New York state lawmakers voted to stop the NYPD’s attempt to block its radio communications from the public Thursday, with the bill expected to head to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk.
The “Keep Police Radio Public Act” passed both the state Senate and state Assembly, with a sponsor of the legislation arguing the proposal strikes the “proper balance” in the battle between transparency and sensitive information.
“Preserving access to police radio is critical for a free press and to preserve the freedoms and protections afforded by the public availability of this information,” state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) said in a statement.
“As encrypted radio usage grows, my proposal strikes the proper balance between legitimate law enforcement needs and the rights and interests of New Yorkers.”
The bill, which was sponsored in the Assembly by lawmaker Karines Reyes (D-Bronx), is meant to make real-time police radio communications accessible to emergency services organizations and reporters.
“Sensitive information” would still be kept private, according to the legislation.
The NYPD began a plan in late 2023 to fully encrypt its radio broadcasts as part of a massive system upgrade that quickly led to outcry from press advocates and local officials.
The move has made it more difficult for journalists to cover breaking news — and led to less information flowing to the public.
But the NYPD, which has now shielded most radio communications, has argued that making the network go dark was necessary — a point the department repeated Thursday.
“Encrypting police radio communications is necessary for both the safety of law enforcement, as well as to protect the privacy interests of victims and witnesses,” an NYPD spokesperson said in an email.
“Requiring the NYPD to provide real-time access could jeopardize officer safety and victim privacy.”
Hochul’s office didn’t provide much insight into the state leader’s thinking on the bill.
“The governor will review all legislation that passes both houses of the legislature,” a spokesperson said Thursday.
The proposal would cover police agencies across the Empire State.
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