Police Scanners

Ok, first off, i know the legality of police scanners is dubious at best.

Now, i would really like to know of any websites that broadcast police frequency over the internet, preferably in the UK. If anyone knows of any that are out there, but doesn't want to announce it openly in the forum, feel free to U2U me, or mail me. My e-mail addy is in my profile.

I want to be able to listen in on the Police because one of their Helicopters is based at the (now defunct(?)) RAF base about half a mile away from my house. Just curious to know whether i should be waiting on my doorstep, baseball bat at the ready...
Thanks in advance
Tandino

baseball bat? is that a joke? I'll ship ya a .50ae desert eagle.. you might have a chance then haha

Police scanners are totally legal where I live. I have one with me at all times nowadays. At the least, they are entertaining, but I tend to get much more advanced information from them than I do through normal channels, even considering that I am in the Emergency Loop now.

Sorry I cant help you with any frequency listings in the UK though

.50AE? A bit of overkill dont you think? I prefer the good old, well proven Colt 1911A1 .45.

Hey, are even shotguns still legal in the UK?

[Edited on 4-3-2003 by dragonrider]

Is it true that you can have a scanner in your home, but mobile scanners, such as in your car, are illegal?

No, that's not true...It's legal to be able to receive & listen to police bradcasting frequencies, but it *is* illegal for a civilian to *transmit* on those frequencies.

Afaik shotguns are still legal in the UK, possibly only in a locked steel box. Believe me, i'd have a handgun (preferably a Walther P99 w/laser check my amazon wishlist lol j/k) if i could afford one.

At my current location though, gun crime is very VERY rare. I only live in a small town. 10 miles south though and it's a completely different story. My baseball bat and CO2 revolver will do for now

[Edited on 4-3-2003 by tandino]

its illigal to listen to police and military broadcasts in the uk, its not illigal to own a recivever or a transmitter but you need a liecence if you want to transmit.

thats the rule as far as i am aware

I had (& still have but don't use) a CB radio, never owned a license though. So it's legal in the US then? Does anyone own one, dunno whether it's worth spndin the money on though, any recommendations for a fellow paranoia man?

Well, since they are legal here, and I have a keen interest in self preservation combined with an inherent distrust of the media, I carry mine with me everywhere in my vehical. Also, it serves as early warning since I am associated with a hazmat team.

I would recommend one if they are legal in your area. They are not too expensive, and I consider it to be an investment in preserving yourself...

Originally posted by tandino
I had (& still have but don't use) a CB radio, never owned a license though.

Police scanners & CB are two entirely different things...CB stands for "Citizens' Band". To be able to *legally* transmit on *police frequencies* (Which CB's can't even receive) requires being a member of a police unit.

I haven't used a CB for quite a few years...But If I'm not mistaken, I think that the FCC stopped requiring you to have a license for CB about 10-15 years ago. I'm pretty well outdated on what the current FCC regs are though. You should be able to pick up a current book of FCC regs for CB's anywhere you can buy a CB.


[Edited on 7-3-2003 by MidnightDStroyer]

Tandino,

Guess it depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking to get a police scanner, if at all legal (or even if not, would think it hard to get busted for listening passively), get one! If you have one, use it! I think you could probably find listings of most of the police or other emergency bands online somewhere for your area. There are many books available listing specific frequencies for various gov agencies nation wide in the US. If nothing else, it would take a bit of work on your part, but you could progressively scan frequency blocks and catelog what was being used on each one, compile your own frequency listing.

I do have a scanner, and have found it to be rather useful, and at the least, entertaining.

If you are looking for some kind of personal radio communications, I am not sure what the rules are in the UK. I agree with MDstroyer, in the US there are no ownership restrictions that I am aware of. I used to use CB a long time ago, but now have Nextel, and that does everything I need. My next step is likely to get into handheld 2 meter shortwave.