THE days of listening to the police scanner will soon be gone with police radios in Chifley and the Central West to go digital by the end of the year.
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The change encrypts all communication by police and follows the switch-over in Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle almost a decade ago.
A move to digital will improve communications and safety for officers across the region, Western Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie said.
"Criminals will no longer be able to listen in on police radio transmissions to track emergency responses, which means we're eliminating a significant risk to officer safety," he said.
"Policing can be a highly challenging and dangerous job and we'll continue to develop and implement strategies that make their role as safe as possible.
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"Encrypting radio transmissions not only means protecting our officers but also helping them solve and prevent crime."
So far, more than 100 radio sites have been upgraded which Assistant Commissioner McKechnie said had "significantly improved" transmissions and coverage.
Central North and Orana Mid Western police districts will go digital in mid-2020.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
