This is not a good look for Chicago police officers. One officer was caught accepting bribes for use of the encrypted radio. As a result, criminals had access to emergency dispatches, undercover identities, and plans for tactical operations. 

Chicago Police officer busted for taking bribes in exchange for encrypted radio use 

A Chicago police officer could face up to five years in prison via official misconduct charges. He also faces up to seven years in prison due to bribery counts. 

37-year-old officer Alain Dillion allegedly accepted hundreds of dollars in bribes in exchange for use of the department-issued encrypted radio. 

He was officially charged with three counts of bribery and 15 felony counts of official misconduct, but pleads not guilty. Allegedly, he accepted $500 multiple times from an individual who he allowed to use his Chicago Police Department-issued encrypted radio. 

Officers use encrypted radios to send tactical deployments of police cars and SWAT units, protection of sensitive information, to free up frequencies for other emergency responders, and to comply with state laws. 

The goal is to minimize access to the public who may listen to traffic and gain access to information that puts officers at risk. 

According to WTTW, Dillion was relieved of police duties in June, 2024. He was assigned to the department’s Alternate Response Section. 

Attorney General Kawame Raoul shares, “Members of law enforcement are rightfully held to a higher standard, making it especially egregious when an officer breaks the law for financial gain.” 

All transmissions of Chicago police radio have been encrypted since 2023, according to the police and the Chicago Emergency Management Department. Dillon heads to court for a hearing on March 9.