New Snohomish County emergency radio system will not allow public to listen in

Snohomish County's police and fire crews will transition to a new emergency radio system on May 6, funded by a $71 million sales tax approved by voters in 2018. This extensive project, in development for six years, aims to enhance communication across the varied terrain of the county, which stretches from the Sound to the Cascades. The system includes 22 radio sites that significantly improve coverage and can handle twice the number of calls, minimizing the risk of communication failures during emergencies. Encryption ensures that the public cannot listen in on emergency responses, safeguarding the movements of first responders. Sheriff Susanna Johnson highlighted the dangers of public access to police communications, which could compromise their safety.

The previous system allowed for the interception of sensitive information during investigations, prompting the need for this upgrade. If citizens wish to obtain records of law enforcement actions, they must submit a public records request. This shift reflects a commitment to enhancing safety and operational efficiency for emergency responders.