This subsection does not apply to a person who is licensed as an amateur radio operator by the federal communications commission.
Lee Lofland is a nationally acclaimed expert on police procedure and crime-scene investigation, and is a popular conference, workshop, and motivational speaker. Lee has consulted for many bestselling authors, television and film writers, and for online magazines. Lee has appeared as an expert on national television, BBC Television, and radio shows. To schedule Lee for your event, contact him at [email protected]. The inquisitive author asked if scanners were legal to possess by private citizens, including retired police officers who reside in California.
Answer — Yes, the possession and use of a scanner is legal in California. However, it is a misdemeanor to use one during the commission of a crime, such as to use the messages received to aid in the escape of custody, etc. In some states it is illegal to install or use a scanner inside a motor vehicle.
For example click the links below to read the statues. Use of police radio during commission of crime. Any person who has in his possession or who uses a device capable of receiving a police radio signal, message, or transmission, while in the commission of a felony, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Yes, police scanners are legal to own and operate in the U. Watch our tutorial video below to learn more. Airwaves in the U. Some radio bands are blocked on scanners; such as cell phones, military and government bands, and all other private agencies where privacy is presumed , but all other frequencies are public until considered otherwise. For a better understanding of radio bands in the U.
While listening to radio bands on police scanners is legal in the U. These are not federal laws, but restrictions differ from state to state. These restrictions key in on:. The image above highlights the U. While there is nuance appended to these laws, and some states such as Minnesota and Florida authorize use with a permit or a HAM radio license, they all have the same bottom line:. You cannot use a police scanner while operating a motor vehicle.
Encryption of public airwaves by the government is a highly debated issue in the US and most states have some form of non-tactical encryption. Each county and to a lesser extent, municipality makes its own laws regarding the deployment of encryption. Every state has some form of tactical encryption. Where there is a private investigation, there is privatized communication. Fire and EMS are encrypted far less frequently, but there are areas where all emergency response communication is encrypted regardless of the agency.
Accurate, up-to-date information on encryption is difficult to keep track of because they change and, just for funsies, revert back. Exhausting, right? We can look this up for you! Want to research on your own? You can use the same database the pros use: RadioReference. RadioReference has the most accurate frequency database—you can look at your area here. RadioReference is a user-generated database like Wikipedia , so any updates will take time to appear.
The prime example of an encryption decision not sticking is the Orange County Fire Department, who decided to reverse encryption in October As of January , fire communication has still not been decrypted. For an example of encryption that likely isn't going away, there are two states with full encryption on statewide police:. Are Scanners Legal? Your Cart. Encryption means no scanner can monitor.
0コメント