In a joint press conference across the state of South Dakota Friday, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, and Sioux Falls Police Department announced they have updated radios and equipment to comply with federal guidelines specific to Project 25 (P25). Recognizing the communication obstacles amongst mutual aid agencies during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the FCC created P25 to bolster communication efforts and prevent technological differences from interfering with public safety. This project mandates first responder agencies nationwide to transition to a new, unified radio communications system by 2025.
With this upgrade to radios and equipment for P25, agencies can reassess their approach to encrypted radio communications channels. Starting November 13, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, and Sioux Falls Police Department will choose to encrypt their radios for the safety of officers and deputies, the integrity of investigations, and to protect victims’ and witnesses’ privacy.