No eaves dropping
Local residents can no longer tune into police operations.
Encrypted communications through the Regional Mobile Radio (RMR) digital network has now been introduced across the Baw Baw police services area.
Police operating in regional Victoria will now have the same secure communications as the Metropolitan Mobile Radio (MMR) network.
Operational Communications Division superintendent Michael Glowaski said this was a great achievement for Victoria Police and addressed a long standing challenge faced by operational police.
“Previously any person from the community could download a smartphone app and tune into the police radio communication frequency,” he said.
“You’d be surprised as to how many people actually do listen. In many instances jobs have been compromised or police have been required to do significantly more work because of the high probability of people listening in and taking action from the information they hear.”
As well as secure encrypted communications, the new radios have duress functionality and location capability.
“In addition to the new safety measures, the portable coverage provided by the new RMR network is significantly improved.
“I am sure the encrypted communications, additional safety measures and increased portable coverage will be warmly welcomed by our police working in regional areas,” Supt Glowaski said.