QUESTIONS ABOUT ENCRYPTION RESURFACE IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MD FROM MAY 20, 2025 COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Worcester County, MD - Encryption is becoming an increasingly contentious issue nationwide, sparking debates about its necessity for law enforcement communications vs. true transparency for the citizens in our communities. Worcester County, Maryland, is at the center of this debate.

Following Sheriff Matt Crisafulli's decision on March 1, 2024, to switch all radio communications to an encrypted signal, the public has been excluded from information that was previously accessible.

During the most recent Worcester County Commissioners meeting, on May 20, 2025 (View Here), Commissioner Caryn Abbott expressed concerns about the repercussions of the encryption. While she emphasized her support for the Sheriff's Office, Abbott questioned the justification for preventing the public from hearing vital community updates.

Sheriff Crisafulli defended his decision, citing deputy and deputies' family safety as primary concerns. This raises an important question: Is encryption truly necessary for their safety, or does it serve other purposes?

Notably, there is a lack of evidence indicating that communication has been misused by malicious parties. Could it happen..... absolutely. Does it happen.... No.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request easily shows no history of misuse of open channels here on the Eastern Shore, over the last 5 years. So, why the shift toward secrecy and to remove transparency?

The public deserves transparency, especially in today's society, a sentiment echoed by Commissioner Abbott, who worries that ignorance could create a false sense of security. If people aren't able to hear what is happening and know the details of what is happening in their community, then a false sense of safety is naturally present.

Despite the Sheriff's assurance that the community can access data through the Worcester County Sheriff's Office app, the details provided are vague and very limited.

For instance, a report of a trespassing incident leaves residents wondering: Was the situation resolved? Was this a prowler or a homeless person or just someone who was at the wrong place? Was there a potential threat? Was this person armed? These unanswered questions undermine public trust and engagement, and most important, community safety.

Sheriff Crisafulli argues that encryption is part of a national trend, and we agree, it certainly has been a on-going trend over the past few years. However, is it wise to follow a trend that compromises community transparency?

Unfortunately, in today's society, the media has contributed to citizens not being able to trust law enforcement and when you take away the checks and balances, or the ability to listen to what is truly happening, it creates more divide and questions of mistrust.

There remains a demand for a service like Broadcastify, which could balance both safety for everyone, transparency and privacy.

The Sheriff's Office could utilize encrypted channels for sensitive information while keeping communications open for public safety updates. Such an approach would respect privacy without sacrificing community awareness, or safety issues.

Ultimately, encryption should not become a barrier that obscures local law enforcement's actions but also shouldn't take away from citizens' rights to know what is happening in their communities. It is essential for Worcester County to reconsider its position and explore other methods to maintain transparency without jeopardizing officer safety.

The public should not be left in the dark about issues that directly affect their safety and security. Officer safety should always be at the top of any priority list but right there with them at the top of that list, should be community/citizens safety.