving residents and journalists in the dark about active situations. This lack of access has led to confusion during high-profile incidents, such as the 2023 shooting of a county judge. In the absence of official updates, social media became a breeding ground for misinformation, increasing public fear and uncertainty. A system similar to Baltimore’s could prevent such issues by providing accurate and timely information to the public.

A delayed broadcast system would also address the transparency concerns raised by encryption while maintaining necessary security measures for tactical operations. Such a policy would allow Washington County residents to stay informed about safety concerns in their neighborhoods, ensuring greater accountability and trust in local law enforcement. Archived recordings of radio transmissions, as implemented in Baltimore, could further enhance public access while reducing the administrative burden of Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) requests.

Baltimore’s approach to transparency demonstrates that officer safety and public awareness are not mutually exclusive. Tactical communications, already encrypted for specialized units like SWAT teams, remain protected under this system. Extending this balance to routine police dispatch would modernize operations and improve public trust without exposing officers or sensitive investigations to undue risk.

In Washington County, the fully encrypted police radio system has broader implications beyond public access. As recently highlighted, county officials declined to disclose specific protocols surrounding encrypted communications, citing security concerns. If protocols are so unsecured that you can’t disclose them, then you probably need to be using stronger protocols. This continued stance of “secrecy in the name of safety and security” has contributed to frustration over transparency, particularly after unresolved incidents like the 2022 county cybersecurity breach, where taxpayers were left without answers regarding compromised information. A more transparent radio policy could signal a willingness to rebuild public confidence and demonstrate accountability in law enforcement and local governance.

The transition to a timed encryption model could also improve community relations. Real-time access to emergency communications empowers residents to understand the challenges law enforcement faces, fostering empathy and collaboration. Providing access to delayed broadcasts and archived records would ensure that critical information is accessible without jeopardizing safety.

Transparency is a cornerstone of trust, especially in an era of heightened public scrutiny of law enforcement agencies. Baltimore’s model offers a clear path forward, blending technology, security, and accountability. If the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Hagerstown Police Department adopt similar measures, they could set a new standard for balancing community safety with the public’s right to information.

Opinion article by Ken Buckler, President. All opinions are his own, and do not reflect those of our sponsors or clients.

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