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For Immediate Release
Monday, April 27, 2026
Contact
Brandon Zenner
316-660-9370

Sedgwick County to Encrypt Law Enforcement Radio Channels to Meet Federal Requirements

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – On Tuesday, April 28, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications, in partnership with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Wichita Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies, will transition to encrypted law enforcement radio channels. 

The change is being made to comply with the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy, which requires that Criminal Justice Information (CJI) be protected during transmission outside of secure environments. Because radio communications are not inherently secure, encryption is necessary to meet this federal requirement.

“This transition is a necessary step to ensure we are meeting federal CJIS security standards and protecting sensitive law enforcement information,” said Elora Forshee, Director of Sedgwick County Emergency Communications. “We’ve worked closely with our law enforcement partners over the past two years to prepare for this change and ensure a smooth implementation.”

Emergency Communications has coordinated with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Wichita Police Department and all law enforcement partners to support readiness and continuity of operations. Radio traffic won’t be impacted on fire and EMS channels where CJI isn’t being transmitted.

Media partners can continue to contact Sedgwick County Emergency Communications directly with time-sensitive inquiries. For information regarding specific incidents, media are encouraged to coordinate with the jurisdiction’s Public Information Officer for the most accurate and up-to-date details related to their operations. Pertinent safety information will still be broadcast on EMS and fire channels when applicable.

Residents are encouraged to follow official department pages for local law enforcement agencies for safety alerts and notifications.

This effort reflects a coordinated, countywide approach to maintaining compliance with federal standards while continuing to support effective and secure public safety communications.