Earlier today, law enforcement across Harford County, transitioned to encrypted communications channels.

Every day information crosses the airwaves discussing information as it pertains to juveniles, medical history, victim information, personally identifiable information, and evidence collection. Encryption is required to comply with the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy. This policy mandates that all Criminal Justice Information (CJI)—including biometric data, identity history data, biographic data information, property data records, and case/incident history—must be protected with end-to-end encryption, such as over radio airwaves. With the adoption of encrypted channels, we can safeguard your personal information more effectively and comply with the law.

Advancements in technology have introduced numerous challenges, posing potential threats to personal privacy and the safety of both deputies and citizens. Across the nation, law enforcement agencies are striving to strike a delicate balance between the community’s right to information and the need for privacy protection.

Critical incidents, to include the tragic homicide at Joppatowne High School, unfold rapidly, leaving little time for channel switching. It is imperative that we find a solution that ensures both individual rights and investigative integrity are equally safeguarded.

During a 2023 barricade, involving a suspect in a wooded area in Fallston, the scanner app attracted over 20,000 listeners. Many listeners avidly shared real-time updates on social media platforms, unwittingly endangering the safety of our Special Response Team tasked with resolving the situation safely.

Similarly, when Deputies made the tragic discovery of Rachel Morin’s murdered body on the Ma & Pa Trail, the details of the crime scene were quickly relayed from the radio to social media. The premature release of this information not only jeopardized the integrity of the investigation but also subjected Rachel’s family and friends to distressing online content.

These instances that underscore the critical importance of transitioning to encrypted channels to uphold privacy and safety standards.

This is not a decision that was made lightly. We recognize that our community has become accustomed to “following along” on our many calls for service. We appreciate their support and understand their desire to be kept apprised of crimes occurring in their communities.