A Police scanner is a radio receiver which allows you to scan multiple frequencies at one time for two-way radio activity.
Police scanner, radio scanner, or simply scanner; all three terms refer to the same device, a wideband radio-receiver capable of hearing two-way communications in the VHF and UHF radio bands.
Scanners are used by a wide spectrum of people, from radio hobbyists to everyday folks who just want to keep an ear on what's happening around town. Scanners are also used by the news media as well as people who love news and want to hear all about it as it happens. Others are concerned in today's environment for personal and neighborhood safety and want to stay in tune with the fantastic job our public servants perform. Most people are more likely to know scanners as "police scanners" as law enforcement is consistently the most popular listening target.
A police scanner is one of the most valuable tools we can have nearby when disaster strikes! The only sure way to get timely up-to-date and critical information after a disaster is by monitoring a police scanner. Television and radio broadcast information is not a viable option as information via those sources is often delayed, sketchy, or unconfirmed at best. Armed with this information, you can take any necessary action to protect you and your family and even avoid unseen dangers before it’s too late!
The range depends primarily on the height of the antenna and the power used. With a handheld or desktop scanner you can hear in a 10 to 20 mile radius, but that's not set in stone. Base stations and repeaters usually can be heard from 30-40 miles or more. Aircraft in flight can often be heard over 150 miles away, making them an easy catch for your radio scanner!
Most of public service agencies, departments, and others transmit and receive on Federal Government assigned frequencies in the Vhf and Uhf range of frequencies above standard broadcast FM stations of the radio spectrum and cannot be heard on your standard car or home radio but can be heard on "Police type Radio Scanners". The laws as to whether or not you can even possess a police scanner depend on your city/county/state and the specific equipment you’re using.
Many states have moved public service communications to digital trunked systems to reduce interference, intentional jamming, and the ability for small-time crooks to buy a $30 scanner to listen to them. Monitoring private phone conversations is prohibited. No scanners made in the last 10 years have been capable of monitoring cell phones or are capable of being modified to do so. In other parts of the world, particularly in Europe, the public safety radio systems cannot be monitored.
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