FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Orleans Parish Communication District
To Encrypt Law Enforcement Radio Frequencies
NEW ORLEANS (October 17, 2018) – The Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD) will begin to encrypt all broadcasts of law enforcement radio frequencies starting February 1st, 2019. Only radios that contain the required security programming will be able to pick up radio transmissions on the effected channels. OPCD is following a national trend to enhance communication device security and aligning with best practices.
Once the encryption is turned on, only those devices that contain the required security permissions and programming will be able to receive and transmit messages across the network. OPCD and all public safety agencies within Parish operate on the Louisiana Wireless Information Network (LWIN) which is regulated by the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) within the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). Similarly to neighboring parishes to include Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines, OPCD and their partner agencies are taking this step to enhance officer safety and keep sensitive information out of the hands of criminals.
“OPCD remains committed to transparency and accountability and this change will in no way impede on our compliance with the Louisiana Public Records Act. As public safety incidents become more complex, having open access to sensitive law enforcement information has proven to be dangerous”, say Executive Director Tyrell Morris.
About the Orleans Parish Communication District
Formed in 1982, the Orleans Parish Communication District is the PSAP for all emergency communications via 9-1-1 within Orleans Parish. The agency employs over 150 individuals and provides emergency medical dispatch, emergency fire dispatch, and emergency police dispatch for the millions of annual visitors and residents of the City of New Orleans. OPCD is a member of the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).
For Media Inquires
Contact: Marcus Creel
Public Engagement Manager
601-319-2024
mcreel@911nola.org
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