SAN BERNARDINO, California — (VVNG.com) In a sweeping effort to thwart criminals from listening in on deputies and First Responders, The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced a county-wide switch from analog to an encrypted digital communication system.
The change is expected to take place on February 1, 2018. Which means that scanner hobbyist and media companies who utilize the police scanner to report real-time breaking news, will no longer have access to this vital information.
Over the past few years, the county has invested $160 million into the system.
“The improved communication platform is vital to the safety of our first responders. It will enhance coverage throughout the county, improve the voice clarity and strengthen the signal to our police frequencies,” the Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.
The upgrade also allows cops from different agencies in the county to communicate more freely, which will play a critical role in the event of a major disaster or catastrophic event.
However, there are those who still oppose the idea of losing access to information that had been readily available to everyone for decades.
“We recognize the concern from our residents and the media regarding the system shutting out the public, some who are hobbyists. The improved system will also shut out individuals who are engaging in criminal behavior that would like to know if law enforcement is coming for them,” officials stated, “Our mission to serve the public is our number one priority, and the new system will help us in keeping personal and critical operational information from being broadcasted to the world.”
Any questions regarding this news release can be addressed to Public Affairs at (909) 387-3700.
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