Mayor Lori Lightfoot is defending her decision to encrypt police radio transmissions, a move that will block the public from listening in real time. Lightfoot has faced intense scrutiny from media organizations who rely on these transmissions to do their job. They’ve also raised concerns over civilian safety in times of crisis.
Lightfoot has defended her decision by using Fast & Furious logic, noting, “If it’s unencrypted and there’s access, there’s no way to control criminals who are also gonna get access, listen in and adjust their criminal behavior in response to the information that’s being communicated.”
A media coalition has asked to meet with Lightfoot in person numerous times to discuss this issue. Lightfoot has rejected these requests.
Brian & Justin’s on-the-ground city hall reporter has noted that Lightfoot is irate with them reading the Chicago Police Scanner on Monday’s and is looking for a way to make her city look less embarrassing.
