Berkeley Police Department launches online call log as it begins encrypting radio signals - Local News Matters

The Berkeley Police Department implemented encrypted radio communications on November 8, 2025, to protect personal identifying information in compliance with state law. To maintain transparency, the department introduced a real-time call log that features a 10-minute delay and displays details of police service calls from the previous 48 hours. This log includes crime descriptions, priority levels from 1-9, incident numbers, and the time and manner of call receipt. However, the incident type may not always represent the final situation as officers assess the scene. This change aims to balance public safety with privacy concerns and provides a compromise for media and residents seeking timely information.

Police Chief Jennifer Louis highlighted the need for encryption to align Berkeley with neighboring jurisdictions and enhance officer safety. Critics pointed to Palo Alto's earlier reversal of similar encryption policies, citing technological advancements, but Berkeley officials noted staffing constraints as a challenge for switching between channels. The decision reflects ongoing debates about police transparency and accountability in the community.