Police have welcomed the introduction of digital radios to the North East in 2018, allowing officers to communicate without crooks listening to their conversations.
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The current radio system is accessible to listeners online and via mobile apps, but the Victorian government has announced the encrypted digital system used in Melbourne will be rolled out to regional areas from next year.
The 2015 search for the dangerous Stoccos highlighted the communication issues for North East police.
Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said as police used the radio to coordinate officers patrolling roads across the region, it is likely Gino and Mark Stocco were listening as well.
“It caused us significant concerns in regards to two high-level offenders armed with a high-powered, military-style rifle,” he said.
“That was a particularly difficult situation to manage.”
Police have instead turned to using mobile phones in some circumstances, ensuring privacy, but prohibiting other officers knowing what is happening.
“It can lead to a lack of situational awareness with all members,” Superintendent O’Halloran said.
“(The digital radio system) is really, really welcome by myself and all the police up our way.
“There’s been lots and lots of issues raised since I’ve been up this way about the security of communications and blackspots.”
The police station has a map with all the blackspot areas for the police radio at the station to ensure officers are aware when they head out to remote areas.
The Victorian government awarded Telstra an amendment to the 2013 regional digital radio network agreement, allowing access to regional police, State Emergency Service, Life Saving Victoria, Corrections Victoria and CFA brigades.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said it was important the encryption technology would ensure no one outside the police force could listen to radio communications.
“We’re replacing outdated and unsafe police and emergency services radios to ensure authorities have the best equipment to help fight crime and respond to emergencies,” she said.
