The Renton Police Department announced that beginning early 2026, it will join other Valley police and fire agencies and begin encrypting its radio communications.

The Renton Police Department (RPD) stated on June 17 that only first responders will be able to hear what is said over the radio. RPD cites safety as the reason for this transition.

“When channels remain open, they can be accessed by all individuals, including some who may be actively engaging in criminal activity or behavior. There are several local and national incidents where suspects have used scanners to evade arrest or disrupt police operations in real-time,” RPD spokesperson Meeghan Black said. “When officers suspect their movements are being monitored, they may resort to ‘radio silence’ to avoid compromise, which can significantly reduce coordination and increase risk during dynamic situations.”

Black said public safety professionals often communicate information regarding personal and sensitive data, including names, addresses, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, access codes and other private details. Additionally, the names of victims and witnesses may also be spoken over the radio, and encryption helps protect their identities, Black said.

This transition came about because King County adopted a new digital radio system as part of the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network Initiative. Black said the Valley Communications partner agencies, as a group, collectively decided to encrypt the radio channels.

“The new radio system enables first responders, particularly law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel, to communicate more effectively and dispatch emergency and other government services countywide,” Black said. “The new PSERN radio system has enhanced coverage, capabilities, and security compared to traditional analog radio systems.”

Regarding citizens who might feel that the switch to encrypted radio communications breaks trust, she said that RPD is dedicated to open and transparent communication and are available to answer questions community members may have. She stated that RPD will continue to proactively educate the community about what is happening through its social media channels, and community members can also submit a public records request for specific incidents.

“We understand that some individuals enjoy listening to police, fire, and EMS radio traffic. We also know that encrypting radio traffic is safer for public safety personnel and protects the privacy of community members who are receiving assistance,” Black said. “Encryption does not change the public’s legal right to access information.

Members of the public and media can file a public disclosure request via the Renton Public Records Center or Records Request – Valley Communications.”