The Decatur Police Department is moving to encrypted digital dispatch and radio communications, a change city officials say is aimed at protecting officers, safeguarding victims and keeping sensitive investigative details out of the wrong hands. The city announced the transition on March 3.
In its announcement, the city said routine police radio traffic can include victim names, home addresses, medical details, juvenile information, officer locations and response plans. Officials also said scanner apps can allow suspects to monitor police activity in real time during active calls, which they argue creates a public-safety risk.
Officials say police radio traffic often includes private or sensitive information, such as victim names, home addresses, medical details, juvenile information, officer locations and response plans. Encryption prevents that information from being accessed by the public or used by suspects during active calls.
Decatur Mayor Kent Lawrence said the move reflects the city’s focus on public safety, which residents identified as a top priority in the 2026 Decatur Community Survey.
“Our residents told us safety matters,” Lawrence said. “This upgrade protects officers on dangerous calls, shields victims’ private information, and prevents criminals from using technology to gain an advantage.”
Chief Torry Mack said the department will continue to prioritize transparency even as it modernizes its communications systems.
“Transparency is a core value at the Decatur Police Department, and that will not change,” Mack said. “This upgrade is long overdue and moves our department fully into the 21st century.”
City officials emphasized that encrypting police radio traffic will not limit public access to information. Incident reports will remain available through established public records processes, and the city will continue issuing press releases and updates on major incidents.
The transition to encrypted communications is expected to take place during the first quarter of 2026 as part of the city’s broader effort to invest in modern public safety tools and infrastructure.
