One of the best ways to follow police activity is to use scanners and listen to the radio chatter. This may sound legally questionable, but the Communications Act of 1934 established that radio airwaves are public property. It’s well within your rights to listen. Tap or click to see why some disagree and want to change this.
Except during investigations or manhunts, most police channels are easy to tune into. All you need are the right apps for the job. Here are our top five police scanner apps you can download right now.
Police Scanner Radio & Fire adds breaking news alerts
Police Scanner Radio & Fire is one of the most popular free scanners you can download, and for good reason. It piggybacks off the acclaimed Broadcastify app, which includes police, fire, EMS and other audio feeds.
RELATED: How to change emergency alert settings on your phone
You can use the app to tune into local police chatter or, if you want to, listen in on discussions in another precinct. You have access to channels from around the world. You can also subscribe to breaking news alerts. The app is free to download for iOS and Android but be prepared for ads while you listen.
Upgrade to Broadcastify for even more options
Broadcastify is the primary platform Police Scanner Radio & Fire uses to source its content, but the full-fledged app is also worth a look. For $2.99, you get an ad-free listening experience with even more channels and aviation, weather and amateur broadcasters.
And yes, you can still subscribe to push notifications, just like with the free app. Broadcastify is available for iOS and Android.
Scanner 911 is one of the best options for Android
Scanner 911 contains over 5,000 police, fire, rescue and other radio feeds you can listen to for free on Android. There is also an option to upgrade the app for $4.99 to remove ads. Premium users can also listen to the app in the background, meaning you can do other things while you tune in.
5-0 Radio Police Scanner explains what you’re hearing
5-0 Radio Police Scanner may not look as attractive as the other apps we’ve listed, but what it lacks in beauty, it makes up for in brains. The free app is available for iOS and Android and includes detailed information on police codes you might hear, which can add more context to any situations you encounter.
Police Scanner + for Apple devices
If you’re looking for an all-in-one listening solution for broadcasts, Police Scanner + has you covered. Not only do you get access to emergency services like police and fire, but regular radio stations are available to tune into whenever you’d like. It’s available for free on iOS.
Fun fact: This app was famously used in the hit film “The Amazing Spiderman.”
As you can see, the smartphone revolution put information like police radio into everybody’s pockets. Why not exercise your right to listen? Whether you’re out on the streets or remaining at home, keep safe and stay informed.
You may also like: Check this site to see all the high-tech surveillance your local police use
FAQs
Download a police scanner app for your mobile device.
How can I listen to police radio in my area? ›
To tune in, you'll just need to download a police radio app or visit a police scanner website. You can also use a standalone police scanner to listen to local police radio.
Why can't I listen to my local police scanner? ›
Encryption — which blocks listeners from hearing what police and dispatchers say over the radio — is nothing new. Most local agencies already use some encryption on certain tactical channels.
What is the best police radio app for free? ›
Scanner Radio is one of the best police scanner apps on Android and iOS. The app covers live audio feeds from more than 7,000 fire department and police scanners, weather radio stations, ham radio repeaters, marine radios, and air traffic.
Can I get a local police scanner on my phone? ›
Scanner Radio - Listen to Live Police and Fire Radio Streams on iOS and Android.
What frequency is used by police? ›
Most police radios operate in the 700 and 800 MHz UHF bands. These provide pretty good range, especially in urban areas. A squad car radio built into a car could easily give range of 10–25 miles under ideal conditions.
What is the live local police scanner app? ›
Top 7 Police Scanner Apps
- Scanner Radio - Police Scanner. GordonEdwards.net LLC News. ...
- Police Scanner - Live Scanner. Fucidin News. ...
- Police Scanner X. BEROBO (Police Scanner Radio) News. ...
- Police Scanner 5.0. ...
- Police Scanner Live. ...
- Broadcastify Police Scanner. ...
- Police Scanner Radio LIVE.
American cities are encrypting their emergency radio communications over concerns about safety and privacy.
Do police scanner apps really work? ›
The apps don't even turn your phone into a true scanner. Instead, they receive feeds from police, fire and EMS channels all over the country, streamed over the Internet -- and over your cellular network -- to your device. You don't need to be in radio range, or even in the same state, for them to work.
What app does police use? ›
The right subscription for you. Law enforcement can download the 10-21 Police Phone app and start making calls today. Upgrade for advanced individual features or purchase 10-21 for your agency to unlock the app's full potential, including Call Recording.
With Radiogram you can listen to AM/FM and internet radio stations from all over the world - for free and without ads! Listen to your favorite radio stations!
How do you listen to your local police radio? ›
Try a police scanner website.
The best way to find an online police scanner for a particular city is to search the web for that city and "live police scanner." You can also use any of the following sites to browse police radio channels and listen. Some popular options: Broadcastify (US) OpenMHz (International)
Can I use my phone instead of a scanner? ›
Use your built-in phone or tablet camera to take a photo of your document. Then, attach the photo to your email. This option turns your mobile device or tablet into a document scanner. Similar to how you take a picture, the app will convert your photo into a PDF or like file type.
Can you listen to a police scanner on your iPhone? ›
Save your favorite scanners for quick access in this live police scanner and scanner live radio app. You're able to hear local news, emergency, events, weather warnings, and public safety affairs near you all the time!
Is it legal to listen to police radio us? ›
Use Police Scanners Responsibly
Whether in your home, at work, or in your car, no law prohibits you from listening to the broadcasts and transmissions of police and emergency services. As you use a scanner, though, make sure not to use the scanner to listen to others' private conversations.
What walkie talkie channel is for police? ›
In the VHF low band, the police force uses 6.3 MHz. Meanwhile, they use 3.6 MHz for the VHF high band. For the UHF band, 3.7 MHz is dedicated for the first responders, including the police force.
