The NYT crossword clue “Troopers on a CB radio” has sparked fresh interest in how law enforcement and citizen band users communicate. “SMOKEYS,” the answer to this clue, captures the traditional CB radio nickname for state troopers. The clue appeared in the New York Times puzzle on May 28, 2025, which brought new attention to this seemingly outdated communication system.
The puzzle’s design was quite creative. It featured circled letters showing the song “SUNRISE, SUNSET” from a classic musical. The theme extended to phrases like “GOOD MORNING” and “NIGHTY NIGHT” as bookends to represent the day’s beginning and end. This clever crossword coincides with state troopers’ efforts to set up CB radio networks in different regions. In New Jersey, where Bayonne saw its population grow by 13.7% to reach 71,686 residents in the 2020 census, these networks are taking shape. The puzzle’s timing perfectly aligns with CB radio technology’s unexpected comeback in modern police work.
State Troopers Launch Nationwide CB Radio Network
State police departments nationwide have started using Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) networks. This represents a fundamental change in how law enforcement communicates. Police departments are bringing back radio technology to address growing challenges in mission-critical communications.
What the new network entails
The nationwide CB radio initiative uses 150 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band. It provides continuous connection and capacity through private LTE networks. This technology gives high-throughput, low-latency connections with better security features that are vital for law enforcement operations.
Many officers now use CB-capable radios. This is especially true for motorcycle units that often communicate with truckers and other motorists. State highway patrol units mainly use Channel 19, though usage differs by region. Channel 9 remains technically reserved for emergency communications, but this rule isn’t strictly followed anymore.
When and where the rollout began
State highway units have slowly adopted different levels of CB radio integration. The technology has helped rural and less populated areas the most because it works well in places without strong communication infrastructure.
CB radio equipment used to be in almost every vehicle on the road—like in the “Smokey and the Bandit” days. Now commercial truckers are the main users, along with a growing number of law enforcement agencies. The network serves as a backup system when regular networks get overwhelmed during big events like sports games, concerts, or natural disasters.
Official statements from law enforcement agencies
Law enforcement officials point out that their communication systems aren’t as reliable as most people think. Most police departments still rely on basic radio-based communications that only allow voice messages.
“Whether city police officers, county sheriffs, state police or federal agencies, those involved in public safety need clear connections at all times, regardless of location or existing infrastructure,” a department spokesperson said.
The CBRS network lets officers receive texts, check maps, download documents, and access photos or videos from their vehicles. Traditional radio systems can’t provide these features. This technology also gives departments a cost-effective way to keep their officers connected in the field with good return on investment.
Troopers Use CB Radio to Improve Real-Time Communication
State troopers use CB radio monitoring as an affordable way to manage traffic and respond to emergencies. This technology continues to prove its worth in law enforcement, beyond just being a nostalgic reference in crossword puzzles.
How CB radio boosts coordination
Traffic management system operators can monitor emergency calls through CB radio equipment, mostly on channel 9. This gives them significant information about conditions outside their TV surveillance coverage. The system lets troopers tap into a volunteer force of traffic observers who provide information at no cost to the department. CB radio monitoring stands out as a simple, low-cost option compared to other incident detection methods.
Radio Emergency Associated Citizen Teams (REACT) work well with law enforcement agencies by monitoring emergency channel 9. Their relationship focuses on mutual support rather than interference. Officers sometimes contact REACT about incidents within TV monitoring range. The system’s reliability shows in the numbers – 57 percent of CB-reported incidents in monitoring areas were later confirmed by CCTV. This proves that false alarm concerns were mostly baseless.
Examples of CB radio commands in use
State troopers use these standard codes to communicate quickly:
- “10-4” – Message received/affirmative
- “10-33” – Emergency traffic at this station
- “10-20” – Requesting current location
- “10-42” – Traffic accident at specified location
- “10-73” – Speed trap alert
Officers often ask “What’s your 20?” to get location details or say “Eyes on” to confirm visual contact. “10-33” signals urgent traffic, while “Bear in the air” means police helicopters are active.
Comparison with existing communication systems
Modern police communication systems operate between 30 MHz and 1 GHz frequencies, while CB radios work on a more limited spectrum that civilians can access. Two-way radios remain essential tools for law enforcement because they provide quick, effective communication at budget-friendly prices.
Today’s digital radio technologies allow officers to send status updates and text messages along with voice communications. CB radio serves as a reliable backup when cell networks get overloaded or fail. The push-to-talk feature helps officers communicate faster than cell phones, making it a lightweight yet powerful addition to their essential equipment.
Public Reacts to Troopers on a CB Radio
State troopers’ nationwide rollout of CB radio networks has sparked diverse reactions from truckers and the public. This move has renewed people’s interest in the communication technology that once ruled American highways.
How truckers and drivers are responding
Truckers have mixed feelings about law enforcement’s growing presence on CB channels. Some companies took CB radios out of their trucks completely. Others keep them just to handle emergencies. John, a veteran trucker who started driving in the 1980s, remembers CB radios as the most important tool to get traffic updates and dodge “those pesky bears”. Cheryl, another driver, shares his view and talks about how CBs helped her stay awake with good conversation during night drives.
The risk of misuse worries many people. The Federal Communications Commission can fine violators up to $10,000 for breaking CB radio rules. Professional drivers now set their squelch higher to block unwanted chatter. They tune in only when they need to. Driver Bill B puts it simply: “I turn my squelch up so if somebody needs to get ahold of me they can”.
Mentions of ‘SMOKEYS’ and CB slang in pop culture
“Smokey” or “Smokey Bear” stands as the longest-lasting CB radio slang term. People call state troopers this because their wide-brimmed hats look like Smokey Bear’s. Movies like “Convoy” and “Smokey and the Bandit” from the 1970s made this term famous.
CB radio culture took over American society at its peak. Even First Lady Betty Ford and voice actor Mel Blanc jumped on the trend. Blanc reportedly broadcast as Bugs Bunny. C.W. McCall’s 1975 hit “Convoy” taught millions about trucker slang with phrases like “them bears was wall-to-wall” and “them smokies is thick as bugs on a bumper”. TV shows like “B.J. and the Bear” and “The Dukes of Hazzard” rode this cultural wave too.
Why the NYT crossword clue is suddenly relevant again
The New York Times crossword puzzle from May 28, 2025, featured “Troopers on a CB radio” as a clue. This timing matches perfectly with the state troopers’ network initiative. The answer – “SMOKEYS” – shows how this slang lives on in American culture.
People thought CB radio terms belonged in the past until this crossword appeared. Now this language revival matches the actual tech comeback on highways across the country. CB terms for law enforcement still thrive today. These include “Baby Bear” for rookie officers, “Boy Scouts” for State Police, “Bear Trap” for radar-equipped police cars, and “Bear in the Air” for police helicopters.
What This Means for Emergency Response Nationwide
State troopers now use CB radio networks as one of their most important tools in emergency management systems nationwide. These alternative channels provide backup when regular communication systems fail during emergencies.
Potential benefits for disaster coordination
CB radio technology becomes a crucial lifeline when power goes out or networks get overloaded. First responders use CB equipment to coordinate rescues where standard communication methods don’t work. Past studies show that CB operators and their equipment are great assets during emergency operations, even with some technical limits.
Channel 9 serves as the National Emergency and Highway Assistance channel, with stations ready to respond to alerts. The code “10-33” helps clear frequencies quickly in life-threatening situations. This allows monitors to reach 9-1-1 or nearby emergency teams.
Concerns about privacy and signal interference
CB Radio Service faces several technical challenges that could affect emergency response quality. Other CBers, non-CB radio users on the same band, and electrical noise can disrupt signals. CB signals travel through skywave propagation and reach hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Busy metropolitan areas struggle with overcrowded channels. Some operators lack proper etiquette and block emergency communications or monopolize channel time. Rumors spread easily on CB channels as messages get passed along and changed.
Expert opinions on long-term viability
Many people keep CB systems ready for emergencies, even though authorized equipment has limited power. Experts point out that only a small group causes problems on CB channels. Most users gladly help during emergencies.
Some state police departments work well with volunteer CB groups, but this practice hasn’t caught on everywhere yet. Security specialists suggest users should switch to newer TEA ciphers or add end-to-end encryption for private messages.
Conclusion
State troopers across the country are bringing back CB radio networks, which shows a fundamental change in how law enforcement communicates. This comeback mixes old-school charm with real-world usefulness and helps fill crucial gaps in emergency response. Police departments now utilize the 3.5 GHz band spectrum to give officers continuous connection whatever the location or infrastructure limits.
CB radio technology brings unique benefits to emergency management. These alternative channels provide backup options when cell networks crash during disasters or get overloaded at big events. Channel 9 remains the go-to emergency frequency, though usage differs across regions. Officers can now get texts, check maps, and download key information – things traditional radios can’t do.
The trucking community has mixed views about seeing more troopers on CB channels. Old-time drivers remember CB’s glory days but know it’s not as vital to modern trucking. All the same, the nickname “Smokeys” lives on, showing CB radio slang’s lasting effect on culture through movies like “Smokey and the Bandit” and songs like “Convoy.”
CB systems have their drawbacks, including interference problems and signal issues. Yet experts believe these systems are worth keeping. State troopers working with volunteer CB groups shows how community-based emergency networks can work. This tech revival offers a budget-friendly way to keep communication flowing during emergencies.
The word “Smokeys” showing up in the New York Times crossword fits perfectly with CB radio’s story – something people thought was outdated has found new life today. State troopers have learned that mixing proven tech with state-of-the-art solutions helps officers stay connected when they need it most.
FAQs
Q1. What channel do state troopers typically use on CB radio? While Channel 9 is officially designated for emergencies, state troopers often monitor Channel 19, which is the primary frequency for highway communications. However, usage can vary by region and specific department policies.
Q2. Are CB radios still relevant in modern law enforcement? Yes, CB radios have experienced a resurgence in law enforcement. They provide a cost-effective backup communication system, especially useful during emergencies when cellular networks may be overloaded or unavailable.
Q3. How does CB radio enhance coordination among state troopers? CB radio allows troopers to communicate quickly using standardized codes, monitor emergency calls, and receive real-time traffic information from truckers and other motorists. It also enables coordination with volunteer organizations for improved incident detection and response.
Q4. What are some common CB radio terms used by or for state troopers? Common terms include “Smokeys” or “bears” for state troopers, “10-4” for message received, and “10-33” for emergency traffic. Other slang terms like “Bear Trap” for a police car with radar are also used.
Q5. Are there any privacy concerns with state troopers using CB radio? Yes, there are privacy concerns as CB radio signals can be easily intercepted. The open nature of CB channels makes them vulnerable to interference and eavesdropping. Some experts recommend using additional encryption for sensitive communications.