Douglas County has encrypted its law enforcement radio channels, meaning that the media or anyone with a scanner can no longer hear real-time emergency response notifications.

The Centennial Citizen reports that Sheriff Tony Spurlock sent a notice stating that only “legitimate” media outlets could sign an agreement with his office to listen to encrypted channels – and so far none have.

The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office also has plans to encrypt, while Denver and Aurora have done so already.

Arguments against allowing open access to police communications generally cite the possibility that criminals may evade police by monitoring scanner traffic or that anyone with a scanner may overhear identifying information about victims.

Nationally, more and more agencies are moving toward encryption, and a bill in Colorado this year to ensure open transmission failed to pass. After the Denver Police Department’s policy change, a Denver Post reporter tweeted on Aug. 7 that “a juvenile was shot and killed in Denver on July 23, but police did not report it until today when they announced the arrest.”

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press notes that there is no federal requirement that radio access be open to all. The media generally use scanners to report on crimes or fires, and to inform the public about accidents, demonstrations, or other activity that affects communities.