This thread should contain everything you need to know about owning and operating a police scanner. Contains information on both free computer/cell phone scanners as well as handheld scanners. Anything more you'd like to know feel free to ask or add.
First, there are numerous free scanners and sites that allow you to access the feed of your local police department.
Ok, first thing with this website is, although it looks like a pay site, you can still get live police feeds on it from the live audio section. Not every city has the police section up there but most major ones at least have part of the districts dispatch on there. Also, it's got so many feeds and frequencies from around the world, if you have a scanner, you're almost guaranteed to find the frequency you're looking for on it. It gets VERY specific so be sure to check for both hidden and shown frequencies. http://www.broadcastify.com appears to be essentially the same things from my understanding
find your town, click on it then go to "news" at the cop and find "police and fire scanner." Simple as that.
A service like that for other states would be appreciated.
Handheld Personal Scanners
read this to save me from having to type it out and give yourself a little background knowledge.
Reasons to Buy a Police Scanner
There are many reasons why consumers might be interested in acquiring a police scanner. Listening in on radio communications is certainly informative but, at times, it can also be exciting and entertaining. The most obvious benefit to owning a police scanner is the ability to listen in on communications between dispatchers and emergency personnel. This can include up-to-the-minute information about local crime, domestic disputes, fires, traffic accidents, and any other situation that could require police intervention or rescue operations.
In times of severe weather or natural disasters, a police scanner allows people to hear first-hand accounts of the situation from those on the front line. News reporters often utilize a police scanner to get the latest scoop. Many people purchase one simply for the satisfaction of knowing about town or city happenings before everyone else. People may be surprised to learn that a radio scanner is capable of tuning into much more than just emergency communications.
Alternative Uses for a Police Scanner
Consumers looking to buy a police scanner may be unaware that these devices pick up a variety of radio communications. These days, the airwaves are full of radio signals that can be monitored using a police scanner. Many businesses make use of two-way radios to manage day-to-day operations. Some people choose to bring their scanner everywhere in hopes of tuning into interesting radio exchanges along the way. Any organization that stays in touch using two - way radios can be overheard with this type of device. In most cases, owning and listening to a scanner is entirely legal. It important to note that federal, state, and sometimes local laws are in place to protect privacy and regulate acceptable usage. Depending on the location, a radio scanner may be tuned to a number of radio-based communications, including:
• Beach Patrol
• Air Traffic Control
• Shopping Mall Operations
• Amusement Park Operations
• Special Events Coordination
• Government Agencies
• NASCAR Pit Crews
• Space Shuttle Communications
• National Weather Service
An Overview of Radio Communications
A radio scanner is simply a receiver capable of tuning into wireless radio transmissions. Unlike an AM/FM radio receiver, a police scanner can simultaneously tune into multiple radio bands. This allows users to keep track of various signals at the same time. Since many groups and organizations use two-way radios everyday, the listening possibilities are quite vast. Before choosing a police scanner to purchase, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how radio communications operate. This knowledge can help buyers better understand how a police scanner can be used to monitor different radio signals.
Conventional Radio Systems
A conventional radio system uses one frequency for each communication channel. An organization might use several frequencies, each with a specific purpose. In order to listen to a particular channel, a scanner radio must be tuned into that frequency. Conventional radio systems can fall into two categories: simplex and duplex.
Simplex Radio Systems
Also called a direct system, a simplex system generally involves one frequency for all users, and only one user can transmit at any given time. In some cases, two frequencies are used, one for input, and one for output. Since these signals are often short-range, scanners may only be able to pick up one side of the conversation.
Duplex Radio Systems
A semi-duplex system allows one or more users to transmit and receive information simultaneously. With a full duplex system, all users can transmit at the same time, much like a telephone conversation.
A repeated duplex system employs a dedicated stationary radio, usually in a high-elevation location, to pick up signals from one channel and "repeat" them to another channel. To communicate, users only need to be within range of the repeater rather than each other. If a scanner is within range of the repeater, it will be able to listen in on all communications by tuning into the output frequency.
When a duplex system is non-repeating, separate channels are used for input and output. Because the system lacks a repeater to relay input signals to all users, more than one person may try to communicate at the same time on the input channel. This can be a problem because simultaneous input signals can cancel each other out. This means that neither message will be heard by individuals monitoring the input channel.
Trunked Radio Systems
In the most basic sense, all trunked radio systems are technically repeated duplex systems. They differ from conventional systems because radio frequencies are not allocated by purpose or function. The conventional approach can result in some channels being clogged with radio traffic while others sit unused. Trunking was developed as a way to use radio frequencies more efficiently in order to enhance communications. Users share a range of frequencies and are assigned a specific group ID number.
Each user has a field radio that only picks up signals meant for his or her group. A "site controller"" computer assigns a specific frequency to each group over a data channel known as the control channel. This site controller will shift the frequencies via the control channel as needed to avoid breaks in communication. Since the frequencies are constantly changing in a trunked system, they can be difficult to monitor with a conventional scanner. A trunking scanner allows individuals to listen to activity on a trunked radio system more easily.
Digital Radio Systems
Though they are more expensive than analog radio systems, an increased number of public safety agencies are switching to digital two-way communications systems. For many years, there has been a problem with a lack of intercommunication between various government public safety agencies. In an effort to overcome this complex issue, the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) set forth a standard known as APCO Project 25, also known as simply "P-25." This standard promotes the encoding of conventional or trunked radio system signals into streams of digital data.
P-25 compliant systems can be either conventional or trunked, but they must include a means of converting radio signals to a digital format. This way, any interoperable receiver can decode the information as an audible voice transmission, regardless of the manufacturer. Individuals who want to monitor digital radio transmission will need a digital - capable police scanner.
Aspects to Consider When Purchasing a Police Scanner
When a consumer decides they’d like to own a radio scanner, they should first familiarize themselves with the various product categories. Aside from radio system monitoring capabilities, there are several factors that differentiate police scanner models. Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, and prices can vary greatly within each category. Price is often dependent upon the number of advanced features included in a specific model.
The Pros and Cons of Police Scanners By Format
Police scanners are found in handheld, desktop, and base/mobile varieties. Handhelds are the smallest type of scanner available. Base and desktop scanners are similar in size but designed a bit differently. Since base scanners can be mounted in a car, the controls are generally on the front of the device for easy access. Desktop model controls are found on the top of the scanner. The following chart takes a closer look at the positive and negative aspects of each type of radio scanner.
Scanner Format
Pros
Cons
Handheld
Highly portable, with belt clips available; battery-powered, so not as susceptible to power outages; in many cases, can also be plugged into household or vehicle sockets
Compared to other models, sound volume, reception, and range may be lacking; batteries require recharging or replacement; more prone to accidental damage
Desktop
Greater reception and range when compared to handheld models; capable of louder sound volume; ideal for stationary use in the home
Lack of portability (dedicated power cord requires wall outlet); not safe from power outages; antenna may not be very powerful
Base / Mobile
Can be stationary or portable; with proper adapter, can run on car or household power supply; better sound, range, and reception than handheld varieties; can boost reception with external antenna
May require dashboard mounting and a mobile scanner antenna for use in vehicles; less portability than a handheld scanner; may not be available during power outages, depending on power source
Consumers can use the previous to chart when deciding which type of scanner would best fit their needs. Considering how and where the scanner will be used is helpful when choosing between physical formats. Next, buyers will need to determine which features they want to find in a police scanner.
Additional Radio Scanner Features to Explore
For the most part, all police scanners have an alphanumeric keypad, display screen, and a variety of knobs to control volume, squelch, and so forth. There are many additional features available that contribute to the ease of use afforded by a particular channel scanner. Most mid to high-end models sport a combination of standard and advanced functions. Consumers will need to evaluate available functions and features in order to decide which are most important to them.
Standard Police Scanner Features
Many features are common to all scanner brands and models:
• Manual mode allows the user to input a specific channel.
• Scan mode cycles through all active channels and unlocked frequencies.
• The search function confines scanning to a given range of frequencies.
• The hold button will stop the scan at the current channel.
• The lockout function causes scan to skip over locked-out channels.
• The WX Function let users scan seven National Weather Service frequencies.
Advanced Police Scanner Features
Many frequency scanners also offer a variety of advanced functions:
• Channels in the 800 MHz band are often used by public safety agencies. This band is standard to all trunking and digital scanners, but not necessarily all conventional scanners.
• Adjustable radio sensitivity lets users control potential interference from stronger signals.
• Built-in search functions make it easy to find local channels for Police, Fire, News, etc.
• Alphanumeric programming allows the user to name various frequencies for easy reference.
• Auxiliary jacks let owners connect their device to a computer or external speaker.
• SD memory cards pre-loaded with frequency information are included with some models.
• Specific Area Message Encoding (S.A.M.E.) alerts users to severe weather or emergency messages specific to their geographic location.
How to Buy a Police Scanner on eBay
There are several approaches to finding a suitable police scanner on eBay. You can start by searching the keywords "police scanner" to find a broad range of models to compare. This is a good way to begin shopping if you haven’t quite decided which type of scanner is best for you. Browsing gives you the opportunity to look at a number of different listings for radio scanners. You can also choose to refine your search to a certain type of police scanner, such as handheld or base/mobile. This approach helps you focus on listings for the type of scanner you’re hoping to purchase.
Get to Know the Item and the Seller
Once you find an item you’re interested in buying, always read the listing page carefully. This will give you a more thorough description of the product for sale, as well as information about the seller. Be sure to pay attention to factors like shipping, accepted payment methods, and the seller’s return policy. To learn more about a seller, click on the link to his or her Feedback page. There, you’ll find more about a seller’s feedback score along with detailed seller ratings. You can also read written reviews from past customers. By carefully evaluating Feedback information, you’ll have a better idea of the seller’s reputation within the eBay community.
Conclusion
Police scanners can be both useful and entertaining. With a radio scanner, the user can listen in on a variety of two-way radio communications. Police and other public safety agency channels tend to be the most popular with concerned citizens. Many are unaware that a variety of organizations and businesses utilize radio systems that can be picked up by a police scanner. As long as government regulations are abided by, radio scanners can be enjoyed and put to good use without legal ramifications. Since the majority of laws are meant to protect individual privacy, they generally don’t apply to those who plan to listen to signals transmitted by public agencies.
Buyers interested in a police scanner should first explore their options in terms of size and portability. They will also need to consider which type of radio systems they intend to listen to. Conventional scanners might be powerful enough for some users, while others will need a trunking scanner to listen to local public safety transmissions. With the increasing prevalence of digital communications systems, many buyers opt for a digital-capable scanner. While many features are standard, a number of advanced functions are also available. Buyers can find plenty of new, used, and refurbished police scanners for sale through the eBay stores and auction listings.
The police feeds are either digital or analog. The dispatches are usually digital and the patrol cars can be either. Make sure you know what the squad cars in your area use before purchasing one. After purchasing they have to be programmed in order to work correctly.
Radioshack (and the source) has plenty of cheap scanners but they're usually analog. Here's a simple how to for programming some radioshack scanners.
There are many sites and services for buying police scanners, here are a few good ones I found but there are many, many out on the internet and in your local classifieds
I may come back and read all of this. I've had one radio shack police scanner and it wasn't very useful. Maybe because I didn't know what I was doing. But where I live the best scanner is on the internet. The newspaper website has one.
Police Scanners
