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Council approves $350,000 for encrypted police radios after debate on transparency and sanctuary protections
Summary
Richmond approved up to $350,000 to buy 45 encrypted Motorola radios that work on the East Bay Regional Communications Authority system; staff argued encryption protects PII and officer safety while critics warned loss of real‑time public access to dispatch.
The Richmond City Council voted unanimously Nov. 18 to purchase up to 45 encrypted Motorola radios, citing interoperability and data‑security requirements through the East Bay Regional Communication Systems Authority (EBRICS).
Assistant Chief Tim Simmons told the council the radios are needed for new vehicles, motorcycle units and incoming officers, and argued encryption is required to comply with FBI/CJIS and state DOJ guidance protecting personally identifying information transmitted over radio.
“Encryption is one…
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