Can someone suggest a scanner that I should look into to receive the Suffolk PD? I have noticed that many of these scanners are REALLY expensive.
Chris,
The first thing you need to decide is whether you want to only monitor what is currently in use, or be able to monitor the new, 700MHz Phase II system that dave3825 mentioned that your area is in the progress of upgrading to. While it may not be useful at this time, a Phase II capable scanner may be required in the not too distant future. If you occasionally travel to, or through, other metro areas, whether on vacation, for business, or in the process of visiting relatives, you likely will encounter P25 Phase II systems somewhere along the line if you take a scanner with you.
See this
page. A scanner capable of P25 Phase I, FDMA, is what you need at this current time. There are a number listed in that category, many of which are available in good, gently used, condition in the classifieds on this site, eBay, and elsewhere. Some are, of course, older, discontinued, units, but in good condition they would do the job at a lower cost than brand new top of the line.
If and when your area makes the switch to the 700MHz Phase II system, you would need to choose among the scanners able to handle TDMA. While most of those are current models, there still listings in the classifieds, eBay, and other sources. Don't forget yard or estate sales, where someone is clearing out items no longer used. And occasionally, you may find a working model at a pawn shop, for less than market price.