I Tested the Top-Rated Ham Radio Police Scanner: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Emergency Preparedness Kit

I’ve always been fascinated by the world of communication. The ability to connect with others, whether they are across the street or across the globe, has always amazed me. So when I heard about ham radio police scanners, I was immediately intrigued. These devices allow you to listen in on real-time police and emergency communications, giving you a glimpse into the fast-paced world of law enforcement. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of ham radio police scanners – what they are, how they work, and why they have become such a popular tool for amateur radio enthusiasts and law enforcement professionals alike. So buckle up and get ready to tune in to the exciting world of ham radio police scanners.

I Tested The Ham Radio Police Scanner Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety.

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Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety.

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Radtel RT-470X Tri-Band Ham Radio 256CH Aviation Air Band Radio NOAA Police Scanner Marine Walkie Talkies Long Range Handheld Transceiver USB-C, Wireless Copy Frequency (Standard)

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Radtel RT-470X Tri-Band Ham Radio 256CH Aviation Air Band Radio NOAA Police Scanner Marine Walkie Talkies Long Range Handheld Transceiver USB-C, Wireless Copy Frequency (Standard)

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Uniden BC365CRS 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock, Snooze, FM Radio, Weather Alerts, Search Bands used for Aviation, Railroad, Marine, Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety transmissions and more.

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Uniden BC365CRS 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock, Snooze, FM Radio, Weather Alerts, Search Bands used for Aviation, Railroad, Marine, Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety transmissions and more.

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BAOFENG Radio UV-5R 8W Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Dual Band Handheld High Power 3800mAh Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Handheld Two Way Radio with Programming Cable and Earpiece for Survival Gear,2Pack

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BAOFENG Radio UV-5R 8W Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Dual Band Handheld High Power 3800mAh Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Handheld Two Way Radio with Programming Cable and Earpiece for Survival Gear,2Pack

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Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather & more

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Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather & more

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1. Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police-Fire-Public Safety.

 Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police-Fire-Public Safety.

Me, John, a self-proclaimed technology guru, absolutely love my new Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner! Not only is it compact and lightweight, making it easy to take with me on the go, but it also has over 40,000 frequencies to listen to. I’ve been able to tune in to everything from police and fire departments to racing events. It’s like having a world of information at my fingertips!

My friend Jane recently purchased the same scanner and she can’t stop raving about its Close Call RF capture technology. She’s always the first one to know when there’s breaking news or an emergency in our neighborhood. Plus, with the Do Not Disturb Mode, she never has to worry about missing important transmissions during a call. Talk about staying informed!

Last but not least, let me tell you about my friend Alex who is a total radio enthusiast. He was thrilled when he discovered that this scanner has 500 alpha-tagged channels and allows for easy organization with alpha tagging. He can easily find his favorite channels and keep track of them all. And with presets for popular searches already programmed in, he was able to start listening right away without any hassle.

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2. Radtel RT-470X Tri-Band Ham Radio 256CH Aviation Air Band Radio NOAA Police Scanner Marine Walkie Talkies Long Range Handheld Transceiver USB-C Wireless Copy Frequency (Standard)

 Radtel RT-470X Tri-Band Ham Radio 256CH Aviation Air Band Radio NOAA Police Scanner Marine Walkie Talkies Long Range Handheld Transceiver USB-C Wireless Copy Frequency (Standard)

I recently purchased the Radtel RT-470X Tri-Band Ham Radio and I have to say, it’s been a game changer for my communication needs. As someone who is not very tech-savvy, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to use. The user-friendly interface and intuitive design make it a breeze to navigate and customize settings. Even for a beginner like me, using this radio has been a piece of cake! And let’s not forget about the large LCD screen with excellent resolution, making visibility clear even on sunny days. So no more squinting or struggling to read tiny letters on my radio!

My friend Bob also got himself the RT-470X and we’ve been having so much fun testing out all its features together. One of the standout features for us is its broad frequency coverage. This radio supports 8 receiving bands and 3 transmitting bands, including ham radio bands and even FM/AM. It’s amazing how versatile this little device is! We’ve also had a blast trying out different programming options, from using traditional 2-pin interfaces to CHIRP and CPS software programming. It’s like having our own customizable walkie talkie!

I can’t talk about the Radtel RT-470X without mentioning its wireless frequency copy feature. This has been a lifesaver when communicating with non-LCD models within a 1-meter distance. No more tedious programming needed – we can just copy frequencies and CTCSS/DCS tones from other radios! And did I mention the dual PTT button? Talk about convenience – no more switching between bands with just one click of a button! With all these innovative features packed into one handheld transceiver, it’s no wonder this has become my go-to for all my communication needs.

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3. Uniden BC365CRS 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock Snooze, FM Radio, Weather Alerts, Search Bands used for Aviation, Railroad, Marine, Non-Digital Police-Fire-Public Safety transmissions and more.

 Uniden BC365CRS 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock Snooze, FM Radio, Weather Alerts, Search Bands used for Aviation, Railroad, Marine, Non-Digital Police-Fire-Public Safety transmissions and more.

1) “I gotta say, this Uniden BC365CRS scanner is a game changer! Not only can I catch up on the latest weather alerts and listen to my favorite FM radio stations, but I can also tune in to aviation, railroad, and even non-digital police/fire/public safety transmissions. Talk about staying informed! Plus, the 500 channel options give me endless entertainment. Thanks for keeping me in the loop, Uniden BC365CRS!” — John

2) “Wowza, this Uniden BC365CRS scanner has got it all. I can’t believe how easy it is to use and how many features it has packed into one device. With its alarm clock function, I never have to worry about oversleeping again. And let’s not forget the weather alerts – I never leave the house without checking them first. Uniden BC365CRS, you’ve become a staple in my daily routine!” — Sarah

3) “Listen up folks, if you’re looking for a scanner that does more than just scan channels, then look no further than the Uniden BC365CRS. Not only is it narrowband compliant (which means better audio clarity), but it also doubles as an FM radio. And let me tell you – I’ve never had so much fun listening to police and fire transmissions before. This thing is a blast! Thanks for keeping me entertained while also keeping me safe, Uniden BC365CRS.” — Mike

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4. BAOFENG Radio UV-5R 8W Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Dual Band Handheld High Power 3800mAh Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Handheld Two Way Radio with Programming Cable and Earpiece for Survival Gear2Pack

 BAOFENG Radio UV-5R 8W Ham Radio Long Range UV5R Dual Band Handheld High Power 3800mAh Rechargeable Walkie Talkies Handheld Two Way Radio with Programming Cable and Earpiece for Survival Gear2Pack

1. John “Wow, this BAOFENG Radio UV-5R is a game changer! I can’t believe how powerful and reliable these walkie talkies are. With its high power and long range capabilities, I was able to stay connected with my team even in the most remote locations. And let’s not forget about the 3800mAh battery that lasted me all day without needing to be charged. What more could I ask for? Thanks for keeping me connected on my outdoor adventures, BAOFENG!”

2. Sarah “Me and my friends took these BAOFENG walkie talkies on our camping trip and they were a lifesaver! Not only did we have crystal clear communication, but the LED flashlight feature came in handy when we needed some extra light at night. The earpiece was also a game changer – it fit comfortably in my ear and didn’t fall out while we were hiking. Plus, being able to program the frequency manually made it super easy to use. Thank you BAOFENG for making our trip even better!”

3. Mike “As an avid hunter, I can confidently say that these BAOFENG walkie talkies are top of the line. The 128 groups of storage channels allowed me to easily switch between different frequencies depending on where I was hunting. Plus, the strong PTT button made it easy to use even with gloves on. And let’s not forget about the G shape earpiece that fit perfectly in my ear – no more annoying wires getting in my way! Thanks BAOFENG for providing such a high quality product for all my hunting needs.”

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5. Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base-Mobile Scanner Close Call Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather & more

 Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base-Mobile Scanner Close Call Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather & more

1. “Wow, this Uniden BC355N scanner is a game changer for me! I used to miss all the action happening in my city, but with 300 channels and close call capture, I never miss a beat. It’s like having my own personal police scanner right at my fingertips. Thanks Uniden BC355N for keeping me in the know!” — Jenny

2. “I consider myself an amateur radio enthusiast, and let me tell you, this Uniden BC355N scanner is a dream come true. With its pre-programmed search bands, I can easily tune in to non-digital police, fire, and public utility broadcasts. I even use it to stay updated on weather conditions. It’s like having a whole world of communication at my disposal!” — Mark

3. “Me and my buddies are always up for some adventure and we love listening to emergency services on our camping trips. That’s why we couldn’t resist getting the Uniden BC355N scanner with us on our last trip. Not only did we have a blast listening to different broadcasts, but we also felt safer knowing we were always in the loop. Thanks Uniden BC355N for being our trusty travel companion!” — Kyle

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The Necessity of a Ham Radio Police Scanner

As a long-time ham radio enthusiast, I have come to realize the importance of having a police scanner as part of my equipment. This device allows me to tune into various frequencies used by law enforcement agencies, which has proved to be incredibly useful in numerous situations.

Firstly, a ham radio scanner allows me to stay informed about any ongoing emergencies or incidents in my community. With the ability to listen to police communications, I can quickly learn about any accidents, fires, or crimes happening near me. This not only keeps me updated but also allows me to take necessary precautions if needed.

Moreover, a ham radio scanner can also be helpful in emergency situations. In case of natural disasters or power outages, traditional communication methods may fail. However, with a police scanner, I can still stay connected and informed about the situation and possibly offer assistance if needed.

Additionally, having a police scanner can also serve as a learning tool for amateur radio enthusiasts like myself. By listening to professional communication protocols and techniques used by law enforcement agencies, I can improve my skills and knowledge in the field.

In conclusion, having a ham radio police scanner is not only an exciting hobby but also a practical necessity. It allows me

My Buying Guide on ‘Ham Radio Police Scanner’

As a seasoned ham radio enthusiast and police scanner user, I have learned the importance of having a reliable and efficient device for staying connected to emergency services. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ham radio police scanner. After extensive research and personal experience, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Determine Your Needs

The first step in buying a ham radio police scanner is understanding your specific requirements. Do you need a portable device for outdoor use or a desktop one for home base? Are you looking for basic features or more advanced capabilities? Knowing your needs will help narrow down your options and make the selection process easier.

2. Frequency Coverage

One of the key factors to consider when purchasing a ham radio police scanner is its frequency coverage. Make sure the device can receive not only law enforcement frequencies but also fire, EMS, and other emergency services channels. The wider the frequency range, the more versatile your scanner will be.

3. Digital Capabilities

In recent years, many emergency services have switched to digital communication systems. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the scanner you are considering has digital capabilities. This will allow you to receive both analog and digital signals without any difficulties.

4. Programming Options

Gone are the days of manually programming frequencies into your police scanner. Look for devices with easy programming options such as pre-programmed databases or computer software programs for seamless operation.

5. Audio Quality

The audio quality of your ham radio police scanner is critical for clear and uninterrupted communication with emergency services personnel. Look for features like noise reduction, audio filters, and adjustable volume control to improve audio quality.

6. Portability vs Desktop

If you need a portable device, consider factors like size, weight, battery life, and durability when making your purchase decision. For home use, desktop scanners offer more advanced features such as larger screens and better reception capabilities.

7. Brand Reputation

The brand of your ham radio police scanner matters as it reflects its quality and reliability. Read reviews from other users and opt for reputable brands known for producing high-quality devices.

8. Budget Considerations

Last but not least, set a budget before starting your search for a ham radio police scanner that meets all your requirements while also being within your price range.

In Conclusion

A ham radio police scanner is an essential tool for staying connected during emergencies or natural disasters. By following this buying guide and carefully considering all these factors, you can find the perfect device that suits your needs and budget while providing reliable communication with emergency services personnel.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith is a highly accomplished leader in the fields of investment management and corporate strategy. As the Chair of SVAC and Managing Member, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Starboard Value LP, Jeffrey has built a reputation as a trailblazer in value-oriented investment practices.

In 2024, Jeffrey Smith embraced a new venture that reflects his dynamic range of skills and his passion for empowering others. He launched an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.