07/30/2026
There is oversight of law enforcement communications and actions through what is transmitted over public safety radio systems. Those communications are recorded by dispatch centers and retained in accordance with the law. They can be obtained through the legal process when appropriate, along with other evidence such as body-camera footage, dash-camera video, and other official records. Oversight has always existed, and it continues to exist today.
Encryption has certainly made my work more challenging. However, I don't rely on scanner traffic alone. The information I report comes from a broad network of trusted sources and relationships developed over many years working alongside emergency responders and in the news media.
I also bring 18 years of experience as an Associated Press journalist and credentialed news reporter, which has taught me the importance of verifying information through multiple reliable sources before sharing it with the public.
Many are wondering about police transparency now that agencies are encrypting. There is oversight through the following Kentucky Open Records Request. Anyone can submit one and get copies if there is no ongoing investigation.
Kentucky’s comprehensive public records management statutes and state retention schedules. It includes all types or records to include radio records of all transmissions and video such at body cams. Police administrations review these records for internal investigations and accountability. Attorneys request the records every day.
The following KRS cover everything that is required of law enforcement agencies.
The Legal Framework
1. Public Records Definition (KRS 171.410)
Under KRS 171.410(1), public records are broadly defined as any documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics (including digital audio recordings and magnetic tapes), prepared, owned, or used by a public agency. Once a dispatch center records radio or telephone transmissions, those recordings automatically become official public records under state law.
2. Mandatory Records Retention (KRS 171.410 – 171.740)
Public agencies cannot lawfully destroy or overwrite recordings at will. Under KRS 171.670, the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) and the State Libraries, Archives, and Records Commission establish legally binding records retention schedules for all municipal and county agencies.
Specific Retention Requirements for Dispatch Radio Traffic
According to the KDLA Local Government General Records Retention Schedule (specifically under the Emergency Communications / 911 / Police Dispatch section):
Routine Radio Traffic & 911 Calls: Standard, non-evidentiary radio transmissions between officers, dispatchers, and external agencies must be retained for a minimum of 30 days before media can be overwritten or erased.
Evidentiary or Investigation-Related Traffic: If radio traffic pertains to a specific criminal investigation, felony arrest, major traffic collision, officer-involved incident, or formal administrative complaint, the audio must be pulled, tagged, and preserved beyond 30 days. Retention for these records is tied to the required retention period of the underlying case file, court disposition, or pending litigation.
Open Records Act Compliance
Because dispatch radio traffic is a public record, it is subject to disclosure under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884), subject only to specific statutory exemptions (such as active enforcement proceedings under KRS 61.878(1)(h) or privacy restrictions regarding certain victim/witness details). Unlawful destruction of recordings prior to the approved 30-day window violates state records management laws.
