What kind of scanner to buy?

[Monoxide16]

Hi I am pretty new to scanners and I am just beginning to understand how they work. (sort of) I definitely want to purchase a scanner primarily to listen to the police in my town and my are and some of the other emergency stuff. I am thinking about getting either the radioshack pro96 or the uniden Bearcat BCD396T. These are the newest digital handheld scanners out and are very expensive. Now I have a few questions.

1. Would I really be "future-proofing" my purchase by getting a digital scanner?
2. If I do go with the digital scanner as a novice to scanners, would the radioshack or uniden model be best and why?
3. If it would not seem practical for me to get a digital scanner what would be the best alternative?

I will greatly appreciate any help thank you!

EDIT:

Ok now that I know I actually need a digital scanner, my choice is definitely between the pro96 and bcd396t. This is gonna be a pretty hard decision... so I am going to ask everyone for their opinion. As a newb to radio scanners, which one should I get?

 

[ka3jjz]

Where you are will play a major role in your decision. First thing to know is where you are; city/county/state will do nicely. Not everywhere is going digital, so it may not be necessary to go that route.

73s Mike

 

[Monoxide16]

I am in Cinnaminson NJ. Thats in Burlington county.

 

[car2back]

Looks like Burling County Police is all P25. (I'd go digital if you can afford it)

Uniden Vs. GRE (Radioshack) is up to you, I personally prefer Uniden.