Police Encryption Bill Sent to the Governor’s Office
- The New York State Broadcasters Association
- 7 hours ago
- 1 min read
Yesterday, the legislature finally sent the Keep Police Radio Public Act (S.416A/A3516) to the Governor for her signature. She has 10 days to sign the bill. The failure to sign within 10 days will constitute a veto.
The Keep Police Radio Public Act (S.416A/A.3516) addresses a growing problem with NYPD and other jurisdictions that are in the process of encrypting all police communications. As a result, broadcast journalists are unable to obtain information regarding police activity in their local community. The legislation would require law enforcement to provide professional journalists access to basic dispatch information in real time. At the same time, it would protect sensitive police communications. Under the bill, the NY Secretary of State would create a list of journalists eligible to obtain access. We have urged the Governor to sign this bill.
We have been urging the Governor to sign the legislation. You can see our most recent communication here.
You can see a complete analysis of the Keep Police Radio Public Act here.