New York Lawmakers Pass ‘Keep Police Radio Public Act’

News Summary

New York state lawmakers have enacted the ‘Keep Police Radio Public Act’, ensuring journalists and emergency services retain access to real-time police communications. The bill has cleared both the Assembly and the Senate and awaits review by Governor Kathy Hochul. Proponents argue the law is crucial for transparency and public accountability, while concerns about sensitive information remain. The recent encryption of NYPD radio broadcasts raised alarm among media advocates, prompting the need for this legislation. The act aims to restore vital communication between journalists and police, enhancing timely reporting during crises.

New York state lawmakers have passed the “Keep Police Radio Public Act” on Thursday, a critical piece of legislation designed to ensure journalists and emergency service organizations have access to real-time communications from police radio. The bill has now cleared both the state Assembly and the Senate and is set to be reviewed by Governor Kathy Hochul.

The Assembly approved the bill with a vote of 89-55, despite some opposition from members within the Democratic Party. The Senate vote stood at 38-22, with Democrats largely supporting the measure. This legislation seeks to address concerns that arose following a significant upgrade to the NYPD’s communication system, which included the encryption of police broadcasts.

State Senator Michael Gianaris from Queens, the Senate bill sponsor, and Assemblymember Karines Reyes from the Bronx, who sponsored the bill in the Assembly, both argued that maintaining access to police communications is vital for media operations and public accountability. The new law does include provisions to safeguard sensitive information, preventing the release of details that could jeopardize law enforcement operations or victim privacy.

The NYPD began encrypting its radio broadcasts in late 2023 as part of a nearly billion-dollar upgrade intended to enhance communication technology and prevent misuse. This move sparked widespread concern among press advocates and local officials, who feared that encryption would limit the information available to journalists reporting on emergencies and breaking news.

While NYPD representatives stated that encryption is necessary for the safety of police officers and the privacy of victims and witnesses, they emphasized that providing real-time access to police broadcasts could undermine these efforts. There is an ongoing debate about the balance between ensuring transparency for the media and protecting the safety of officers in the field.

Supporters of the “Keep Police Radio Public Act,” including the New York Media Consortium—which includes eight statewide press organizations—have praised the bill’s passage as a significant victory for both transparency and public safety in New York State. Public advocates and representatives from media organizations have underscored the pressing need for journalists to be able to respond quickly to incidents by accessing police information promptly.

By mandating that police agencies across New York State provide real-time access to police communications, the bill aims to enable journalists and other emergency services to undertake timely reporting and provide critical information to the community during unfolding local events.

Once the bill is officially presented to Governor Hochul, her office has indicated that she will review the legislation carefully. The outcome of this review will determine whether the act becomes law, ultimately shaping how police communications are accessed in the state moving forward.

Under the current framework, reporters and photographers have increasingly found it challenging to cover crime scenes and significant events. Many rely on police radio communications to gather timely information, and the encryption has led to delays and difficulties in their coverage. Photojournalists, in particular, have expressed relief at the legislative advancements, which promise to restore a more direct line of communication between journalists and police activity.

As the bill progresses through the state’s legislative process, it remains evident that the future of police communication access hangs in a delicate balance between the continued need for transparency in law enforcement actions and the imperative of ensuring safety and privacy for all involved.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• City & State NY: Editor’s Note – Hochul Should Sign Keep Police Radio Public Act
• Wikipedia: Police Radio Communication
• AMNY: State Legislature Passes Keep Police Radio Public Act
• Google Search: Keep Police Radio Public Act
• Police1: New York Legislators Vote to Preserve Media Access to Encrypted Police Radio Communications
• Google Scholar: Keep Police Radio Public Act
• NY Post: New York State Lawmakers Vote to Stop NYPD’s Attempt to Block Radio Communications from Public
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Communications
• SI Live: Police Radio Access Bill Passes NY Legislature Despite Staten Island GOP Opposition
• Google News: New York Police Radio Communications