Police radio communications: encryption.

Existing law authorizes specified law enforcement agencies to close an area that is a menace to the public health or safety due to a calamity including a flood, storm, fire, earthquake, explosion, accident, avalanche, or other disaster to any and all persons not authorized to enter or remain within the enclosed area. Existing law provides an exception for a duly authorized representative of any news service, newspaper, or radio or television station or network. This bill would require a law enforcement agency that operates encrypted police radio communications, or a joint powers authority that operates encrypted police radio communications on behalf of a law enforcement agency, to provide access to the encrypted communications to a duly authorized representative of any news service, newspaper, or radio or television station or network, upon request. By imposing new duties on local law enforcement agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.