Should I be "hiding" my scanner when I take it outside?

[xpawel15x]

It's legal to use a scanner here in NJ, but I always wondered how the cops would react, if they heard their transmitions go through my scanner. Should I not worry about it and take it outside with me, or should I hide it under my sweatshirt to avoid the hassle?

 

[Slyster]

I think it's no issue.. I think even a lot of police and fire people are scanner enthusiasts!

 

[LEH]

If it is legal to have a scanner in your area and you are not using to violate any laws don't worry about it. I'd still keep it low key. Not so much for LE, but for LE targets (i.e., thieves).

 

[crashcrew]

I always wondered how the cops would react, if they heard their transmitions go through my scanner.

Do you normally hang out in close proximity of police officers while they are making radio transmissions?

 

[RDCat]

when i started carrying a scanner when i was 14 i used a ear bub -on my bike,walking the mall,at night in bed,i didnt want to miss anything-lol
i still do that whne im not at the fd...i use earbuds in public!
too each there own though!!!!!!

 

[Stick0413]

If its legal then you really have nothing to worry about it. One might want to question you about it and you can just tell them the truth and say you enjoy listening.

 

[n2mdk]

Hey your from Jersey be afraid, be very afraid LOL

 

[mciupa]

It's legal to use a scanner here in NJ, but I always wondered how the cops would react, if they heard their transmitions go through my scanner. Should I not worry about it and take it outside with me, or should I hide it under my sweatshirt to avoid the hassle?

Why don't you want the police to know you have a scanner ? What are you up to?

 

[baronofbeer]

Most people in my county have a scanner.

Heck, if there's a fireman's breakfast, it is usually announced on the weekly pager test.

 

[cellblock776]

Yes, keep it hidden from the gestapo. I recommend carrying it on your weak side opposite of your concealed hand gun. It won't interfere with your draw and kinda balances out the load on your belt.

 

[WA1CRZ]

It's legal to use a scanner here in NJ, but I always wondered how the cops would react, if they heard their transmitions go through my scanner. Should I not worry about it and take it outside with me, or should I hide it under my sweatshirt to avoid the hassle?

I guess you arent bored anymore, at least you are outside with your scanner.

 

[DLeeHarley]

Only Reason

The ONLY reason I can think of to hide your Scanner from anyone is to keep it from being stolen. I see no need to hide it from the PD. The one's I know are cool about them.

 

[elk2370bruce]

Many of us NJ scanheads carry our rigs openly. Done it for many years and have never had a problem. If you act like you're hiding something, you're sure to get some attention from someone. Many LEO's FF's and EMT's (as well as amateur radio operators) display them without fear. Just because you think you're paranoid does not mean that others are not out to get you. Lighten up, its only a hobby.

 

[califzeph]

I would be more concerned with the bad guys robbing you of your scanner. When I am in public, the iPod/scanner/whatever is always out of view.

 

[gmclam]

I guess that depends on just WHERE outside you are going. Are you walking down the street? or in a mall? or ??? First, I would use an earbud with the scanner when in public. That will avoid drawing attention to yourself (there's already a lot of noise pollution out there). Second, I wouldn't "flash" it; because as others have written, you'll just make yourself a target of theives. And you shouldn't be near any LE incidents with it anyway.

 

[SkipSanders]

Also consider that one thing cops ARE trained to 'spot' is 'someone trying to hide something'.

Being secretive is begging to be stopped and questioned.

Certainly, using an earphone is recommended in public, anyway, to avoid annoying those around you. For some reason completely beyond my comprehension, many folks dislike listening to scanner yap-yap/noises! Go fig, eh? And 'person walking along listening to something or other with earphones' is a normal event that shouldn't draw interest.

 

[spiritwolfpr]

hello Friends:

No by all means!!!

 

[kc8qch]

Yes, keep it hidden from the gestapo. I recommend carrying it on your weak side opposite of your concealed hand gun. It won't interfere with your draw and kinda balances out the load on your belt.

Hey you must have watched me put on my duty belt this morning

 

[elk2370bruce]

I have mine in its pouch along side of my MaCom 7100P every day. It's helped me more than once. Of course, as was stated, there are environments where you would not plainly display anything of worth. That's just common sense - even in Kal-I-Forn-Ya (The Governator's pronounciation).