It`s easy to think that police scanners are things of the past, considering the technology we have today. But in reality, many people continue to stand by the usefulness of police scanners when it comes to the latest news and information. So, here are the best ones you can find:
Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series
Uniden always produces high quality products, including the BCD436HP HomePatrol Series.
For starters, this police scanner has a very durable build. It`s something you can take with you on tough environments without hesitation. It also has a large display that`s easy to read, day or night.
If you`re a complex user and you know your way around police scanners, the Uniden HomePatrol is a perfect match. It has full integration to Motorola, EDACS, LTR Trunked communication systems, and is compatible with Phase I and Phase II digital signals as well.
GPS is another useful feature. If you`re keen on storm preparation, this scanner also has a SAME weather alert feature that will come in handy. And with 8 hours of battery life, you can depend on this scanner for your needs.
Whistler WS1040 Handheld Digital Scanner
When you choose digital or handheld police scanner, Whistler is a brand you`ll come across. A little different than other scanners, the Whistler WS1040 uses object-oriented programming. This means you can scan or monitor radio frequencies, talkgroups, radio services or any defined searches and store them in your scanner. You can stash a total of 38,000 objects.
Compatible with analog and digital formats, the heart of this trunking scanner is its user-friendliness. There are built-in help prompts you can use if there`s any instruction or term you don`t quite understand. Mini tutorials pop up to give you comprehensive info.
The Whistler WS1040 is capable of scanning over 200 lists in a satisfyingly quick manner. Plus, there`s a Skywarn Storm Spotter in the system – great for people who live in areas with frequent storms.
Baofeng UV-5R Handheld Police Scanner
The two previous options on the list have a pretty steep price tag. So this time, we`re reviewing a scanner for people on a tight budget but still want value.
The Baofeng UV-5R is a popular scanner beginners go with. It has a nice and tactile layout, a backlit LCD screen, and a straightforward operation.
Although this budget police scanner is analog only, it works with a broad range of frequencies, which is more than enough for the average user. It`s also equipped with a dual band function for switching between two frequencies as each one receives input.
It also has one of the cleanest audio we`ve seen, offering a 700mw speaker output. So even if you`re in a noisy environment, you`ll have no problems hearing the transmissions over this scanner.
Conclusion
Police scanners are useful devices for listening in to police, fire, emergencies, weather, and other agencies that provide useful information. With the options above, you`ll have a reliable police scanner that will keep you instantly updated on the latest happenings.