Law enforcement agencies in the Sioux Falls and Rapid City areas have announced their plans to encrypt their radios, making them inaccessible to the public on scanners starting from November 13.
This decision complies with federal Project 25 (P25) guidelines, which mandate the transition to a unified radio communication system by 2025.
The move is aimed at countering criminals who use live scanner traffic on smartphones to evade law enforcement and protecting the privacy of victims and witnesses.
While this change may limit public access to real-time information, the agencies will continue to use social media and website logs to keep the public informed of critical situations.
The decision reflects the evolving technological landscape and the need for law enforcement to adapt to ensure public safety and officer security.