Michigan Radio Control Tracks
Discussing the Purpose of Police Scanners and Associated Regulations
Police scanners are radio receivers that are able to automatically scan, or tune into, other frequencies. When scanning, the device will stop when it finds a signal on another frequency, then continue scanning additional frequencies after the original transmission stops. The term ‘scanner’ usually refers to a communication receiver intended for monitoring UHF and VHF land mobile systems, not international transmissions that operate off shortwave frequencies.
Most of these devices are able to tune into other modulations such as WFM, FM, and AM. When they first appeared on the scene, they were expensive, bulky, and slow. Thanks to technology, modern ones are fitted with micro-processors that enable them to monitor hundreds of channels and store thousands of frequencies. Some models work off trunked set-ups and feature a decoder.
You can get a desktop or a hand-held model. A scanner is frequently used to track emergency medical services, fire, and police. The scanners play an integral role in criminal investigation and journalism. Operating them is also a pastime for people all over the world. They evolved from early fixed-frequency and tunable radios that could only receive a single frequency at one time. A non-broadcast system, like ones used by public safety services, does not transmit continuously.
With a single-frequency radio, a lot of time passed between transmissions when other frequencies were active. A scanner radio can monitor multiple channels and/or search through user-defined frequencies. The radios have a ‘squelch’ setting which is broken when the scanner stops on an active frequency.
Hobbyists began using archaic versions, known as Citizen Band radios, during the 1970s. They had between 4 and 10 channels and the user had to buy an individual crystal for every frequency. This is a far cry from the modern scanner which enables the user to enter thousands of frequencies via a keypad to be stored in the device. Unfortunately, like many hi-tech items, they are being abused by criminals. This aspect will be covered later on when discussing regulations.
One portion of the memory bank can be exclusively assigned to police frequencies, while another can be assigned to marine communications, and another to traffic control. These may be accessed according to preference. Most scanners also feature a weather band which allows the user to access weather forecasts anywhere in the world.
Many have a function which is able to decode certain tones and serve as a pager once the right sequence of tones is established. A modern scanner also has a search function. This enables the user to search the internet for active frequencies. Desktop models have an external antenna, while a hand-held device has an extendable antenna.
Many clubs are in existence to enable members to share information about operations, codes, and frequencies. This is made possible through internet presence, web forums, email lists, and websites. The legality of police scanners varies from country to country. In this article, we will focus on the USA. If someone monitors a cell phone call, it is considered to be a federal crime.
While certain devices can track trunked systems and decode systems, the use of a decryption enabled scanner is a violation. The US Congress passed a law to prohibit the use of scanners, sold after a particular date, from accessing frequencies allotted to cellular radio services. This was the result of pressure from cellular networks.
The law was further amended to make modifications to access these frequencies illegal. In addition, radios that could easily be modified to do this were banned from being sold. Although very few cell subscribers utilize analogue technology these days, this law is still in effect. In Canada and some European countries, unblocked devices can be purchased but they are not allowed to be brought into the United States.
Many scanners are able to pick up frequencies utilized by old cordless telephones. This prompted many manufacturers of cordless phones to produce handsets that operated off a more secure system. To achieve this, cutting-edge technology was used. Some US states, such as Florida and New York, have banned the use of a scanner in a vehicle unless the user is in possession of a permit from the Federal Communications Commission. The only exception is if a person’s job requires the use of a scanner, i. E. Police or emergency services.
In some areas of the United States of America, there are additional fines for being in possession of a scanning device while a crime is being committed. In certain states, Michigan being one, anyone convicted of a crime during the past five years is prohibited from owing a scanner. The public is expected to follow ethical guidelines and to realize that listening-in on cordless or cellular phones is illegal.
Furthermore, users are prohibited from accessing scrambled or coded communications. Neither can they import or sell devices that can receive cell phone frequencies. This law does not affect those who owned a device prior to the ban. Users are not allowed to utilize data for personal gain. A typical example of this would be a taxi driver tuning into his or her competitor’s dispatch center in the hope of stealing a client. No information can be used to aid a crime, and any information received may not be disclosed to anyone else.
As mentioned, legislation may differ in countries. Let’s briefly discuss four, namely Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. In Canada, the Radio Communication Act states that it is legal to possess, install, and operate any radio apparatus that can receive analog or digital reception, but not anything that receives coded data. The proviso is that information is not passed on to any other person.
In New Zealand, the Radio Communications Act states that it is legal to possess and operate police scanners to tune into a private radio system (excluding coded data). As is the case in Canada and the USA, the passing on of information to other parties is illegal. In Australia, it is legal to own and operate a scanner and to tune into any transmission other than telecommunication networks. In Mexico, unblocked devices are permitted as long as users avoid coded and cellular bands. No information may be disseminated via any form of mass media.
About the Author
BearcatWarehouse offers premium communications electronics, scanners, police scanners, and home patrol scanners. (http://www.bearcatwarehouse.com)
