Sam,

As others have suggested, you need to do some quick research. I highly
recommend http://www.radioreference.com
to see what your local PD/Fire/EMS system is using...

In the past, you could just buy one scanner to do it all - but that's not
really the case any more. I have one for trunking and one for conventional.
Then I have a portable handheld scanner as well. (Actually I have 3 of
those, but I only use one regularly.)

If you are in an area that is using a trunked system, then you need to find
out if they're using digital. It's called APCO P25. If you see this in the
description, then you're limited to only a few scanners. Also, I should
point out that there's also no guarantee that the Police won't encrypt
certain channels. If you look at the radio reference site, there are
forums by state. Check around and see what other people are doing in your
area.

I can highly recommend the Uniden BC396T as it comes with programming
software (you can download at no charge.) It can decode the "digital" mode
(P25) and it's also a conventional scanner as well. This model is right
around the 400-500 price range. This is a handheld model. (They have a 996
model which is the base version.)

If you're in an area that is not digital (you'll see it say Motorola 800mhz
Type II or Smartzone) then you have a bit more options. A good scanner is
the Uniden BCT15. This model is around $200 - but you do have purchase the
programming software ($25.) This model is a base scanner (or mobile.)

So you see it depends on what your local community is using for their radio
system. Like another person suggested... take a trip to your local radio
shack and chances are they can help you figure out what you need.


-Nick