Originally Posted by mmckenna
I understand what you are saying, but as a guy who runs a system that includes encrypted law enforcement channels, HELL NO.
Amateur radio operators don't have any need to have access to encrypted traffic. Amateur radio operators are no different than anyone else, the passing of a multiple choice test doesn't make them "special".
As someone who works on and around these systems, including inside a dispatch center, I've got to have all kinds of background checks, training, security rules/regulations, etc. The fact that I actually have an amateur radio license (General) doesn't mean anything to the people that I work for.
I fully understand that encryption is a issue for hobbyists, but keep in mind that listening to a scanner -is- a hobby. It should not be confused with being an actual public safety professional. I hold encryption keys for our system, and there is no way I'd give them out to anyone, even an amateur radio operator. I don't even give them to our officers. They get loaded in the radios when we program them, and that's it.
FCC isn't going to approve this. You are welcome to try, but I think you'll be disappointed.
And just because someone is an amateur doesn't automatically make them an upstanding citizen; just look up KB7ILD for starters....