Hagerstown Police Moving To Encrypted Radio System
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Hagerstown Police Chief Mark Holtzman says the department is moving to a fully encrypted radio system because the proliferation of wireless technology allows criminals to listen on their cell phones.
Holtzman tells the Herald-Mail of Hagerstown that cell phone apps make listening in on police communications possible.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office, and Boonsboro, Smithsburg and Hancock police are also using encrypted communications.
The move to encrypted communications will improve security and officer safety.
The encrypted police communications does not affect fire and rescue calls, Holtzman said.
Radios purchased by Hagerstown police two years ago came equipped with encrypted and unencrypted channels, and did not require additional expense.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
