Seattle Fire, King County public safety agencies encrypt radio channels in mid-August
SEATTLE – Aug. 18, 2026 – Beginning Aug. 18, 2026, many King County law enforcement and fire agencies – including the Seattle Fire Department – are encrypting select radio channels to protect sensitive information, improve operational security and support responder safety. The change is part of the ongoing implementation of the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN), the county’s new regional public safety radio system. Seattle Fire announced its encryption plans in June 2025.
Public safety agencies remain committed to transparency. While some radio traffic will no longer be available in real time, many fire agencies will continue using unencrypted dispatch and select tactical channels so the public can hear where emergency calls are occurring. Some agencies are also working to make portions of their radio traffic available after a delay. Agencies will continue providing timely information through news releases, social media, and responses to media inquiries.
Now through Aug. 30, Seattle Fire radios are phasing in encryption. Media and those using scanners may only hear portions of communications between crews and dispatch as the encryption is phased in. By Aug. 31, all radio traffic on Seattle Fire channels 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 will be fully encrypted. Dispatch channels 4 and 5 will remain fully accessible. Transmissions on channels 4 and 5 include incident type, address and the units being dispatched.
Prior to the PSERN project, agencies did not have the ability to encrypt radio traffic. This allowed the public to listen to radio transmissions that sometimes included patient information, building access codes, hidden key locations, and tactical information during incidents involving law enforcement. Encrypting these channels helps protect sensitive information, preserve operational security and allows first responders to communicate safely and effectively.
“Our responsibility is to balance transparency with protecting the people we serve,” said Jeremy Hurd, Executive Director, PSERN. “Encryption helps safeguard sensitive information while allowing us to continue providing timely, accurate information through a variety of public channels.”
Encryption does not change Washington’s Public Records Act. Radio recordings remain subject to applicable public records laws, and agencies will continue providing information through news releases, social media, media briefings and public records requests as appropriate.
For questions contact SFDPIO@Seattle.gov.
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