![]() There are two types of police scanners: base and handheld.īase models usually cost $300 or more and are meant to be used mainly in home settings. These are the main factors to take into account when shopping for a police scanner: In addition to independent scanner radio programming services, the scanner manufacturer Uniden offers programing services for around $40 to $100. However, there are professionals who can program the scanner for you (for a price, of course), based on your location. So, if you don’t own a computer with a Windows operating system (alert: Mac users!), programming or updating the police scanner might prove to be difficult. If you’ve never used one before, it may take some trial and error to program and maximize its detection capabilities in your area.Īlso, you should know that most of the programming software for scanners is made for Windows. Even seasoned users sometimes face complications, especially when they purchase a new model. It’s worth noting that some of these devices have a steep learning curve. ![]() By tuning into the frequencies of your local emergency services, you can keep one step ahead of crime incidents, traffic accidents, fires and severe weather events even before news outlets report them. Beyond the entertainment and gossip you can get out of such a device, a police scanner can be an invaluable security tool. Tracking local events with police scanners has been a popular hobby for many years. However, anyone interested in radio scanning as a serious hobby will probably need to invest in an actual scanner. Some models can automatically locate nearby frequencies too.īasically, a police scanner app is a decent option for anyone who wants to get a hint of what radio scanning is all about without spending hundreds of dollars. However, with a full-featured police scanner, you can manually input the frequencies of all nearby agencies, so you don't miss out on any news. So, if your local fire department doesn't offer a live feed, you won't be able to hear their communications.Īpps sometimes also transmit feeds from volunteers who share what their personal scanners pick up. The apps only transmit the audio communications that agencies decide to make publicly available. So, why spend hundreds on an actual police scanner? ![]() These apps give users access to thousands of police, fire and medical emergency communications around the country for $5 or less (sometimes even free). ![]() Nowadays, there are several police and radio scanner apps available for Apple and Android devices. With a police scanner, you can eavesdrop on all nearby frequencies - basically everything transmitted by radio except for phone calls and encrypted signals. Are you just looking for something basic or do you want a scanner that provides extra features, such as an alarm clock, GPS, Wi-Fi, or CB radio functionality.Are you interested in keeping tabs on the activities of police, fire departments and other public safety agencies in your community? Despite the advent of smartphones, services like these still use two-way radio communication, and you can listen in and hear about all the latest emergencies, storm alerts, traffic accidents and other local chatter if you have a police scanner.Ī police scanner (formally known as a radio scanner) can pick up radio communication transmissions from local law enforcement authorities as well as fire departments, ambulances, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), aircrafts and watercrafts (both civil and military) and more. ![]() Check in your area to see which band type your local agencies are using.įinally, think about the types of features you really need. Digital scanners tend to have the best compatibility, but you’ll get by fine with a less expensive analog police scanner if your local agencies haven’t made the jump to digital yet. Next, determine whether or not you need an analog or digital scanner. Police scanners are available as handheld units, as mobile scanners for vehicle installation, or as stationary desktop scanners. Think about the portability you do or do not need in a scanner. For an inexpensive handheld option, the Uniden Bearcat BC365CRS ( view at Amazon) is a good model to check out. The BearTracker 885’s ( view at Amazon) included GPS, CB radio, and noise-canceling microphone make it an excellent choice for truckers or anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. ![]()
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