CB: The Personal Radio Services

Posted on August 16, 2017 by Rich Carlson

Anyone can use one of several types of two-way radios, most of which do not require a license. From something the kids can play with to serious business uses there are a bunch of different types of varying quality and usefulness. These are called CB, FRS, MURS and GMRS. Only GMRS requires a license, the others do not. Each of the four services have different intended functions.

FRS: Family Radio Service (low power, short range, intended for families and individuals)
GMRS: General Mobile Radio Service (high power, longer range, intended for families)
MURS: Multiple Use Radio Service (mid-power, medium range, intended for business)
CB: Citizen’s Band Radio Service (low power mobile)

You ever go into Wal-Mart or Best Buy and see those cheap little two-way radios encased in one of the most devious inventions of man-kind (Bubble Packs)? They boast wild range figures (“35 mile Range!”) and are made by many different companies like Motorola, Midland and Cobra. These are called “FRS Radios” (Family Radio Service). FRS radios are restricted to ½ watt, non-removable antennas and are intended for short-range person-to-person communications. While titled as the Family Radio Service they are commonly used by businesses and government organizations. In my neighborhood I hear construction crews, hunters, the local school and the golf course maintainers on FRS channels. Just about everything but families… There are few restrictions on what you can use it for so business and personal communications are allowed.

FRS is actually pretty interesting to listen to in many cases. While a lot of the traffic is inane nonsense, like kids wearing out the noisemaking alert beep button, occasionally there is some interesting stuff to listen to. I live in a fairly isolated area 20 miles from the nearest town. There is construction going on and the crews use several FRS channels to coordinate activities. There is a school in the area that uses FRS radios too. The golf course guys use FRS when performing maintenance or to corral loose duffers. Local landscapers use FRS as well.

Listening to FRS channels at the mall or around amusement parks etc. can also be fun. The stores and shops often use FRS radios for clerks and stockers, customers use them to keep in touch with their family.

A lot of the FRS channels are shared with GMRS, so listening to one set of frequencies you may hear both services.

GMRS is a little different than FRS. Since a license is required and power levels are higher they tend to be used in a more formal matter. FRS also allows repeaters so you may hear traffic from all over the area. GMRS is often used by REACT and other volunteers as well as family businesses and often for just idle chit-chat and radio clubs. Sometimes it sounds a lot like ham radio.

MURS can be very interesting. It is on VHF and allows higher power than FRS but in many other aspects it is very similar. Like FRS there are few restrictions on what you can use it for. Since the radios tend to be a little more expensive MURS channels tend to be more business oriented.

CB these days is mostly a wasteland of unintelligible noise. It is still popular with the highway crowd but between high-power illegal amplifiers, over-driven power echo-mics and other noisemakers it is no longer a viable communications tool. It can be interesting to listen to however!

If you put these frequencies in your scanner you may find some interesting communications. You might also be bored silly but you won’t know until you try it.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

Freq (MHz) Remarks
462.5500 Repeater Output/Simplex (Repeats 467.5500)
462.5750 Repeater Output/Simplex (Repeats 467.5750)
462.6000 Repeater Output/Simplex (Repeats 467.6000)
462.6250 Repeater Output/Simplex (Repeats 467.6250)
462.6500 Repeater Output/Simplex (Repeats 467.6500)
462.6750 Repeater Output/Simplex (Repeats 467.6750)
462.7000 Repeater Output/Simplex (Repeats 467.7000)
462.7250 Repeater Output/Simplex (Repeats 467.7250)
462.5625 Simplex (5 watts)
462.5875 Simplex (5 watts)
462.6125 Simplex (5 watts)
462.6375 Simplex (5 watts)
462.6625 Simplex (5 watts)
462.6875 Simplex (5 watts)
462.7125 Simplex (5 watts)

Family Radio Service (FRS)

Freq (MHz) Ch #
462.5625 1
462.5875 2
462.6125 3
462.6375 4
462.6625 5
462.6875 6
462.7125 7
467.5625 8
467.5875 9
467.6125 10
467.6375 11
467.6625 12
467.6875 13
467.7125 14
462.5500 15 (Shared with GMRS)
462.5750 16 (Shared with GMRS)
462.6000 17 (Shared with GMRS)
462.6250 18 (Shared with GMRS)
462.6500 19 (Shared with GMRS)
462.6750 20 (Shared with GMRS)
462.7000 21 (Shared with GMRS)
462.7250 22 (Shared with GMRS)

Multiple Use Radio Service (MURS)

Freq (MHz)
151.8200
151.8800
151.9400
154.5700
154.6000

Citizens Band (CB)

Freq Ch # Freq Ch #
26.965 1 27.215 21
26.975 2 27.225 22
26.985 3 27.255 23
27.005 4 27.235 24
27.015 5 27.245 25
27.025 6 27.265 26
27.035 7 27.275 27
27.055 8 27.285 28
27.065 9 27.295 29
27.075 10 27.305 30
27.085 11 27.315 31
27.105 12 27.325 32
27.115 13 27.335 33
27.125 14 27.345 34
27.135 15 27.355 35
27.155 16 27.365 36
27.165 17 27.375 37
27.175 18 27.385 38
27.185 19 27.395 39
27.205 20 27.405 40

Why Do I Need a Uniden Scanner with Internet Scanner Apps?

Posted on December 31, 2014 by Scanner Master

One common question people have in today’s Internet and app heavy environments is whether a handheld Uniden scanner or Whistler scanner is really necessary since people can access online police scanners. Handheld police scanners are still an essential piece of hardware for people to own for several reasons.

Running a scanner app on your smart phone limits your channel selections. With an app, you are limited to a few frequencies rather a full spectrum of scanner radio frequencies. With a battery operated handheld scanner you have access to more channels, the ability to monitor your local area better with access to not only sheriff, police, and fir dispatch channels, but also tactical, detective, SWAT, state police, highway patrol, fire ground, and numerous other channels rarely offered on scanner apps. In addition, you can monitor public works, university police, transits and so much more. Remember too, that thousands of local, county, and state agency dispatch channels are not offered on apps since there is no one local in many areas feeding the audio to the Internet. These apps generally rely on hobbyists, who may just decide to take down their feed at any time.

Also, consider you are home during a severe thunderstorm and the power goes out. Your home Internet and cellular hotspot services are down and not working. As a result, you cannot access online police scanners from your computer or smart phone. You have no way of knowing what is going on because you are cut off from the police radio scanner transmissions.

However, if you have a battery operated handheld scanner radio, like the Uniden BCD436HP or Uniden HomePatrol HP2, it does not matter if the power is out or whether your Internet or hotspot service is functioning. You are able to listen and monitor radio frequencies from your local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency responders, as well as other numerous other agencies in your community, and know exactly what is going on in regards to the severe storm.

If you are like 90 percent-plus of the people out there who buy police scanners to listen to live police scanner audio feeds and fire department audio feeds, you want to make sure you hear all of the transmissions from city, county, volunteer, and state agencies. The easiest way to ensure you are able to monitor all of these transmissions is with a Uniden scanner, like the BCD436HP or HomePatrol HP2.

How to Program a BCD436HP and HomePatrol HP2 Uniden Scanner Radios

The BCD436HP and HomePatrol HP 2 Uniden scanner radios are one of the easiest scanners on the market to program. You do not need an advanced degree in computers and electronics to program this scanner. It is as simple as entering in your zip code into the scanner. The scanner does all the work and downloads all of the available scanner radio frequencies available in your area. If you ever want to update the radio frequencies, like if you take the handheld scanner with you on vacation, you just enter in the zip code for wherever you are and the scanner updates to that location.

To learn more about handheld Uniden scanner radio models, including the BCD436HP or HomePatrol HP2, or for professional assistance in choosing the best scanner for your area and needs, contact us today at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637).

Selecting Your First Radio Scanner

Posted on December 26, 2014 by Scanner Master

Buying your first radio scanner requires understanding the differences between radio systems and scanner frequencies. While you do not need to know exactly how each radio system works, you do need to know which ones are used in your area. It is never safe to assume, just because you live in a small town, your needs will be met with a basic analog scanner. You would be surprised by how many smaller communities have state-of-the-art radio systems, requiring either trunking or digital scanners to listen to two-way radio communications.

Find out what radio systems are used in your town. The first step to selecting a radio scanner is to conduct a little research and find out what radio systems fire, police, and other agencies use for communications. The easiest way to do this is to use our free scanner comparison tool. All you have to do is choose your desired listening range and enter in your zip code. Next, select the counties you want to monitor on your new police scanner to see important information about the radio systems used.
Compare scanner radios based compatible with your location. Our scanner comparison tool also shows you several different models of hand-held portable, mobile, and desktop scanners that will pick up scanner frequencies in your location. The key thing to remember is that it is not what features and options are on the scanner, but the type of radio systems used in your area. Every location is different, and the police scanner has to be matched to the radio systems.
Consider what agencies you want to monitor. Most people buy a scanner to listen to fire, police, and emergency medical responder transmissions. A small percentage of people also use their scanner radios to listen to other government agencies, railroad communications, campus police, and racer/pit crew communications at live NASCAR racing events. Choose a scanner based on the scanner frequencies you want to hear.
Radio systems used in your town can change. Police, fire, emergency responders, and other agencies do upgrade radio systems from time to time. Keep this in mind when selecting a compatible scanner. For instance, if your city currently uses a basic analog radio system, they might decide to upgrade it to a trunking system in the future. Unless you have a scanner capable of picking up both analog and trunking communications, you would no longer be able to monitor any frequencies moved to the new system. You may want to check with your city or county planning commission to find out if there are any plans for upgrading the radio system in the near future before purchasing your new police scanner.
Support options for the scanner. If you know you are going to need help programming and updating the scanners firmware, it is recommended you look at models that can be plugged into a computer. This way, in most cases, you are able to receive remote desktop scanner support without having to send in your scanner any time you need help.

For more information about police scanner radios or friendly assistance from one of our scanner experts, contact us today at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637).

What Is the Best Police Scanner?

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Scanner Master

One frequently asked question by people in the scanner world, as well as those interested in purchasing their first new scanner, is which one is the best police scanner to own. The most straightforward answer is: it depends on the situation. There are several key factors that need to be evaluated to determine what radios scanners are most appropriate for your needs and, from there, these can then be narrowed down to the best scanner radio.

What scanner frequencies are you going to be listening to? Do you want to monitor police, fire, and EMT channels only, or do you also want to be able to listen to railroad, NASCAR racing, and other public broadcast channels?
What signal formats do you need to listen to your favorite scanner frequencies? You need to find out whether local police, fire, EMTs, and other channels you want to listen to use analog, analog trunking, or digital scanner frequencies, or some combination thereof.
How do you intend to use the scanner? If you only intend to listen to transmissions from your home office, a desktop radio scanner could be sufficient. However, if you want to be able to listen to scanner radios while on the go, you need to determine if a handheld or mobile police scanner meets your needs.
How many channels and how much memory does the scanner have? If you intend to save multiple favorites in the scanner, you should look at models with more memory. The number of channels is really not important. What truly is important is the type of radio systems used in your local area. You could have a high end scanner with all the bells and whistles, but may not need it.
How much does the scanner cost? Some people get hung up on cost and think the higher the price, the better the scanner. This is not always the case, and you need to be careful the price does not distract you too much. Remember, you are looking for a scanner with the features and options to satisfy your listening requirements.
How difficult is it to program the scanner? If you are tech savvy, then this probably is not an issue. For other scanner users, there are one-touch programmable scanners where you simply enter in the zip code, and the scanner downloads all available scanner channels. Another option for more complex scanners is to have the scanner preprogrammed before it is shipped to your home or office.
Is the scanner computer friendly? Many modern scanners can be connected to desktop and laptop computers to make downloading radio frequencies and installing firmware updates simple and easy. You are able to obtain remote support for most programming and scanner update issues with computer-friendly models.
What is included with the scanner? Some models include everything you need to get started, while others could require purchasing additional accessories, like an external antenna to pick up more frequencies.

For further assistance in selecting the best police scanner, contact us today at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637).

The Easy Way to Program and Load Scanner Codes into Police Scanners

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Scanner Master

There are numerous methods for programming and loading scanner codes into police radio scanners. The most appropriate method for your scanner radio depends on the make, model, and type of scanner. Some scanner models are simple and easy to program, and do not have to be manually programmed, like the Bearcat BCD436HP. To program and load scanner codes into this Uniden scanner you simply enter in the zip code of your location. The scanner automatically loads all available police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) channels and scanner frequencies.

Another scanner model that does not require any programming knowledge to load scanner frequencies is the Bearcat BCD536HP model. Just like the BCD436HP model, you enter in your zip code, and the scanner radio does all the work. Both of these Uniden models are well suited for anyone who wants to listen to police, fire, and EMS transmissions, but who does not have the patience or ability to manually program the scanner by hand.

If you are considering Whistler scanners or other models without the zip code feature, and are new to the scanner world, loading scanner codes is not difficult if you have them preloaded at the time of purchase. Your scanner supplier is fully capable of loading and programming your Whistler scanner, like the WS1010 analog handheld police scanner radio, based on where you live, before they ship it to your home or office.

How Do I Get Scanner Codes Updated if I Move and Need Help?

There are a few different options for having your scanner codes updated any time you move to a new location. If you have either a BCD436HP or BCD536HP model, just enter in your new zip code, and the scanner updates itself. If you do not have a scanner with the zip code programming feature, many of the modern scanner radio models on the market today are able to be connected directly to your desktop or laptop computer using a USB connection cable. If you have one of these models, you can obtain Home Town Programming Remote Services. This unique service is where your scanner is reprogrammed using your Internet connection and sharing access to your computer with the scanner programing technician, while the scanner is plugged into your computer.

In situations where your scanner model is older and not able to be connected to your computer, or you do not have a reliable Internet connection for Home Town Programming Remote Services, your other option to have your scanner reprogrammed is to use Home Town Programming Mail-in Service. This is where you mail in your scanner and have the scanner codes updated for your new location. You may also have the firmware in your scanner updated to the latest version while it is being serviced.

For more information about either of these programming services, or assistance in selecting a brand new scanner model, feel free to call us today at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637) and speak to one of our friendly and experienced scanner technicians.

10 Uses for Your Police Scanner

Posted on December 12, 2014 by Scanner Master

People use police scanner radios for a variety of different purposes and reasons to monitor communications in their area over public radio broadcasts. The types of transmissions they are able to listen to does depend on the make and model of the scanner radio, as transmissions may be communicated over an analog trunking system, conventional analog system, or digital system.

Crimes: People can discover what current criminal activity is going on in their neighborhood or city. Do keep in mind, initial communications about a crime in progress do not necessarily mean there is an actual crime until the police investigate a call.
Fire: Listening to scanner radios alerts you to fires in your town. You are able to use this information to determine whether you need to evacuate your home and be prepared, should the fire department ask you to leave.
Weather: People use police radio scanners to monitor communications about severe weather in their location. Many scanner radios operate off of batteries and allow you to continue monitoring weather updates, even in the event you lose power.
Traffic Information: Use your radio scanner to find out where there is heavy traffic congestion, accidents, and other delays in your city.
FRS/GMRS Transmissions: Listen in on both of these public broadcast systems and pick up communications over walkie-talkies and other short range devices.
NASCAR Racing: Hear what your favorite drivers are communicating with their pit crews during live NASCAR racing events with a scanner radio from your seat in the stands.
Over the Road Truck Drivers and RVers: Always be in the know of what is going on as you travel from one location to the next with scanner radios. Police scanners can be programmed with your favorite scanner radio codes for those locations you travel through or visit on a regular basis.
Homemakers: Homemakers can have peace of mind and know whenever there is a possible break-in or other crime occurring in their neighborhood, as well as have inside information about their neighbors any time police, EMTs, or fire fighters show up at their homes.
Neighborhood Watches: Portable models allow you to utilize scanner transmissions into your neighborhood watch program and make your neighborhood better prepared against potential crimes.
Up to Date Information: Scanner radios provide current information so you are always in the know about what is going on in your community.

When selecting a police scanner, remember to verify what types of systems are used in your area. If you intend to use the scanner radio in multiple locations, it is highly recommended you look at digital makes and models. Digital police scanners are capable of picking up all three public radio systems and the scanner frequencies used on each one.

For more information or further assistance in selecting the best scanner radio to fit your needs and requirements, contact us today at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637). We offer the option of preprogramming your scanner for you before it is shipped.

The Uniden BCD536HP and BCD436HP Are User Friendly Scanners

Posted on November 10, 2014 by Scanner Master

There are all different levels of users in the scanner community, ranging from new hobbyists, to long time scanner enthusiasts, to professionals using scanners as part of their jobs. Finding the right scanner to fit your skill level with the features you want is essential in order to be able to get the most out of your scanner. The Uniden BCD536HP and BCD436HP are two scanner models that are ideal for users of all skill sets and include a wide range of features to make owning and using a scanner radio fun and enjoyable, such as:

TrunkTracker V Support: Monitor LTR, X2-TDMA, Motorola, APCO Project 25 Phase I and Phase II, and EDACS trunked radio systems.
Multiple Frequency Coverage: Monitor the scanner frequencies used by numerous agencies, like police, fire, public works, university security, forest rangers, and more.
Simple Programming: Choose from several flexible channel selection options, like GPS, zip code, or service types, and select your locations and the frequencies you want to hear. The BCD536HP and BCD436HP radio scanners automatically program the channels based on these selections.
Auto Update Using a GPS: By plugging a GPS into the scanner, radio frequencies are automatically updated as you move from one location to another. This feature is ideal for those who listen to their scanner in their vehicle while traveling.
Easy Scanning: The scanners allow you to select from your favorites lists, the main frequency scanner database, or custom combinations of these to monitor transmissions.
Sentinel Software: Install the software on your laptop or desktop computer, and plug the scanner into any USB port any time you want to update the firmware or the scanner database, as well as edit, manage, and create your favorites lists.
Front Panel Programmable: Both Uniden scanner models allow users to program their scanners using the front panel, without being complex or complicated.
Selectable Scan Control: Scan radio frequencies by pushing the channel hold, dedicated system, or department buttons, or use the quick key access to use your favorite lists.
Remote Access: The BCD536HP includes Wi-Fi access, so you can monitor and control your scanner from anywhere in your home using your smartphone or tablet. The Wi-Fi access feature gives you full control of your scanner radio over an Internet connection while you are away from home. You can even configure the Wi-Fi settings as a remote access point, if the scanner is installed in your car, and use your mobile device to control and listen to the scanner in your vehicle.

Who Uses Uniden BCD536HP and BCD436HP Scanners?

The types of people who use the BCD536HP and BCD436HP scanners include law enforcement radio systems technicians, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, news agencies, hobbyists, homemakers, truck drivers, and other people from a variety of backgrounds and professions. Anyone can own and operate a scanner radio to monitor what is going on in their community or while they travel around the country. People use their Uniden scanners to monitor traffic conditions, road closures, weather alerts, accidents, fires, and crimes in their community.

For more information about Uniden BCD536Hp and BCD436HP scanner radios, feel free to contact us at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637).

Is It Illegal to Listen to Live Police Scanner Audio Feeds?

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Scanner Master

One common question people have about police scanners is whether it is against the law to listen to live police scanner audio feeds. It is not illegal to monitor police audio feeds and police scanner frequencies with radio scanners from the privacy of your own home or business. However, each state sets its own laws in regards to monitoring police radio frequencies with portable scanner radios and using online police scanner apps on smartphones. If you intend to listen to these transmissions, it is your responsibility to check with your local government agencies to find out more about the laws and regulations in your area.

Why Do People Listen to Live Police Scanner Audio Feeds?

People monitor police scanner frequencies and listen to live police scanner audio feeds for various reasons. For instance, reporters and journalists rely upon these transmissions to learn about potential news stories they feel should be shared with the general public. Off duty police officers, volunteer firefighters, and other emergency responders listen to scanner chatter to know exactly what is going on, especially during emergencies, to determine whether they need to report for duty, such as during a major power outage. In addition, people use a police radio scanner to find out about accidents and traffic congestion, so they can avoid these areas and take alternate routes.

What Information Is Shared over Police Scanner Frequencies?

The information communicated over police scanner frequencies is normally limited to specific details between the dispatcher and the responding agency. For instance, if there is traffic accident, the dispatcher normally alerts police, fire, and ambulance services. Upon arrival at the scene, the responding agencies may communicate whether anyone is injured and if towing services are needed. However, more sensitive information, such as the names of those involved in the accident and extent of injuries, are communicated through other secure channels, rather than publically broadcasted over live scanner audio feeds.

How to Select the Best Police Scanner

Finding the top police scanner to use to monitor and listen to scanner communications largely depends on how and where you want to use the scanner. If you are going to be using the scanner radio at home or your business, or your local laws allow you to install it in your vehicle, a base or mobile scanner is a good choice. On the other hand, if you want a scanner to use for emergencies, or your local laws allow you to carry a scanner radio with you wherever you go, then you should consider a portable scanner. The key to selecting the best scanner is not getting distracted by the features or number of channels offered on a particular model, but ensuring the model you select is capable of picking up the radio frequencies used by your local fire, police, and other government agencies.

For further assistance in selecting an appropriate scanner compatible with the radio frequencies in your area, contact us today at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637).

Journalists Monitor Police Scanner Frequencies for News Stories

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Scanner Master

Did you ever wonder how journalists and news agencies learn about breaking stories as they occur? Many newsworthy stories are obtained by journalists monitoring police scanner frequencies using scanner radios. They might learn about a fire at a local apartment complex, a break-in at a local business, or some other type of emergency. Police, fire, public works, and other government services use radio frequencies as a means of communications. These radio frequencies are normally not blocked, so anyone with a radio scanner can access the communications between dispatchers and the responding agencies.

Journalists listening to police scanner frequencies do need to confirm their stories for accuracy before releasing the information to the general public. Not all information is openly shared between dispatchers, police, fire, and other responders over police scanners. More sensitive details about the situation are typically communicated over other secure devices, such as inboard computers and cell phones.

For example, a journalist hears fire and ambulance services were dispatched to the home of the mayor. Unless other details are shared over the scanner radio, they have no other information to report until they can follow up on the story. The only information they could share on the evening news or in the local paper is that emergency responders were dispatched to the mayor’s home. Journalists need to be careful to avoid elaborating further on the story until they have obtained all of the facts.

Is It Beneficial for Journalists to Share Information from Police Scanner Frequencies?

There is some debate as to whether the information obtained from police scanner frequencies should be shared with the general public by journalists. Most local government agencies do not mind if communications are shared with the general public, as long as they are reported correctly without any conjecture. What they expect from journalists, as well as from others using police scanners in their homes, is to be responsible with the information obtained from scanner frequencies. Thanks to modern technologies and the Internet, information is shared at a faster speed today than it was in the past. Journalists and others can post status updates on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites, as well as news web pages. Since information is easier to share, accurate reporting is essential in order to avoid creating wide-spread panic in local communities.

In addition to reporting on news pieces, journalists can use scanner radios to report details about weather emergencies, such as major snow storms, tropical storms, severe thunderstorms, and hurricanes. Sharing details about weather emergencies is beneficial for local government agencies. Journalists are able to assist police, fire, and other emergency responders in getting people off of streets, informing them to stay at home or go to their local shelters, as well as to share updates about the weather emergency.

If you are a journalist or want to monitor police frequencies at home, contact us to order your scanner or scanner package today, by calling 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637).

What Law Enforcement Thinks about People Using Scanner Radios

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Scanner Master

Most police scanners are not illegal to use in a fixed location – say, your home or office — or in vehicles, in certain states. The primary thing to remember, when monitoring chatter on scanner radios, is this information is being communicated between the dispatch center and the agency dispatched to investigate the call. Police agencies do not think these types of communications require blocking to prevent the general public from hearing the communications over a police radio scanner.

Law enforcement wants people to be aware of and understand that the information communicated over police scanners should not be taken as fact. For example, someone reports a suspicious person lurking behind the bushes outside of their neighbor’s home. Until the police investigate the call, it does not necessary mean there really is a person. Once the police arrive on the scene, the suspicious person could turn out to be a chair with a tarp draped over it, and a rake leaned against the chair in such a manner to make it appear like it is a person.

Further, police do not always report over scanner radios the outcome after investigating calls. In cases where there is an event in progress, police have other means for communicating with dispatchers and other key agencies, like their in-vehicle secure computers and cell phones. Whenever information is vital to a case or sensitive in nature, it is normally not openly shared over police scanners.

Now that you understand this essential bit of information about police scanners, using these devices is an ideal method for learning what is going on in your community. Not everything communicated over scanners is published in your local paper or broadcast on the evening news. In addition, a radio scanner is used by some people as a method of being alerted about a weather emergency, civil emergency, or other critical event occurring in your community, as it is occurring. For instance, several scanner radio models operate off of batteries. If you lost power due to a severe thunderstorm, your scanner would be an effective way to be kept updated about the status of the storm.

However, whenever communications are not blocked, people are still able to find out basic information about events in their local community. Just remember this is preliminary information about the event, and there could easily be more details not being openly communicated.

To learn more about police scanner radios, or for assistance in selecting a model, contact us at 1-800-SCANNER (1-800-722-6637) today.