Opposition to plans by D.C. Fire and EMS to encrypt its radios is growing.
The department began considering the option after the Washington Navy Yard response, when some of its radio calls were streamed live online.
The D.C. police department already encrypts its radios.
Two D.C. mayoral candidates spoke out in opposition to encryption Wednesday.
“The fire department is different, and I’m going to really side with transparency for the public and the media and I think it’s very important to keep it open,” Council member Tommy Wells said.
“I think the open access to both the fire calls and even the police calls is helpful to the press, especially, and others,” Council member Jack Evans said.
Council member Wells also emphasized that the department can go to an encrypted channel at any time if it is dealing with a major public threat.
