Brazos County Commissioners Hear Support For Blocking Public Access To Law Enforcement Radio Traffic

Images from Bryan police, Texas A&M police, the Texas department of public safety, the Brazos County sheriff's office, and College Station police.
Images from Bryan police, Texas A&M police, the Texas department of public safety, the Brazos County sheriff's office, and College Station police.

The public is no longer able to listen to radio communications involving Brazos County law enforcement agencies.

That’s after the decision to start fully implement encrypted channels.

Brazos County precinct two constable Donald Lampo expressed his support for blocking public access during Tuesday’s (December 9) county commission meeting.

Click below to hear Donald Lampo’s comments:

 

A news release from Brazos County law enforcement agencies said encrypted radio channels will also keep criminals from monitoring their activity.

Joint news release from Bryan police, Texas A&M police, the Texas department of public safety, the Brazos County sheriff’s office, and College Station police:

On December 8, 2025, Brazos County will fully implement encrypted radio communication. At present, unencrypted radio channels allow unauthorized access through public scanner apps, enabling criminal actors to monitor law enforcement communications in real time. This creates safety risks for officers, compromises sensitive information, and exposes agencies to legal and reputational liabilities. The routine transmission of personal data over open radio channels compromises privacy safeguards and may place agencies at risk of regulatory non-compliance. Open communications have also been exploited to disrupt patrol operations or spread unverified information, creating additional challenges for staff and the public.

Implementing encrypted radio communications offers numerous benefits, including enhanced officer safety, protection of personally identifiable information (PII), operational security, and protection against unauthorized interception. However, concerns around public transparency and media access must be addressed.

Public Transparency and Media Access Options

* Published Daily Activity Logs
* Provide timely public information releases
* Maintain a clear and accessible Open Records process
* Designated Public Information Officer to coordinate media and community communications

Benefits / Value

* Officer Safety: Prevents criminals from intercepting communications during critical operations.
* PII Protection: Ensures compliance with data privacy laws, reducing liability. This will help keep our community members’ personal identifying information safe and out of the hands of criminals.
* Operational Security: Maintains integrity of investigations and responses.
* Public Misinformation Reduction: Limits unauthorized dissemination of unverified information.
* Future Readiness: Modernizes infrastructure to resist cyber threats and tech-based interference.

If you have any questions regarding this new implementation, please contact your local agency’s Public Information Officer.

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