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Breach of trust

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Northwest approves policy updates, accepts $2K from post-fire fundraisers

<p>I am an amateur radio operator (ham), and I&#8217;m asking Luzerne County Council to request the 911 center to have a balanced approach when it comes to encrypting communications with the upgraded radio system.</p><p>The chief of police of Plains Township has been quoted asking for just that. Day-to-day transmissions can be open to the public. However, sensitive communications can be encrypted as they should be.</p><p>Those of us who use police scanners are law-abiding citizens able to keep up what&#8217;s going on in our neighborhoods.</p><p>Public access to police radio communications helps public safety. Information on animal or wildlife calls can keep the public clear of danger areas. Information on fast/slow speed chases can keep the public clear of danger areas. Information on motor vehicle accidents can keep the public clear of adding additional traffic burdens. Access to traffic violation information can also alert the public to potential traffic slow down safety issues ahead or in the area.</p><p>When the public hears sirens in their neighborhoods, access to police radio communications can alert the public to emergency information which may impact their or their family&#8217;s safety.</p><p>When the public has information relative to criminal activity, they can stay clear of the area for their own safety. When the public has access to information on BOLO (be on the look out) ,they too can assist by passing along information helpful to law enforcement.</p><p>Sure there&#8217;s an argument saying the criminals listen too. I&#8217;d wager that you would be hard pressed to document a single case where criminals used the scanner to get away with a crime.</p><p><strong>Bob Reynolds</strong></p><p>White Haven</p><style>
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Your view: Keep police, emergency radio calls public