

Once you’ve found a good channel, you likely want to come back to it again.Some are tabletop models, while others are handheld (similar to the ones that police officers wear on their belts). The biggest difference between scanners is their general build.Some scanners automatically search frequencies in the surrounding area to keep you from having to find your location manually. Built-in location-based scanning is useful for detecting nearby signals.Do-not-disturb settings will let scanners with Close Call continue to look for nearby transmissions while still letting you listen to whatever is happening now. It tunes into signals from nearby transmitters, alerting you if you get a hit nearby. If you’re hoping to capture what’s going on in your neighborhood, scanners with Close Call RF Capture Technology can be useful.Others can pick up hundreds of channels in a broad range of frequencies. Some scanners can pick up frequencies in both analog and digital modes, which means you’ll be able to pull up transmissions from emergency services and the military. The most important feature in a police scanner is its reception.If you want the freedom to move around your house or even take your scanner on the go, a handheld scanner may be a better option for you. Some scanners are designed to be used on a table or desk, while many others are handheld. This is especially valuable if you plan to use your scanner in more than one place.īefore you shop, though, you should make a decision about the build you want. When a scanner has location scanning built in, it searches for transmissions nearby rather than forcing you to manually input them. Location scanning is another feature that can help you access the transmissions in your immediate area. Since many consumers investing in police scanners are interested primarily in nearby happenings, this feature comes in handy. Some of the best police scanners use something called Close Call RF Capture technology, which helps you tune in to nearby transmissions. Some scanners also offer both analog and digital frequencies, which can be a plus. Look for a scanner that offers a broad frequency range and a large number of channels. The wrong scanner will have you frustrated as you struggle to find a transmission. With the right scanner, you’ll get the widest range of options when you’re listening. This can help you monitor your area for crime so that you can keep your own home safe.Ĭhoosing a police scanner means finding a device that can help you get the best reception possible. These devices let you listen in on local police transmissions, helping you stay aware of what’s going on nearby. If you’ve ever watched out your window as emergency vehicles sped to a home down the street, you know the value of having a police scanner.
