Providence dispatch is not encrypted, but north providence is encrypted, so you can't listen to them. Some of the state police is unencrypted though. It's a fine choice of scanner.
Well, OK then, I'll throw my recommendation out there... For the absolute easiest digital scanner to get set up and running, I'd go with the
Uniden HomePatrol.. Out of the box, put the batteries in, power up, answer a couple of questions , put your ZIP code in and let it start scanning. When you get a few minutes, load the Sentinel software, use it to update the Database and firmware. When you get more familiar with what you want to listen to, use the Sentinel software to create Favorites.
While there are questions about setting up all the current brands and models, if you look around this forum you'll soon notice that most of the questions come from new users of the more traditional GRE, Radio Shack and Uniden scanners. From reading some of those questions, it's obvious that unless you're determined to make this your new hobby the results may be disappointing with some of these more traditional programmed scanners. Here's the
easier to read manual for the Pro-106 as an example of what's required to program it..
I
still hesitate to recommend making any type of investment without more information from people in your area about what's really out there to listen to besides FD dispatch.
