You Will No Longer Be Able to Monitor Police Radios in Rockford

Starting in August, the Rockford Police Department will encrypt all radio transmissions.

The more you know, or don't know?

Rockford Police Chief Daniel O'Shea has announced that the public will no longer be able to monitor dispatch channels.

Instead, all radio transmissions will be encrypted.

This change is happening because of public privacy rights and police safety, according to WTVO.

In a statement, Police Chief Daniel O'Shea stated:

While an open radio system offers a sense of transparency for citizens and news media, the risk of criminals using the same technology to monitor law enforcement channels jeopardizes officer safety. Ultimately, the safety of my officers, the safety of the public, and the public privacy rights of citizens are my primary concerns.

To me, this change makes sense. I honestly don't see anything wrong with the idea.

Chief Daniel O'Shea promises that police information will still be given to the public and news media outlets in a timely and efficient manner. There is no worry, we all will still be kept in the loop of what is going on in the community.

Some do not believe that this change is for the common good.

There is even a petition for people to sign to stop the Rockford Police Department from encrypting the radio transmissions.

For more information on that petition, click HERE.

What do you think about this? Will this be a positive or negative change in your opinion and why? Let us know in the comments below.