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Wayne approves two encrypted radios and a 2026 Ford Explorer for police fleet as encryption deadline looms
Summary
Council approved purchase of two Motorola APX 6500 mobile radios ($14,514.86) after staff discovered additional obsolete units; the police chief said statewide encryption of radios is required by Dec. 2026. Council also approved a 2026 Ford Explorer ($45,950) to replace a high-mileage unmarked vehicle.
Council approved two police-communications radios and a replacement vehicle on Tuesday, citing a statewide encryption deadline for law-enforcement radios.
The police chief said Michigan requires radios used by law-enforcement agencies to be encrypted by December 2026 and that some of the department’s oldest radios cannot be retrofitted for encryption. The agenda item initially requested one Motorola APX 6500 mobile radio at $7,257.43; shortly before the meeting staff identified a second non-upgradable unit. Council voted to suspend the rules, amend the item and approve the purchase of two radios for $14,514.86 to be paid from the police communications budget.
The chief said the radios typically arrive within a month or two, and activation timing depends on the state’s processes. He estimated wholesale replacement of all radios would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but that most existing units should be encryptable at lower cost.
Separately, council approved purchase of a 2026 Ford Explorer for $45,950 from Jack Demmer Ford at a fleet discount to replace a 2013 unmarked vehicle with roughly 140,000 miles. The chief said the vehicle will be paid for from the police capital outlay budget and that standard Ford powertrain warranty coverage applies.
Council members asked about package pricing for multiple-unit purchases and warranty considerations; staff said Motorola sets state minimum pricing and discounts for very large purchases are rare.
