From a personal standpoint, I don't understand why so many public officials (mostly law enforcement) get so edgy about Joe Q Hillbilly having a scanner in their possession. I don't think it's got anything to do with tin foil, conspiracy theories about government hiding their operations or the like...just that a lot of these officials in their training are led to believe that they are now "in the loop" and think that the public is not. Most cops don't see their radio as anything more than a tool on their belt and don't think about or care to know how it works.
Less hassle from Law Enforcement
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GrumpyGuard
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They are paranoid. I have a friend who works for our local county sheriff and he seems to think that all criminals are using scanners to keep tabs on the locations of the officers, so they can commit their crimes with out worry of being caught. To hear him tell it every gang member has a scanner and knows when they are coming to raid their home. For the most part most of us don't worry about scanners. As far as the management types go they spend far to much time listening to the salesman for what ever company is trying to sell them the latest/greatest in communications equipment. The salesman is trying to make his commission, so the more he sells the more he makes.
Apparently, it was standard practice to destroy the radio, as well. Even if they just take it, I would have them charged with theft. (Due to the illegal seizure.)
If you come to Florida and get caught with a scanner running off of your trucks power? 80% chance you are going to have your truck pulled apart and then they will search you and anyone else with you.If you are pulled over with some police I have met over the years ? The scanner is gone along with your truck just to be nasty! Some police in Florida say if the scanner is not powered from your truck it is ok to have running ? Speeding only 5 mph over can get you a ticket very easy here in some places.They are not saying HI when the wave !lol They are saying Why are you speeding with me sitting here ?No tickets when I drive fast over 35 years so far . I spent $350.00 on a Escort X50 blue a few years ago and it has saved me so many times !Before the escort I had other radar units .over the years.One item that will get you a fast ticket here in the Daytona Beach area is your Window Tint ! One way to have a legal scanner in your truck is find a way to get a Press Pass .I like the truck .Good luck
Before the escort
Before the escort
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I have also heard about scanners being confiscated if you are in a state where they are illegal; however they can only confiscate them if you are a legal resident of that state. If not, it is just a citation.
redshift
Member
I have been scanning in my home/vehicle for the last 10 years or so and have never had an issue with law enforcement. My last two trucks have had at least 2-3 whips on them and no one to my knowledge has given them a second look. I even asked a local deputy what he thought of people with scanners and he said "scan away!"
Two of my neighbors are LEOs and we routinely have our scanners out while we're working in the garage, hanging out at the fire pit, etc. and no one has expressed any concern with my being "in the loop".
The only time I ever got attention was when a local police officer saw me with my hand up to my mouth in the truck, and turned around to pull me over. He had assumed I was holding a cell phone to my face (which is illegal in WA), but I showed him the mic for my 2M mobile and explained that that's what I was using. A quick look at my amateur license and I was on my way. He never said a single thing about the scanner audio in the background (I thought it would be fun to hear my own traffic stop so I turned it to scan while I was stopped).
I doubt the general public cares about or even notices the antennas. Most people can't be bothered to even notice traffic signs or other road users -- how could they be creeped out by an antenna they most likely won't see?
Two of my neighbors are LEOs and we routinely have our scanners out while we're working in the garage, hanging out at the fire pit, etc. and no one has expressed any concern with my being "in the loop".
The only time I ever got attention was when a local police officer saw me with my hand up to my mouth in the truck, and turned around to pull me over. He had assumed I was holding a cell phone to my face (which is illegal in WA), but I showed him the mic for my 2M mobile and explained that that's what I was using. A quick look at my amateur license and I was on my way. He never said a single thing about the scanner audio in the background (I thought it would be fun to hear my own traffic stop so I turned it to scan while I was stopped).
I doubt the general public cares about or even notices the antennas. Most people can't be bothered to even notice traffic signs or other road users -- how could they be creeped out by an antenna they most likely won't see?
I now have a black 2010 dodge charger with dark tint, I have been asked about my tint and then they ask about my scanners. When I had my explorer I had several conversations with LEO's about them; I am also a fireman so I have 512 channel radio, not to mention that I'm also freelance photographer with media credentials along with my being a PI; none of the cops were ever ugyl, just doing their jobs.
Be safe
Be safe
Yeah, my dark tint and antennas attracted a lot of attention when I had my Impala until last year.
Maybe I'm mistaken here, but IF the tint is a OEM option offered on the vehicle in question, is it really illegal?
If so then the dealer is selling you a vehicle with a prohibited option by law, right?
I understand if you run to walmart and purchase and apply 90% window tint after market, which is not OEM and subject to violations.
I'm sure this varies state by state too, but OEM tint should not be illegal.
73,
n9zas
Let's just say it wasn't OEM tint...
My tint is not OEM; I'm not aware of OEM that's illegal--mine is illegal or legal depending on who you ask--The cops think it's illegal until I show them my exemption, I am then complying with that state's laws..
Be safe
Be safe
lindsay34654
Member
I have never heard of anyone in FL getting their truck torn apart or losing their truck for having a scanner in it. I have been running scanners in cars and trucks since 1963 and have never heard of this UNLESS every time there is an incident in the area and the cops see you at the scene every time. then I can see them stopping and talking with you. I have had UC's talk friendly with me about the radio like I was not supposed to know who they were. Want to avoid the hassle in any state very easy.
Get your ham ticket they will leave you alone.
cellblock776
Member
The cops never seem to care about my scanner but are always asking about the gun on my belt. I guess they have different priorities.
GrumpyGuard
Member
:lol::lol::lol:
My problem is that all the fire/ems/pd know me and my vehicle. I'm always being stopped by officers wanting to know the latest news. Since I've been in the field nearly 40 years I've known the local folks since they were born. I was stopped 3 times last weekend alone by city, and ohp.
I was the first EMT in this part of the state, my wife was the first female EMT in the entire state. They ask me why I didn't make it to an incident, man I'm suppost to be retired now...
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I was the first EMT in this part of the state, my wife was the first female EMT in the entire state. They ask me why I didn't make it to an incident, man I'm suppost to be retired now...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
In Pennsylvania you are prohibited from having ANY FILM on the windshield or front side windows. It doesn't matter what percentage it is or factory installed or not. The ONLY exemption in PA has a form that needs to be completed by a licensed eye doctor and forwarded to PennDot. Once it is approved you still can't have ANY percentage of tint, it is for a UV film only.
OfficerEven
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I wouldn't pull someone over for having such antennas on their vehicle. I might be confused for a moment or two if they are LE or not.
OfficerEven
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Naturally so. Stopping someone for a moving violation is a scary thing for everyone involved, including the officer.
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