The Cops Don’t Want You Listening In

Citing the risks from criminals listening in and pranksters interfering in their channels, the NYPD is the latest and biggest police department moving to encrypt their radio communications. But what about the reporters who rely on the police scanner—and the public who rely on those reporters?

Guests:
Todd Maisel, contributing editor at AMNewYork and photojournalist 
Adam Scott Wandt, associate professor of public policy at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

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Citing the risks from criminals listening in and pranksters interfering in their channels, the NYPD is the latest and biggest police department moving to encrypt their radio communications. But what about the reporters who rely on the police scanner—and the public who rely on those reporters?

Guests:

Todd Maisel, contributing editor at AMNewYork and photojournalist 

Adam Scott Wandt, associate professor of public policy at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you’ll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices