The police scanner has its origins in the 1970s, when police officers began using radio communications on a regular basis. Police scanners are generally used to monitor VHF and UHF radio systems found in landmobiles. These scanners can often be used to tune to different types of modulations as well (like AM, FM, etc).

Early scanners used to be bulky and expensive. However, with the advancements of microprocessors along time, modern police scanners can be found in both desktop and handheld versions. Modern scanners of today can be used to store thousands of channels, and monitor hundreds of channels at the same time.

Police scanner is usually used to monitor emergency services like the police, fire service, medical units, etc. Scanners are popular with journalists, private detectives and crime investigators. Police scanners are also commonly referred to radio scanners since they do not only receive the signals from the police radio but also from so many other radio services. Most police scanners have a squelch feature so that the speaker only activates when the device finds audio to play.  This ensures that people are not forced to listen to static while the scanner looks for frequencies which are broadcasting.

The “best” police scanner depends on the area you live in and what features you are looking for.  You can dramatically boost your police scanner range by adding an external antenna. For around fifty dollars you should be able to procure an external scanner antenna and coaxial cable.

Although the popular belief regarding police scanners is that owning a police scanner is illegal – it’s actually totally okay to own and use a scanner at home. However, you have to adhere to the following laws:

• It is illegal to tap into cellular and cordless phone calls, and to intercept encrypted and scrambled communication.
• It is illegal to use classifed information for your personal gain.
• It is illegal to use information you receive to aid a crime.
• And you can not disclose info to other persons.

So, you can totally buy a police scanner if you are a law abiding citizen and do not plan to commit and felony. It is a really fun equipment, trust me.