Media Release: RPD and OCSO Transitioning to Encrypted Radio Communications

January 21, 2025

ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Rochester Police Department (RPD) and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) will transition to encrypted radio communications on January 27, 2025, to protect privacy and enhance safety.

Without encryption, anyone can listen to law enforcement radio communications using scanners and apps.

Radio communications often include sensitive and confidential medical information and details about victims and juveniles. Occasionally, listeners have shared this information publicly.

Radio communications also expose critical law enforcement information, which can severely impact operations, officer safety and public safety. Suspects have listened to radio communications during critical incidents, compromising the response by emergency services.

The switch to encrypted radio communications aligns with state and federal recommendations and best practices. Many law enforcement agencies in Minnesota already use encryption.

RPD and OCSO remain committed to transparency and continue to provide incident information and public data via a variety of outlets:

Media Contacts

Captain Tim Parkin

Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office

Investigations and Security Services

Office: 507-328-6752 | E-mail: tim.parkin@olmstedcounty.gov

Amanda Grayson, Crime Prevention & Communications Coordinator

Rochester Police Department

Direct: 507-328-2968 | E-mail: agrayson@rochestermn.gov