Independence saw my bct-15 in my car and did nothing

[tomdog2561]

So I was out in Lees Summit going to Lake Jacomo to do some fishing during a BOLO where multiple agencies were looking for 2 suspects. Was stopped on the outer road along 470, Independence PD had to look in my car to make sure I was not hiding anyone. When the officer saw my scanner he ask if I was driving thru here due to the incident, I did explain I was a licensed in ham radio, he just asked if I saw anything to call 911 and let me go on my way. He did not even ask me for my FCC license.

Just shows they do not take your scanner if they see it in your car or give you a ticket. He was actully asking for my help. I thought that wa pretty cool.

Tom

K0RVR
Yaseu 2800
Yaseu 2801
Yaseu FT-60R
BCT-15

[PVPD730]

Some cities in the KC area have ordinances regarding mobile use of scanners, but in reality, as long as people aren't engaging in some sort of criminal activity, most PD's won't press the issue. Sure, there are officers out there who will ask you 20 questions about why you have it, but more often than not, they'll send you on your way w/o confiscating or writing tickets.

[mjthomas59]

Considering the situation, its no wonder he didn't give you a hard time. The priority isn't enforcing a silly ordinance violation, its hunting down these 2 suspects that did who knows what. If it got the attention of multiple agencies and they were setting up checkpoints you can rest assure it was along the lines of a robbery or murder.

That being said, checkpoints are also setup for things like dwi's, people driving without insurance, people driving without a valid license, etc. In those instances the priority is typically to write as many tickets as possible and thus you would get the 20 questions over a scanner, or be required to prove why you can lawfully have it in that jurisdiction.

This is however a good instance of a law enforcement officer doing what most would say is "his job" by not hassling you over something petty and remaining focused on the bigger issue at hand, finding these suspects.

I just wouldn't want anyone who isn't "lawfully" in possession of a scanner in that jurisdiction to read this and think that they can get away with it all the time, with no worry of being questioned about it or being required to show a fcc license.

[kc0vgj]

if you tell them your a ham now they will leave you alone, and if your not they can take it. The older cops will mostly leave you alone but the newer ones will ask you 20/20 then fined you. but like mjthomas59 said there priority was the 2 subject. Not you... I was fined and had to go to court to prove that I was a ham to drop my case a few year back.