Beginning Jan. 5, 2026, Prince William County Police Department radios will switch to encrypted transmissions, preventing residents, media outlets, and scanner apps from monitoring police activity in real time.
Police officials say the move reflects national public safety standards and is designed to protect sensitive information routinely transmitted during calls for service.
“Across the country, law enforcement agencies are moving toward encrypted radio systems in response to evolving public safety needs and national best practices,” police officials said.
A shift Stafford made 15 years ago
Prince William’s decision follows a path first taken locally by the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office in 2010, when the county upgraded its emergency radio system and blocked scanner access to law enforcement communications.
At the time, Stafford officials said the change was necessary to protect citizen privacy and officer safety, noting that personal and sensitive information was routinely broadcast over open radio channels.
Stafford has continued operating an encrypted or restricted radio system since that upgrade.
Manassas and Fredericksburg already encrypted
Police departments in Manassas and Fredericksburg also operate encrypted radio systems, limiting real-time public monitoring of police dispatch and tactical communications.
With Prince William’s move, most major law enforcement agencies serving residents in Northern Virginia and the Fredericksburg region will now rely on encrypted radio traffic, reflecting a broader regional and national trend.
Why Prince William police say encryption is necessary
Prince William police outlined several reasons for encrypting radio traffic, citing officer safety, privacy concerns, and crime prevention.
According to the department, encryption will:
- Enhance officer safety by preventing suspects from monitoring police movements.
- Deter crime, as criminals have used scanner apps to track police activity.
- Improve apprehension of suspects, preventing suspects from fleeing or destroying evidence.
- Protect victims and witnesses, who may hesitate to contact police if they believe sensitive details will be broadcast.
- Prevent identity theft, as personal information is often transmitted during records checks.
- Support national security, particularly in the National Capital Region.
Transparency concerns remain
Police officials acknowledged concerns about transparency but said encryption does not eliminate public accountability.
The department said it will continue providing information through:
- Daily incident and arrest reports
- The county crime map
- Official press releases and social media
- Responses to Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests
“We must balance transparency with the responsibility to safeguard the privacy of the community,” police said.
What changes for residents
While residents will no longer be able to monitor police radio traffic using scanners or mobile apps, officials say public information about crime and police activity will continue to be released through official channels.
Prince William police say they will continue communicating with the community ahead of the January rollout.
