Minot Police to Scramble Radio Communications

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — Minot's police department is planning to scramble its radio broadcasts by the end of the year.

Members of the public currently can listen in to police radio traffic on scanners. Members of the media often use them to keep tabs on possible news stories.

Capt. John Klug tells the Minot Daily News there are numerous reasons for cutting off public access to police communications. They include the possibility of criminals using the information to avoid capture, and the possible public release of personal information such as names and addresses of people with whom officers speak.

North Dakota Newspaper Association attorney Jack McDonald says it's a police department's choice whether to scramble communications, and it does not appear to be a trend around the country.