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Salinas Police talks about new encrypted radio channels

Major changes are rolling out for the radio system used by police, fire and emergency agencies in Monterey County.

For Salinas Police, Friday was day two of switching from analog to a digital radio system along with encrypting its transmissions. That means people and criminals can no longer tune in and listen.

“There is a very significant difference and it takes some getting used to,” said Salinas Police Commander Vince Maiorana. “It goes over to digital and there’s a little transition and it just sounds a little different.”

It’s a change that Salinas Police and other agencies in the county have been waiting for, for a very long time.

“This going to be a lot better for the community, not having people who are going to commit crimes, and victimize members of the community, to be able to listen to police officers doing their business on a daily basis,” said Maiorana.

However, it’s a move that isn’t sitting too well with those who listen to scanners and update the community on social media crime watch pages.

“For us, I think that we could come to a compromise. There are some people that think we can have a delay on their feed, so that way maybe 3-5 minute delay so that way, Salinas Police can get to the scene and do what they gotta do,” said William Riley, who is an administrator on the Salinas Crime Watch Facebook page.

The police departments understand the need for residents to be informed, but said the county’s new digital radio system comes with greater benefits like direct communication.

“I think the ultimate goal here in Monterey County was everyone to go on the same system for us to be able to communicate better,” explained Maiorana.

Better communication for police but something many others will have to get used to.

“I can understand when they want to be quiet but maybe it’s a switch-on switch-off thing,” said Salinas resident Sheila Davison.

Salinas Fire and Monterey County Sheriff’s will not be encrypting their radio channels and calls they respond to will be broadcasted.

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