OCPD, other Worcester Co. law enforcement agencies transition to encrypted radio transmission

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City Police and several other law enforcement agencies in Worcester County transitioned to encrypted radio transmissions for all law enforcement activity.

We’re told increases in identity theft is one of several factors that led the FBI to update its Criminal Justice Information Services security policy at the end of 2022, which recommended that any radio communication including the transmission of criminal justice information be encrypted to prevent protected information to be disseminated beyond those authorized.

Encryption of law enforcement radio also protects officers, as suspects have been known to monitor radio transmissions to determine law enforcement response times and patrol tactics, helping the suspects plan crimes and elude police.

The encrypted radio transition took effect on March 1st.