tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6999078.post5819389884656506211..comments2024-03-28T02:13:20.178-04:00Comments on Southwest Florida Online News: Florida Gives Sweet Deal To Harris Corp For Secret Digital RadiosDon Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03406935288146655615noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6999078.post-86337208351933903342015-02-03T10:50:10.486-05:002015-02-03T10:50:10.486-05:00Virtually impossible a 15 year old will crack it.
...Virtually impossible a 15 year old will crack it.<br />If it uses AES encryption, it's highly unlikely a well funded drug cartel could crack it.<br /><br />Basically, you're SOL for listening to it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6999078.post-37179487457781076942014-03-05T15:36:25.688-05:002014-03-05T15:36:25.688-05:00They have spent $40m in radios, Plus a $18m fee fo...They have spent $40m in radios, Plus a $18m fee for the privilege of using them per year.. You just know that some 15 yr old will crack them, sending their nearly $100m investment (assuming it's lasts 3 yrs before it's cracked. The Schools could sure use $100m over 3 yrs.<br />All to keep news agencies from monitoring them? Can you say Military State?kparadise3https://www.blogger.com/profile/16056090227877483330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6999078.post-65021656813846322762012-05-13T23:49:38.094-04:002012-05-13T23:49:38.094-04:00As a compromise to the public and media organizati...As a compromise to the public and media organizations, many agencies are putting a display of active calls on their webpage. This is usually updated at least once a minute. If the agency's computer aided dispatch system or website can accomodate this, it may be worth asking the agency to do. Polk Co. Sheriff, Orange County Sheriff & Fire, as well as Orlando Police do this. I'm not sure if any SW FL agencies do, but check their website (usually under media relations or Dispatch/Communications section).FireandPhotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409648326102914166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6999078.post-58407533852718353332012-02-12T17:57:27.620-05:002012-02-12T17:57:27.620-05:00same old thing keep em in the dark they dont need ...same old thing keep em in the dark they dont need to know what we are doing for our paycheck that they give usbretnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6999078.post-29144647862891648322012-01-19T21:10:16.762-05:002012-01-19T21:10:16.762-05:00Yes, the "rely" should be "relay&qu...Yes, the "rely" should be "relay" in my comments. Thanks for your comments.Don Brownehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03406935288146655615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6999078.post-17262546217015705732012-01-19T20:50:22.309-05:002012-01-19T20:50:22.309-05:00Most public safety fire / ems communications is NO...Most public safety fire / ems communications is NOT encrypted, with some exceptions. (HIPPA rules do regulate protection of medical information that may need to be transmitted) It is law enforcement that uses encryption, and with good cause. <br /><br />In the event that public safety needs outside assistance, there are nationwide mutual aid channels that are NOT encrypted. In fact, the mutual aid channels are conventional analog radio that any manufacturer radio can access. These channels provide an interface between sister agencies. In situation where mutual aid channels are used, dispatchers are trained that information is in the clear and to monitor content stated. <br /><br />As an amateur radio operator, I am sure you know technology is constantly changing and providing more spectrum efficiencies. In fact the FCC has mandated that systems below 800MHz move to equipment that is more spectrum efficient before the end of the year. This "sweet deal" arrangement appears to provide a way for smaller law enforcement agencies to comply with the FCC mandate; and capitalize on newer technologies without having to build out costly infrastructure. I do not know if your county needed to replace aging equipment, but I suspect that may be part of the timing of the change. <br /><br />Permit me to clarify your statement "in case of an emergency hams can rely ..." I assume you meant relay. As an active ARES/RACES amateur myself, in many cases when amateur radio operators are asked to assist with traffic it is best to originate the message content directly at the local PSAP (911 center), and not from something heard on a scanner. The direct verbal/written communications between amateur operator and public safety communicator help to prevent mistakes in message content. <br /><br />Change is difficult to accept. However, working around public safety for a long time, this is nothing new. Law enforcement at all levels throughout the USA have good reason to use, as you say, secret radios. Not only does law enforcement use them, but so does our military. <br /><br />In conclusion, I am sure if you have valid journalistic needs, you should be able to review the public records for information. <br /><br />RespectfullyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6999078.post-18053728234733649302012-01-11T17:02:35.505-05:002012-01-11T17:02:35.505-05:00Thanks for the comment. I am an amateur radio oper...Thanks for the comment. I am an amateur radio operator and one of the advantages we do have by Florida law is the right to carry a scanner in oiur cars, others are not legally allowed to do so. The idea is in case of an emergency hams can rely important info that might be heard over a scanner. Of course, law enforcement already have means to have privileged communication including cell phones. As a journalist, I also need to keep up to date on what's happening around the community, not necessarily confidential info, which is rare over the radio anyway, but general info about where dispatchers are sending fire and police to emergency situations including traffic accidents and fires.<br />-EditorDon Brownehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03406935288146655615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6999078.post-4897366907089395722012-01-11T12:40:31.675-05:002012-01-11T12:40:31.675-05:00Like you, I'm an amateur radio enthusiast. I&...Like you, I'm an amateur radio enthusiast. I'm not sure where you've been hiding, but this encrypted system has been in place for several years. I, for one, am glad that our state has been so forward-looking by spending the money to encrypt the system. Florida's crime rate (the occurrence of major crimes per 100,000 persons) is among the highest in the nation. I don't want to live in a state where the crooks have the upper hand and total access to police frequencies. That's the way it was for the last 50 years and it's a dumb way to conduct business. I've found that many hams feel like privileged characters that want to listen to these freqencies when nobody else can. The fact that you cannot listen is for the common good of our state. Encrypting police frequencies makes perfect sense to me and is worth the extra expense of doing so.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com