I'm new to all of this and I am wanting to get a scanner to listen to the local Police Department.
It says that they are encrypted but my 3 friends at the Police Department tell me that they are not encrypted but have the ability to do so. I believe they are on a trunking system and use APCO P25.
I'm not sure what all of this means and I would really appreciate any advice you can give me.
Thank You
Where do you see reference to encryption being used? The database shows both Williams County Sheriff and Williston PD both use P25 digital voice, but no mention of encryption. I would tend to believe your friends when they say they are not encrypted given they have the capability. However, with that in mind there is a greater chance of future use of increased encryption.
Currently both Williams County and Williston are using VHF conventional channels according to the database. As the OP mentioned the City of Williston has applied for licensing of a VHF P25 trunking system. As of 11/21 the application has been returned due to a technicality with a tower's registration number.
Your current equipment requirements include being able to receive the VHF band and P25 voice. Once the proposed system is built as filed for you would need VHF P25 trunking with Phase 1 voice. The application only requested Phase 1 emission designators, but there is a chance future changes would move to Phase 2 voice.
The license application has two locations using different frequencies, so it looks like the system will utilize a multi-cast configuration rather than simulcast. In the case any commercially available scanner meeting the above requirements would work without having to suffer from the lack of proper design for receiving digital simulcast trunking systems.