In early 2026, the Bothell Fire Department and Bothell Police Department will enhance encryption to radios used for tactical communications among our fire personnel. Encrypting radio communications means that radio transmissions can only be heard internally by the intended audience. The primary reason Bothell Fire and Police has chosen to encrypt radios is to protect the public’s sensitive personal and health information from being shared to a wide audience. Encryption also enhances the safety of community members and first responders.
This technology upgrade is possible because of the move to a new digital radio system in King County as part of the initiative. The new radio system allows first responders, particularly law enforcement and fire, fire and EMS, to better communicate and dispatch emergency and other government services countywide. The new PSERN radio system has improved coverage, capabilities and security versus traditional analog radio systems.
Reasons for encryption:
Fire personnel frequently transmit a patient’s vitals and details regarding their injuries over the radio to trauma and medical doctors at hospitals. This is protected health information that should not be shared broadly in part due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Additionally, information regarding door, gate and key box codes, and other access data is communicated to gain entry to buildings during emergencies.
Firefighter/EMTs and paramedics often respond to scenes where individuals are injured as a result of a violent act, such as a shooting or stabbing. Encrypting channels where information on these incidents is communicated preserves operational integrity and improves the safety of the police officers and the communities they serve. When channels remain open, they can be accessed by all individuals, including some who may be actively engaging in criminal activity or behavior.
For law enforcement agencies, encrypting radios preserves operational integrity and improves the safety of officers and the communities they serve. When channels remain open, they can be accessed by all individuals, including some who may be actively engaging in criminal activity or behavior. There are several local and national incidents where suspects have used scanners to evade arrest or disrupt police operations in real-time. When officers suspect their movements are being monitored, they may resort to “radio silence” to avoid compromise, which can significantly reduce coordination and increase risk during dynamic situations.
Law enforcement officials often communicate information regarding data that is personal and sensitive, including names, addresses, dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, access codes and other private information. Names of victims and witnesses may also be spoken over the radio, and encryption helps to protect their identity.
What’s changing:
Bothell Fire’s and Police's dispatch channels, which communicate when and where incidents are occurring, will remain open for the public to hear via radio scanners. The department will encrypt channels that transmit the following:
- Private health information
- Sensitive building access data
- Information regarding a person's identity
- Witness and victim names
- Tactical communications, including for Scenes of Violence responses
Committed to sharing information:
The Bothell Fire Department and Bothell Police Department remains committed to sharing information with the public and media about significant incidents as they are unfolding. Here are ways to stay informed:
- Follow Bothell Fire on social media: Facebook and X
- Follow Bothell Police on social media: Facebook and X
- Members of the public can email the public information officer of Bothell Fire or Police to request information
The right to access information:
Encryption does not change the public’s legal right to access information. Members of the public and media can file a public disclosure request via the City of Bothell website to request encrypted radio communications.