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Berkeley voted to restrict the public’s access to police radio frequencies following an eight-to-one vote by the city council.

This puts the city in compliance with instructions from Attorney General Rob Bonta. In 2020, Bonta released a memo stating that the transmission of sensitive and personal information should only be available to authorized personnel.

Opponents of the measure argue that live radio traffic enables the media to report on breaking public safety news. It also allows the public to maintain police accountability.

Police Chief Jennifer Louis told the City Council that alternatives to encryption were considered and deemed insufficient.

Instead, a delayed list of calls will be available. Press releases, social media posts, and an exp

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