FCC move to curb police use of amateur radio frequencies

In response to an investigation by the FCC, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) has taken action to prevent further use of Amateur Radio frequencies by unlicensed police officers.

Any Amateur Radio equipment in the cruisers of unlicensed officers was removed by order of IMPD Chief of Police Michael T. Spears.

According to the FCC, some IMPD officers were using the radios to supplement their normal communications channels, including using amateur radio frequencies for tactical communications during drug surveillance.

As part of its inquiry, the FCC reminded the IMPD of the large number of tactical channels available on a secondary basis to police departments from the public safety pool of frequency allocations.

"We are pleased that IMPD has put a stop to this unlicensed activity," said ARRL Regulatory Information Manager Dan Henderson, N1ND. "The investigation by the FCC, coupled with the expedient cooperation and correction of the problem by the IMPD, eliminates a situation that had raised serious concerns in the amateur community."

The FCC stated they would monitor the situation and follow-up appropriately if needed.

Source: The American Radio Relay League