NYSBA Urges Support for the New York State Keep Police Radio Public Act (A.3516 and S.416)

Recently, New York City and several other counties have deployed new digital communications systems for law enforcement.  Unfortunately, these new systems prevent journalists from gaining access to basic police dispatch information, making it nearly impossible to cover law enforcement activity.

The Keep Police Radio Public Act has been introduced in the Assembly (A.3516) and the Senate (S.416), which would require law enforcement agencies to continue providing professional journalists with access to basic police communications. In our memo supporting the legislation, we stated:

“Journalists have accessed basic police radio “dispatch” communications since the 1930s.  Recently, the deployment of encrypted radios by law enforcement in many communities now prevents broadcast journalists from accessing basic information and thereby undermining our ability to inform the community we serve.  At the same time, we recognize the need to safeguard public safety officials performing their duties.  Achieving both goals, protecting officers and informing the public, has required a delicate balance.  The deployment of new encrypted digital communications systems disrupts this delicate balance, jeopardizing the safety of New York citizens and, ironically, law enforcement officials.  The Keep Police Radio Public Act restores this balance.”

Some law enforcement agencies have expressed concerns with this Act.  However, we have noted the following:

• Providing basic dispatch information to journalists poses no threat to law enforcement.

• The legislation limits access to professional journalists.  Criminals will not be able to access police communications.  No New York law enforcement agency has provided any evidence that journalists have been a problem or pose a future problem to police officers.

• Journalists do not interfere with police communications.

• Denying professional journalists access forces citizens to rely on untrustworthy social media platforms that endanger the public and police officers.

The Sente Bill (S.416), sponsored by Deputy Senate Majority Leader Mike Gianaris, is currently on the Senate floor for a vote.  The Assembly Bill (A.3516) is sponsored by Assemblyperson Reyes. Legislation is also on the Assembly floor for a vote.

You can track the Senate Bill S.416 here.

You can track the Assembly Bill (A. 3516) here.

The links provided above also give you the ability to register your support for the legislation.  We urge you to register your support for these important bills. We strongly support this legislation. 

You can access a copy of our Memorandum Supporting this legislation here.