>>eloran+(OP)
Most of our local departments use encrypted radios.
"Over the past few years, an increasing number of municipalities and police departments, including the District’s, have begun encrypting their radioed communications.."[1.]
>>Simula+s7
What I heard is many police departments now encrypt their radio communications, with the exception of dispatch which they keep in the clear as a concession to the media and ambulance chasers.
>>catalo+fc
They also refer each other to their MDT or cell when working, which is equally effective at cutting out the public (whether intended or no). In many rural areas, analog FM voice is still in use with no encryption, which I've heard is at least sometimes due to more favorable propagation characteristics for reception at a distance.