For over half a century, local scanner listeners and smaller departments across the Commonwealth have relied on received communications from the Virginia State Police. This open line of communication has been instrumental in gaining situational awareness during severe weather events, natural disasters and critical incidents that spread across jurisdictional boundaries.

Recently, there has been a move towards encrypting these routine communications. While we understand that certain sensitive information must be protected, this shift threatens to cut off a vital source of information for our communities.

VSP has provided supplemental control over sensitive information via the use of Mobile Data Terminals (MDT -Computers) and sensitive branches such as tactical teams and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) already have access to secure comms. The powers of the press, especially in rural areas cannot wait over a week for a FOIA request for information, and If they have no knowledge of the event how will they even know to request it in the first place? Reception of VSP communications has provided a window to events across the Commonwealth where other agencies without press release directives or even a designated public information officer (PIO) exist.

According to data from The National Weather Service (NWS), Virginia experiences an average of 35 tornadoes each year. In such emergencies, timely access to these police communications can be crucial for public safety as troopers are usually the first called, and first on the scene. 

We also cannot overlook that transparency in law enforcement is essential for maintaining public trust and accountability. According to a report by The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights, "transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their government is doing."

We urge you not only as Virginians but as concerned citizens who value transparency and community safety, to prevent routine communications of the Virginia State Police from being encrypted.

Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving open communication with our law enforcement agencies for the sake of public safety and transparency.