Police scanners

[caliberbob]

So we went to the movies tonight (a rare occasion). I took the younger two to a different movie which just got out. We walked outside to go wait in the car and there are three city police SUV’s parked blocking in a truck and a guy is outside on the phone. No cops outside so clearly they’ve talked to him. All this backstory to say that I am wildly curious what is the deal. So, are police scanners legal? Can I buy one? What should I get? Quick Google search found this. I know there are very many current and former LEO here so who knows if anyone knows (clearly joking).

 

[Camo]

I don’t not believe they are to be honest. My friends dad always had one on. I am not law enforcement so put no real weight on my comment.

 

[caliberbob]

I don’t not believe they are to be honest. My friends dad always had one on. I am not law enforcement so put no real weight on my comment.

I’ve known several people who have had them. Figured it would be fun to know what’s going down in the town

 

[Pstmstr]

They are legal but most signals are scrambled now. You can download the app 5-0 Radio Pro and get many channels on your iPhone.

 

[Pstmstr]

I don’t not believe they are to be honest. My friends dad always had one on. I am not law enforcement so put no real weight on my comment.

Missing you on the bs thread you started earlier today.

 

[HoLeChit]

My interpretation of that law is that it is illegal to use one in the commission of a crime or illegal activity. Kinda like guns or body armor. You’re perfectly legal to own them and all that, but once you start using them to/when committing crimes you end up in deep doo-doo with extra charges tacked on at a minimum.

 

[Camo]

I’ve known several people who have had them. Figured it would be fun to know what’s going down in the town

After awhile I get tired of listening to them but cool to have when something big is going on.

 

[caliberbob]

After awhile I get tired of listening to them but cool to have when something big is going on.

And that’s really why I want it. Sometimes I hear about 20 sirened vehicles driving by on the main highway and I want to know if I need to pull out 1 AR or 17. JK, I lost those in a boating accident

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

They're perfectly legal. I have two...that I don't use. One is older and probably not of much use in a metro area due to the types of signals used these days. The other would probably work but I'm not smart enough to program it. There are places that will program them for you to pick up all the police/fire type traffic in your area. But with all the online services now I never wanted to spend the money to have mine programmed since I live in a very rural area and I doubt I'd get much traffic on it anyway.

 

[caliberbob]

They're perfectly legal. I have two...that I don't use. One is older and probably not of much use in a metro area due to the types of signals used these days. The other would probably work but I'm not smart enough to program it. There are places that will program them for you to pick up all the police/fire type traffic in your area. But with all the online services now I never wanted to spend the money to have mine programmed since I live in a very rural area and I doubt I'd get much traffic on it anyway.

Ok good to know! I was actually hoping you’d chime in on this so thank you. Now if someone has a specific recommendation that doesn’t cost a ton I’m all ears. Thanks fellas