More search warrants being executed results from (most) CI's being financially compensated for information, others do it for the thrill. Makes establishing PC alot easier than surveillance of old!
Not really being compensated with money, but more "flipping" going on then ever before. They ASA's , Gang Investigators etc. have much different ways of establishing probable cause, and getting judges to sign off on warrants has changed dramatically....at least here in Chicago. If you listen to the Zones, pay close attention to what unit is executing the search warrant. That will give you an idea of what they're looking for...bag of weed or coke isn't cutting it anymore. They have to bring in quantity now. Getting a gun during a warrant is a major point for the team.
You will not hear a majority of this on any Trunk system either. The activity on the OCD Trunk (RR calls is Public Safety) is almost not worth programming in. The talkgroups on the database are outdated, because they're not being used. Eric mentioned hearing "some surveillance/stakeout stuff and lots of little drug busts during the daytime" which is somewhat true. The teams you hear working aren't Narcotics Units of old, but maybe with some good listening and a few scanners goin you'll be able to figure it out. Mayor Detail, Marine Unit are the most active Talkgroups, but if you're looking for the old traffic, it's gone.