All Oak Ridge emergency communications are now carried out over an encrypted radio system, meaning that people who used to listen to police and fire communications on scanners are no longer able to do so.
In announcement last week, officials said that the decision to encrypt communications was made out of concern for the safety of its first responders, adding “the Police Department does not have any plans at this time to allow access to the radio system beyond public safety employees,” like firefighters and police officers.
The change went into effect last week and Oak Ridge Police Chief Robin Smith said Monday that the ORPD will “continue to work through our public information officer to share information about significant events” that occur in the city.