Help Choosing New Scanner

[GoatMouthB]

I'd like to purchase a scanner to listen to what's happening to local police activity. Listening to the Colorado State Police would also be great. I called our local police and asked if they used a digital or analog scanner. They said they use an analog fax machine and digital. Now I'm even more confused. Needless to say, I'm a newb and know nothing about scanners. If it matters, I live in Bent County, Colorado. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to buy junk, but I also would like to avoid spending hundreds of dollars if possible. Thank you.

 

[doctordialtone]

I'd like to purchase a scanner to listen to what's happening to local police activity. Listening to the Colorado State Police would also be great. I called our local police and asked if they used a digital or analog scanner. If it matters, I live in Bent County, Colorado. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to buy junk, but I also would like to avoid spending hundreds of dollars if possible. Thank you.

Welcome!

Look up your town in the Database and post a link here so we can help.

Database

 

[paulmohr]

My local police were of no help when I was looking at getting a scanner. For most of them the radio is simply a tool and they really don't know much about how they work or the systems used or even the frequencies used. And/or they are not thrilled about people monitoring them. Never met any that were dead set against it though. They either ranged from not being comofortable with it to they didn't really care at all one way or another.

 

[RetiredVolunteer]

It appears that the Colorado State Police and the majority of Bent County are on the state’s digital P25 Phase I system

 

[sparklehorse]

I'd like to purchase a scanner to listen to what's happening to local police activity. Listening to the Colorado State Police would also be great. I called our local police and asked if they used a digital or analog scanner. They said they use an analog fax machine and digital. Now I'm even more confused. Needless to say, I'm a newb and know nothing about scanners. If it matters, I live in Bent County, Colorado. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to buy junk, but I also would like to avoid spending hundreds of dollars if possible. Thank you.

They probably didn't understand what you were asking since they don't actually use scanner radios. I'll bet they were thinking you meant a flatbed scanner for photos or something like that.
.

 

[GoatMouthB]

Welcome!

Look up your town in the Database and post a link here so we can help.

Database

Thank you, everyone.
It's the town of Las Animas in Bent County, CO.

Here is the link: https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=246#cid-13004
Here is the screenshot from the link:

 

[doctordialtone]

Thank you, everyone.
It's the town of Las Animas in Bent County, CO.
Here is the link: https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?ctid=246#cid-13004

I recommend the Uniden 996P2:

https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD996P2

or older, less expensive but more limited:

https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BCD996XT (No Phase II)

 

[RetiredVolunteer]

Also check out the Radio Reference Database for all the listed Talkgroups on the State of Colorado DTRS Trunked Radio System for Bent County and Las Animas.

 

[Spitfire8520]

I am pretty sure that all Bent County law enforcement is encrypted and cannot be monitored. The database might lead someone to believe that they can be monitored, but Bent County is also rural and that means that the database does not get good updates for that area.

If you are buying a scanner, you will need to be prepared for the very likely case that all you will be able to listen to is CSP, fire, and EMS only.

I believe all of Bent County is on the State of Colorado DTRS and so is CSP. This means that anything on this list should work. Generally the scanners under Scanner Support for FDMA will be cheaper as they are older in design.

 

[Bob1955]

My local police were of no help when I was looking at getting a scanner. For most of them the radio is simply a tool and they really don't know much about how they work or the systems used or even the frequencies used. And/or they are not thrilled about people monitoring them. Never met any that were dead set against it though. They either ranged from not being comofortable with it to they didn't really care at all one way or another.

paulmohr, No cops are really going to know their frequencies and especially these days. I remember a cop here that is now deceased.(Not shot either) He had a Uniden Bearcat BC-760XLT and I ordered him that optional ctcss tone board and gave it to him at my cost, and installed it for him at no charge on my dining room table . He would listen to all other local department while being in his cruiser working 12 midnight to 8am and had his radio shack magnetic mount antenna on the roof. Only this guy would know everything. He finished his shift one morning(always 12 midnight o 8am), when up to put his weapons away, came out to his police car and died of a massive heart attack. Joe could help "anyone" decide on what type of scanner to buy. His knowledge was second to non. I dedicate this thread to him. It may be moved to a different thread if needed.