Killeen Police Department Transitions to Encrypted Radio Transmissions

Killeen, TX (April 10, 2024): Effective, Thursday, April 11, 2024, as part of the Bell County Communication Center initiative, the Killeen Police Department will switch to encrypted radio transmissions.

This change is designed to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality of our operational information, while still maintaining a level of transparency with the public. While the content of our communications will be encrypted, the fact that communication is taking place will still be accessible to the public through Freedom of Information Act requests. This upgrade in our communication infrastructure aligns with modern security standards and is essential for maintaining a strategic advantage in our efforts to combat crime and protect our citizens. As we continue to prioritize the safety and security of our community, we must adopt measures to enhance the confidentiality and integrity of our communications systems.

Encrypted radio communication provides several key benefits:

Enhanced Security: Encrypted communication protects against unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and secure. 

Privacy Protection: By encrypting our transmissions, we safeguard the privacy rights of individuals involved in law enforcement activities and protect them from potential interception or monitoring.

Improved Efficiency: Encrypted communication systems offer streamlined and reliable information transmission, enabling quicker response times and more effective coordination among our teams. In emergency situations, our encrypted communication system is designed to prioritize and expedite critical information, ensuring that there are no delays in our response times.

Adaptation to Modern Threats: In an era of increasing cyber threats and technological sophistication, encrypted communication is vital for staying ahead of potential adversaries and safeguarding critical infrastructure. This is not a new concept, and many other jurisdictions have successfully implemented encrypted communication systems, leading to significant improvements in their law enforcement activities and public safety.

We understand that this transition may raise questions. We are committed to providing transparent and informative updates through our social media feeds and verbally during live critical incidents that may alarm or concern the community. Your understanding and support are not just crucial, but integral, as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community. Encrypted communication is an essential component of our strategy to fulfill this responsibility, and we want you to be fully informed about this important change.

“I want to express my deep appreciation to the media for their continued partnership in keeping the public informed and engaged. Your role in promoting transparency and accountability is invaluable,” said Chief Pedro Lopez Jr.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department