portable police scanner

I'm looking to buy a portable police scanner to do the basics for home use. Any recommendations on the best one for the money?

FYI: many departments are using new technology for privacy so be sure that you don't buy a scanner that isn't going to pick up the frequency you want.

2009-07-23 19:03:57 by CAL

Here is a basic introduction on how to use a handheld police scanner and the Canadian Trackside Guide to listen in on railway traffic and ...

And follow the police on their runs?

It's not illegal, and like the first guy said, it would depend on the state. You are allowed to have police scanner's. If you really want, I suppose you could follow them on their runs. But I suggest not to follow a high speed, 102MPH chase down the highway. If you do go and check out things like fires, or robbery calls, something along those lines. Go for it, humans are curious in nature. But don't cross the line....literally. Stay back and watch from the sidewalk or wherever they tell you to be. Stay back farther if you are able to. So of there is a problem, you have no chance of getting in the way and be held liable.

Also, this is the wrong section. Wrong type of scanners.

2009-03-20 18:11:04 by snoozy

Price: $99.99

Preprogrammed service search lets you find your favorites quickly
Coverage includes "action" bands for police, ambulance, fire, amateur radio, etc.
RF capture technology instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters
Lock out unwanted frequencies with search and temporary lockouts
300-channels base mobile scanner with 100 channels/second scan speed (max)

hey,

I was kind of interested in a portable police scanner for my car just so I can listen to whats going on around my city. What do you recommend I use for that? how much?

Any electronic store carries them. Check with the laws in your area, it may be illegal.

2008-02-19 14:59:50 by Me

Price: $79.99

Runs on 2 AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries (these can be be recharged while in the scanner)
Easily locate specific calls with 6 preprogrammed service searches, including public safety, railroad, and marine
Handheld scanner for monitoring police and fire signals, weather transmissions, ham radio bands, and more
Comprehensive memory with 100 channels over 10 banks; Close Call RF technology identifies nearby signals
Compact design fits comfortably in hand; easy-to-read backlit display, lockable keypad for saving settings

Yes your base scanner usually will receive more clear frequencies than a hand held. The receiving watts usually are a bit higher.

But with technology the way it is I wouldn't be surprised if the portables (hand held) are of the same wattage. Typically base units also have more bells and whistles; but then again technology.

Best brand I have found would be either Bear Cat or Motorola.

Do some research and check out the specs.

2008-06-15 03:28:22 by halfpintprinter

A handheld device that can tell in a second whether a person is on one of 140 wanted or watch lists is being hailed by police as a crime-fighting breakthrough and flayed by civil libertarians as an intrusion on the innocent.
The sheriff's office in Clermont County, Ohio, is the first civilian law enforcement agency in the nation to test the portable fugitive finder.

Police say Mobilisa Inc.'s m2500 Defense ID system shows promise of saving them time and helping them fight crime. Critics say it intensifies questions about privacy.

The Port Townsend, Wash., wireless technology company says its handheld electronic scanner can identify within a second whether someone is a fugitive from justice, has a violent criminal past or is a convicted sex offender.

The scanner reads the magnetic strip or barcode on state-issued ID cards, passports and driver's licenses. It uses the information to determine whether a person shows up on wanted or watch lists.

If you're innocent, what's the invasion?. How do you feel since 9/11?.

2007-04-10 10:34:45 by mrkache