The following is a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department:

Effective February 1, 2018, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department radios will switch from analog to an encrypted digital communication system. The improved communication platform is vital to the safety of our first responders. It will enhance coverage throughout the county, improve the voice clarity and strengthen the signal to our police frequencies. 

The county invested $160 million in the system over the past few years. Several law enforcement agencies in the county and across the state have already replaced their analog communication systems.

The system also allows interoperability and is a single communication platform that will play a critical role in the event of a disaster, and mutual aid requests in and outside of our jurisdiction. Cops from different agencies in the county can talk to one another seamlessly.

We recognize the concern from our residents and the media regarding the system shutting out the public, some who are hobbyists. The improved system will also shut out individuals who are engaging in criminal behavior that would like to know if law enforcement is coming for them. We understand the argument that the public has a right to know what is happening around them. Our agency has been pushing out more media releases today than ever before, informing the public of incidents in their communities. We will continue to notify the public by way of the media, and our various social media platforms. 

Our mission to serve the public is our number one priority, and the new system will help us in keeping personal and critical operational information from being broadcast to the world.

Any questions regarding this news release can be addressed to Public Affairs at (909) 387-3700