Eugene blocking public access to police radio

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Authorities in Eugene are encrypting their radio channel to prevent the public from listening to police activity.

Police Lt. Nathan Reynolds told the Eugene Register-Guard (http://bit.ly/1eUJ6aL ) that officials are trying to improve safety for officers. He says there are times when an officer responds to a crime and finds the suspect listening to the local police scanner.

The move will also block public access for law-abiding hobbyists and others who want to keep tabs on police activity. People will still be able to check on daily police activities on the department’s website, which includes basic details about activity in the area.

Eugene police first began scrambling some of its chatter in 2008 and will begin encrypting its main channel next weekend.