I wasn't aware they were able to 'defeat' the repeater. They do have a 'special' freq they sometimes use - not often - for car-to-car.
I use a Uniden BC250D with an external antenna tuned for the 400MHz band (but still get excellent reception in 800MHz & OSP's 42-44MHz) As far as my freqs, while at home, I normally monitor FD & PD for Lucas Co, Holland, Spencer Twp & Sylvania Twp, along with some Military air freqs, air emer freqs, and one or 2 'sensitive' freqs (given to me under the threat of death if I divulged them). Be happy to send you the freqs I've got (minus the 'sensitives), but all can be found in the RadioReference areas.
When on the road, I've got different banks set up for different 'areas' of the state(s), but no external antenna on the car, due to scanner laws in different states (such as Michigan)