Several of the local media have been fighting with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office over the county purchasing a $12.5 million communications systems for use by the agency, EMS, fire department, road department, road prison and code enforcement. The new system encrypts the radio communications. NewsRadio 1620 owner Dave Hoxeng was one of the most vocal opponents to the upgrade. Sheriff David Morgan argued that the lack of encryption puts the deputies at risk and allows criminals to follow the movements of the ECSO. The County Commissioners voted to buy the system. Read NorthEscambia.com post.
News Herald is reporting a couple in Washington County was using the police scanners to keep their meth lab hidden from deputies. Doye Oneal Clecker, 40, and Tammy Renea Stricklen, 19, both of Caryville, were arrested and charged with two counts each of production of methamphetamines, as well as obstruction of police by divulging police radio information to aid suspects. Read more.
The encryption is necessary.