Best Police Scanner For Home Use (2024 Updated)

When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

If you are looking for a police scanner for home use, there are a few key points you should consider before making your purchase. Police scanners allow you to listen in on police, fire, and other emergency services in your area, which can be both informative and entertaining. Here are five things to keep in mind when looking for the best police scanner for your home:

1. Scanner Type: Police scanners come in two types: analog and digital. Analog scanners are cheaper and can pick up older radio systems, while digital scanners are more expensive and can pick up newer, encrypted systems. Consider the type of scanner you need based on the frequencies in your area.

2. Frequency Coverage: Make sure the scanner you choose covers the frequencies you want to listen to. Some scanners are limited to certain frequency ranges, so check the product specifications carefully.

3. Ease of Use: Look for a scanner that is easy to use and program. Some scanners require a lot of technical knowledge to set up, while others are more user-friendly.

4. Audio Quality: A good police scanner should have clear audio quality, so you can hear what is being said clearly.

5. Price: Police scanners can range from under $100 to over $500. Consider your budget and what features are important to you before making your purchase.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can find the best police scanner for your home use that meets your needs and fits your budget.

10 Best Police Scanner For Home Use

1. Uniden's Bcd436hp Scanner Is A Digital Handheld Device From The Homepatrol Series. It Offers Trunktracker V, Easy Programming, And S.a.m.e. Emergency/weather Alerts. It Covers Both The Usa And Canada.

The Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner is a must-have for scanner enthusiasts who demand top-of-the-line features and ease of use. This scanner is the first of its kind to incorporate the HomePatrol-1 ease of use in a traditional handheld scanner. With its TrunkTracker V feature, no programming is needed. Simply turn on the scanner, enter your zip code, and let the scanner do the rest.

This user-friendly digital scanner immediately begins receiving communications used by Public Safety, Police, Fire, EMS, Ambulance, Aircraft, Military, Weather, and more. With a scan speed of 85 channels per second, this scanner can keep you informed no matter where you are. The functionality is made possible by combining the rich radio system database from Radio Reference with Uniden's patented radio system selection methods to correctly identify and monitor only nearby systems in the USA/Canada.

The BCD436HP is equipped with Uniden's exclusive Close Call RF Capture feature, GPS Connectivity, Extra-Large Display, Radio System Analysis, and Discover Modes. These features put the most advanced scanner features right in the palm of your hand. The scanner also has an Instant Replay feature that plays back up to 240 seconds (4 minutes) of the most recent transmissions. The Custom Alerts feature allows you to program your scanner to alert you when you receive a Channel or Unit ID, a Close Call hit, an ID is transmitted with an Emergency Alert, or a Tone-out hit. For each alert in the scanner, you can select from 9 different tone patterns, 15 volume settings, 7 colors, and 3 flash patterns.

The BCD436HP is designed to cover the USA and Canada, keeping you informed whether you're across town or across the street. This scanner makes a superior unit for the scanner enthusiast, with the largest display on the market and more advanced features than any other scanner on the market.

Uniden Customer Support is available to help with product setup and troubleshooting. Their website is designed to conveniently walk customers through the process, and they can be contacted via email or phone.

In conclusion, the Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner is a powerful and user-friendly scanner that delivers the most advanced scanner features ever. With its TrunkTracker V feature, Close Call RF Capture, GPS Connectivity, Extra-Large Display, Radio System Analysis, and Discover Modes, this scanner is a must-have for anyone who demands top-of-the-line features and ease of use.

2. Uniden Bc125at Handheld Scanner With 500 Channels And Koss Qz-99 Noise Reduction Stereophone.

The Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner is a sophisticated device that allows users to listen in and stay informed. With its 500 alpha-tagged channels and compact design, it is a powerful tool for anyone who needs to monitor a wide range of frequencies. The scanner comes equipped with Close Call RF capture technology, which allows it to instantly tune to signals from nearby transmitters. It also features a Do Not Disturb Mode, which prevents Close Call checks during a transmission.

One of the key strengths of the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner is its ability to listen to over 40,000 frequencies. This includes both civilian and military bands, such as Police, Ambulance, Fire, Weather, Marine, Aircraft, Railroad, Civil Air, Amateur radio services, and Racing events. With so many options to choose from, users can stay informed about a wide range of events and stay ahead of the curve.

The Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner is also designed to be highly efficient. It comes equipped with 500 alpha-tagged channels, which are divided into 10 storage banks. This makes it easy to organize channels by department, location, area of interest, or any other way users prefer. Alpha Tagging lets users assign names to channels, so they can keep track of who they are listening to.

Another key feature of the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner is its lightweight, portable design. Users can take this handheld radio scanner with them on the road or on outings, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications. The orange backlight display is easy to read, even in low light conditions, and the scanner packs plenty of features into its compact design.

The Koss QZ-99 Noise Reduction Stereophone is another powerful tool for anyone who needs to stay focused and alert in noisy environments. These passive noise reduction headphones are wired and feature neodymium magnet structures that deliver outstanding clarity and definition. They also come equipped with closed Pneumalite ear cushions and an extra secure headband that seals the ears, eliminating all ambient noise.

The Koss QZ-99 Noise Reduction Stereophone also features a volume control on the ear cup, which allows for easy level adjustment. This is a useful feature for anyone who needs to stay alert to their surroundings while still enjoying their music or other audio content.

Overall, the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner and Koss QZ-99 Noise Reduction Stereophone are powerful tools for anyone who needs to stay informed and focused in noisy environments. Their lightweight, portable designs make them easy to take on the go, while their powerful features ensure that users can stay ahead of the curve and stay focused on the task at hand.

3. Uniden Handheld Scanner With 300 Channels, Close Call Technology, And Multiple Public Safety Bands.

The Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Handheld Scanner is a sophisticated device that allows users to stay informed about a range of frequencies. With 300 user-programmable channels, this compact scanner is designed with convenience and efficiency in mind. The Close Call RF capture technology instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters, while the Do Not Disturb Mode prevents Close Call checks during a transmission.

Users can listen to over 32,000 frequencies, including both civilian and military bands, Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, NOAA Weather, Marine, Aircraft, Railroad, Civil Air, Amateur radio services, and Racing events. The 300 channels are divided into 10 storage banks, making it easy to organize channels by department, location, area of interest, or any other preferred method.

The scanner's lightweight and portable design make it easy to take on the road or on outings. The orange backlight display is easy to read, even in low light conditions. Pre-sets for the most popular searches are conveniently provided, with frequencies preset in ten separate Weather, Non-Digital Police/Fire/Emergency, Marine, Racing, Civil Air, HAM Radio, Railroad, CB radio, and Other.

It should be noted that this model BC75XLT is not suitable for trunking or digital radio system monitoring, such as Project 25, DMR, NXDN. Some Police/Fire/Emergency/Public Safety Agencies in larger cities are switching over to DIGITAL Trunking systems. If you live in an area where Trunking or Digital radio systems are used, you need to upgrade to a Uniden Digital model ("D" stands for Digital), such as models BCD436HP, BCD536HP, BCD996P2, BCD325P2, or HomePatrol-2. Before purchasing, it is important to confirm whether the communication you want to receive is Digital or Analog.

The scanner operates on two AA batteries, which are not included. Users can choose to use either two AA Alkaline or AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. The scanner does not have two-way communication, as it is designed only for receiving radio transmissions.

Uniden Customer Support provides a convenient website designed to walk users through product setup and troubleshooting. Users can contact customer support at email: custsupport@uniden.com or phone: 1-800-297-1023.

The scanner's features include 300 programmable channels, Close Call RF capture technology, the ability to run on 2 AA alkaline batteries, and narrowband compliance. Additionally, users can easily search for frequencies typically used by Police, Fire/Emergency, Marine, Racing, Civil Air, Ham Radio, Railroad, CB Radio, Weather, and more. The user manual is available for reference below.

4. Uniden Homepatrol-2 Digital Scanner – Trunktracker V, S.a.m.e, Apco P25 Phase 1 And 2 – Usa And Canada Coverage – Emergency/weather Alert – Quick Record/playback – Color Touchscreen

The Uniden HomePatrol-2 is a highly sought-after digital police scanner that enables you to listen in on various communication systems used by public safety, police, fire, ambulance, aircraft, military, weather, and more. The device boasts a color touchscreen display that makes it easy to navigate and select the radio services you want to listen to.

Once you enter your zip code, the HomePatrol-2 takes care of the rest and keeps you informed of transmissions in your area, whether it's across town or across the street. The scanner is digital-capable and can receive all unencrypted, non-proprietary radio systems, including APCO-25 Phase I and Phase II digital, Motorola, EDACS, LTR, and conventional analog and P25 digital channels. It covers both the USA and Canada, and an optional GPS receiver is also available.

The package includes the HomePatrol-2 scanner, a flex antenna, a desk stand, a USB cable, and four AA NiMH rechargeable batteries, as well as an SMA to BNC adapter. However, note that an AC or DC power adapter is not included, and you will need to use a USB cable to connect the device to a standard smart phone USB power adapter or a computer's USB port with DC5V power output.

The scanner is equipped with a standard headset jack, allowing you to connect a set of headphones and listen to transmissions without disturbing others. The device is also straightforward to set up, and Uniden offers excellent customer support via their website or phone.

Overall, the Uniden HomePatrol-2 is an excellent digital police scanner that makes it easy to listen to transmissions in your area. Its advanced features, including the color touchscreen display and the ability to receive various radio systems, make it a must-have for anyone interested in monitoring public safety, police, fire, and other communication channels.

5. Uniden Bc355n Scanner: 800mhz, 300 Channels, Close Call Rf Capture, Pre-Programmed Action Bands For Police, Fire, Amateur Radio, Weather, Public Utilities & More.

The Uniden Bearcat BC355N Mobile/Base Scanner is a highly versatile and user-friendly entry-level scanner that is packed with features. It has the ability to pick up analog receptions that include six service banks for monitoring Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Marine, Air, Weather, and CB frequencies. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who is looking for a scanner that can keep them up-to-date with local happenings and emergencies in their area.

One of the most notable features of the BC355N is its "Close Call RF Capture Technology," which instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters. This pre-programmed search makes it easier to find active frequencies and helps you stay on top of emergency situations. Additionally, the scanner has a 100 ch/sec Scan Speed (max) that allows you to quickly scan through frequencies without missing important information.

The BC355N comes with 300 pre-programmed frequencies that are scanned along with the preset frequencies. This means that whenever you encounter a newly activated local frequency for any service category, you can add it to the bank for that category. This gives you quick access to the frequencies you want to hear, making it easier to stay up-to-date with local happenings.

The scanner is also designed with a backlit display, making it easier to read in low light conditions. It comes with an AC adapter, a DC power cable, and an automotive power outlet plug, giving you more options for supplying power at home or in your car. The frequency range for aircraft band is AM mode 8.33 STEP (kHz) at 108.0000, 136.9916(Lower and Upper).

While the BC355N is an affordable way to jump into the world of scanners, it is important to note that it is not suitable for trunking or digital radio system monitoring. If you live in an area where trunking or digital radio systems are used, you need to upgrade to a Uniden Digital model (ā€œDā€ stands for Digital), such as models BCD996P2, BCD436HP, BCD536HP, BCD325P2, or HomePatrol-2.

Overall, if you are looking for a scanner that is packed with features and is easy to use, the Uniden Bearcat BC355N Mobile/Base Scanner is an excellent choice. Its ability to pick up analog receptions and its pre-programmed search make it easier to find active frequencies and stay up-to-date with local emergencies.

6. Uniden Bc365crs Scanner: 500 Channels, Alarm Clock, Fm Radio, Weather Alert, And Search Bands For Police, Fire/ems, Aircraft, Radio, And Marine Transmissions.

The Uniden BC365CRS is an all-in-one scanner, alarm clock, and FM radio that offers 500 channels for easy listening to a wide range of transmissions. Its pre-set channels include non-digital police, fire, and emergency broadcasts, weather reports, marine, aircraft, amateur radio, and railroad bands. Its built-in FM radio allows users to save up to 30 preset stations for easy access to their favorite local broadcasts.

The BC365CRS is designed with an attractive layout that is ideal for home use. Its clear LCD backlit display makes it easy to read at night, and its buttons are nicely laid out for easy use. The scanner also features a priority channel setting that checks for activity every 2 seconds, ensuring that users don't miss important transmissions.

The scanner is a conventional analog scanner and is not compatible with digital communications such as Project 25, DMR, or NXDN. However, it is perfect for users who want to listen to non-digital public safety agencies in smaller cities.

The scanner's alarm clock feature allows users to set the device to wake them up to scanning, weather broadcasts, or their favorite FM station. The snooze and sleep functions also allow users to customize their wake-up experience.

For those who need assistance with product setup or troubleshooting, Uniden's customer support website is available for convenient guidance. Customers can also contact customer support via email or phone for additional assistance.

Overall, the Uniden BC365CRS is an affordable and feature-packed option for those who want to stay informed and entertained with a wide range of transmissions.

7. Uniden Bc125at Handheld Scanner – 500 Channels, Close Call, Pc Programmable, Multi-Band Reception.

The Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner is a highly sophisticated device that enables users to stay informed with its 500 alpha-tagged channels and numerous features. The scanner is designed in a compact form factor for ease of use and portability. It features Close Call RF capture technology, which instantly tunes to signals from nearby transmitters, and Do Not Disturb Mode, which prevents Close Call checks during a transmission.

This handheld scanner can listen to over 40,000 frequencies, including Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Weather, Marine, Aircraft, Railroad, Civil Air, Amateur radio services, and Racing events. The 500 Alpha-Tagged Channels allow users to find channels easily, with 500 channels divided into 10 storage banks. Users can organize their channels by department, location, area of interest, or any other way they prefer. Alpha Tagging lets users assign names to their channels, so they can keep track of who they are listening to.

The Bearcat handheld radio scanner is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take on the road or on outings. It packs plenty of features, and the orange backlight display is easy to read, even in low light conditions. The scanner comes with convenient presets for the most popular searches. Frequencies are preset in ten separate Non-Digital Police/Fire/Emergency, Ham, Marine, Railroad, Civil Air, Military Air, CB Radio, FRS/GMRS/MURS, and Racing search bands. This makes it easy to find channels that interest users.

However, it is important to note that the model BC125AT is not suitable for Trunking or Digital Radio system monitoring, such as Project 25, DMR, NXDN. Some Police/Fire/Emergency/Public Safety Agencies in larger cities are switching over to DIGITAL Trunking systems. If you live in an area where Trunking or Digital Radio systems are used, you need to upgrade to a Uniden Digital model (ā€œDā€ stands for Digital), such as models BCD436HP, BCD536HP, BCD996P2, BCD325P2, or HomePatrol-2.

It is important to note that this product does not have 2-way communication and is only a scanner for receiving radio transmissions. For any assistance with product setup or troubleshooting, the Uniden Customer Support website is designed to conveniently walk users through the process. The website can be accessed at https://uniden.com/pages/support-1. Customers can also contact customer support via email at custsupport@uniden.com or phone at 1-800-297-1023.

8. Uniden Bcd996p2: Digital Trunktracker V Scanner, 25k Channels, Close Call Rf, 4-Line Alpha Display, Phase 2, Location-Based Scanning.

The Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner is a powerful and feature-rich scanner designed for serious hobbyists and public safety professionals. With an advanced digital decoding system and a large memory bank, this scanner is capable of decoding and storing up to 25,000 dynamically allocated channels.

This scanner is equipped with Uniden's exclusive features, including the Advanced Dynamic Memory System, Close Call RF Capture Technology, and GPS compatibility. It is also compatible with digital systems, including the latest APCO Project 25 Phase II systems.

The scanner also features state-of-the-art NOAA weather access and S.A.M.E. weather alerts that warn you of severe conditions in your area. The location-based scanning and location alerts feature allows you to stay informed when you're on the go by connecting the scanner to an optional GPS receiver.

The scanner comes with a comprehensive package, including an AC power adapter, vehicle accessory power cord, three-wire harness, mounting bracket and hardware, antenna, owner's manual, APP form, FREQ form, other printed materials, and a USB cable.

One of the most impressive features of the BCD996P2 is the DCS/CTCSS Rapid Decode, which instantly detects and displays the sub-audible tone, allowing you to quickly determine the system settings. The S.A.M.E. Weather Alert feature, also included, enables a code for your specific location to alert you to severe conditions in your immediate area.

In summary, the Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner is a highly advanced and powerful scanner that is perfect for serious hobbyists and public safety professionals. With its advanced features, large memory bank, and comprehensive package, this scanner is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich scanner.

9. Whistler Ws1065 Desktop Digital Scanner,black

The Whistler WS1065 Desktop Digital Scanner is a powerful tool for scanning and monitoring a wide range of radio frequencies. This scanner is designed with menu-driven programming that includes context-sensitive help, which makes it easy for users to program and use the scanner. The scan list-functionality allows users to group and scan objects according to their preferences, while the memory backup feature ensures that frequencies remain stored in memory even without batteries.

One of the key features of this scanner is its free-form memory organization, which allows for the dynamic allocation of memory as needed. This is different from older scanners that had rigid and wasteful memory banks. With the Whistler WS1065, users can efficiently store and access frequencies based on their needs.

The scanner also comes equipped with the Skywarn Storm Spotter function, which provides instant access to frequencies used by storm spotter networks. This feature is useful for those who need to stay informed about severe weather conditions. Additionally, the scanner's multi-system trunking capability enables users to tune into new and unlisted frequencies starting from a specified frequency.

The Whistler WS1065 Desktop Digital Scanner is also equipped with digital AGC, which instantly compensates for low user audio levels that are common on digital systems. This feature ensures that users can hear transmissions clearly and without distortion.

Finally, the scanner is capable of scanning most common trunked radio system signaling formats, including Motorola, EDACS, LTR, and P25 trunked radio networks. Both talkgroup and individual call monitoring are supported, giving users maximum flexibility in their scanning and monitoring activities.

Overall, the Whistler WS1065 Desktop Digital Scanner is a versatile and powerful tool that is ideal for anyone who needs to scan and monitor radio frequencies. Its menu-driven programming, scan list-functionality, free-form memory organization, and Skywarn Storm Spotter function make it an excellent choice for users who need to stay informed and connected.

Best Police Scanner For Home Use FAQs

Are there any legal restrictions to using a police scanner at home?

The legality of using a police scanner at home varies by jurisdiction. In some states, it is legal to own and use a police scanner for personal use, while in others, it is considered illegal. It is important to check the laws in your state or country before purchasing or using a police scanner.

In some cases, there may be restrictions on the types of transmissions that can be monitored. For example, some jurisdictions may prohibit the monitoring of encrypted police communications or restrict the use of scanners in certain areas, such as near a crime scene or during a public event.

Additionally, it is important to use a police scanner responsibly and not use it to interfere with law enforcement operations or violate the privacy of others. Misuse of a police scanner can result in legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

How do I program a police scanner for my local area?

To program a police scanner for your local area, first, determine the frequencies used by local law enforcement agencies. This information can be obtained from the agency's website or by contacting them directly. Next, input the frequencies into the scanner by following the manufacturer's instructions. Some scanners may require a programming cable and software to transfer the frequencies. Once programmed, test the scanner by monitoring the frequencies to ensure that it is receiving transmissions. It is important to note that some frequencies may be encrypted or inaccessible to the public, and it is illegal to listen to encrypted communications. Additionally, some agencies may change frequencies periodically, so it is important to stay up to date with any changes in frequency use. Lastly, always follow local laws and regulations regarding scanner use.

What are the top features to consider when choosing the best police scanner for home use?

When selecting the best police scanner for home use, there are several key features to consider. First, the scanner should have the ability to receive both analog and digital signals, as many police departments have transitioned to digital communication systems. It should also have a wide frequency range to ensure that all local frequencies can be monitored. Additionally, the scanner should have the ability to store and recall favorite channels and have a display screen that is easy to read. Other features to consider include the ability to program and customize settings, the ability to receive weather alerts, and the option for both AC and DC power sources. Finally, the scanner should be easy to use and have clear audio output. By considering these features, you can choose the best police scanner for your home use needs.

What is the range of a typical police scanner for home use, and how can I extend it?

The range of a typical police scanner for home use can vary depending on the type of scanner and the environment in which it is being used. Generally, a basic scanner may have a range of around 10-20 miles, while more advanced models can pick up signals from a distance of up to 50+ miles. However, the range can be affected by factors such as terrain, obstructions, interference, and the quality of the antenna used.

To extend the range of a police scanner for home use, there are several options. One option is to upgrade the antenna to a more powerful one, which can boost the signal strength and increase the range. Another option is to use a repeater, which is a device that receives and amplifies signals and then re-transmits them over a longer distance. Additionally, choosing a location with a clear line of sight and minimal obstructions can also help to extend the range of a police scanner.

Which police scanner brands offer the best options for home use?

There are several police scanner brands that offer great options for home use. Uniden is a popular brand that offers a variety of models with advanced features such as digital decoding and GPS compatibility. They also offer easy-to-use programming software and a large display screen. Another popular brand is Whistler, which offers comparable features to Uniden at a slightly lower price point. Whistler also offers a mobile app for remote access to your scanner. Motorola is another brand to consider, especially for those looking for a more rugged and durable option. Their scanners are built to withstand harsh environments and have a long battery life. Overall, the best police scanner brand for home use will depend on individual needs and preferences, but Uniden, Whistler, and Motorola are all reliable options to consider.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment