The fastest way to hear local police radio

You can listen to your local police scanner through a free smartphone app, a web browser, or a physical radio device. The easiest method for most people is downloading Broadcastify or Scanner Radio on your phone — both let you search by city or county and tune in to live feeds within seconds. If you want a dedicated device, a handheld scanner radio costs $30 to $150 and picks up signals directly without needing internet.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to listen occasionally or regularly, and whether you prefer your phone, a computer, or a standalone device. All three options receive the same public radio transmissions — nothing is hidden or requires special permission.

Key Takeaways

  • Broadcastify and Scanner Radio are free apps that stream police radio feeds to your phone and work anywhere you have internet.
  • A physical handheld scanner radio receives signals directly and does not need internet, but requires you to know your local frequencies or program them manually.
  • Police radio is public — anyone can listen legally, and you do not need a license to receive transmissions.
  • Feed quality and coverage vary by location; rural areas may have fewer available streams than cities.
  • Some departments encrypt their radio traffic, which means even if you find the frequency, you cannot hear the conversation.

Using a smartphone app to listen

Broadcastify is the largest network of live police scanner feeds in North America. read the app from your phone's app store, search for your city or county by name, and tap any feed to start listening. The app shows you which agency is broadcasting (police, fire, EMS, or a combination) and displays a live chat where other listeners comment. Most feeds are free; some offer a paid ad-free version.

Scanner Radio works similarly — search your location, select a feed, and listen when ready. It also includes a map view so you can see which feeds are available near you. Both apps work on iPhone and Android and stream over WiFi or cellular data.

The main limitation of apps is that they depend on someone in your area running a receiver and uploading the feed to the internet. If no one in your location has set up a feed, you will not find one. Rural areas and smaller towns often have no available streams, while major cities usually have multiple options.

Listening on a computer or web browser

You can access Broadcastify through a web browser at broadcastify.com without downloading an app. Search for your location the same way you would on the phone version, and the feed plays in your browser. This works on any computer with internet access.

The web version has the same limitation as the app — it depends on local feeds being uploaded. The advantage is that you can listen while working on your computer without using phone battery or data.

Using a physical handheld scanner radio

A handheld scanner radio is a small device that receives police, fire, and emergency radio signals directly from the air. Popular models include the Uniden BC125AT and the Whistler TRX-1, which range from $40 to $150. These radios do not need internet and work anywhere, even in areas with no cell service.

The trade-off is that you need to know your local frequencies or program them into the radio manually. You can find frequencies for your area through online databases like RadioReference.com — search your state and county, and the site lists all active frequencies. Once you program them, the scanner automatically cycles through and alerts you when there is activity.

Handheld scanners are useful if you want to listen regularly without relying on internet, or if you live in an area where no online feeds exist. They also let you listen to frequencies that may not be streamed online.

Finding your local frequencies

RadioReference.com is the most complete database of scanner frequencies in North America. Go to the site, select your state, then your county, and you will see a list of all active police, fire, and EMS frequencies in that area. The site also notes which frequencies are encrypted (meaning you can hear the radio traffic but not understand the words).

If you are using an app, you do not need to find frequencies yourself — the app does it for you. But if you buy a handheld scanner, RadioReference is where you start to program it.

Some departments use trunked radio systems, which are more complex and require a scanner that supports trunking. The RadioReference page for your area will tell you if your local police use a trunked system, and which scanner models work with it.

Understanding encrypted radio traffic

Many police departments encrypt their radio transmissions, which means you can hear the radio traffic (the beeps and static) but cannot understand the words. This is legal — departments choose encryption for operational security and privacy. If a frequency is encrypted, both online feeds and handheld scanners will show activity but produce no intelligible audio.

RadioReference.com notes which frequencies in your area are encrypted. If your local police use encryption, you will not be able to hear their conversations through any legal method, whether you use an app, a web stream, or a physical radio.

Legal and practical considerations

Listening to police radio is legal everywhere in the United States. You do not need a license, permission, or any special status. The transmissions are public, and anyone can receive them.

The only legal restriction is that you cannot use a scanner while driving in some states, and you cannot use information from a scanner to interfere with police operations or commit a crime. For practical purposes, listening to your local police scanner is a straightforward activity with no legal barriers.

If you are new to scanning, start with an app like Broadcastify or Scanner Radio. They are free, require no setup, and let you explore whether you want to listen regularly before investing in a handheld device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I listen to police scanner on my phone for free?

Yes. Broadcastify and Scanner Radio are both free apps that stream live police radio feeds to your phone. You need an internet connection (WiFi or cellular data), and your location must have an available feed. Most cities and large towns have multiple feeds available.

What if my area does not have an online feed?

If no one in your area is streaming a feed online, you can buy a handheld scanner radio and receive signals directly. Find your local frequencies on RadioReference.com, program them into the scanner, and listen without needing internet. Handheld scanners cost $30 to $150 depending on features.

Why can I hear the radio but not understand what people are saying?

Your local police department likely uses encryption. Encrypted frequencies produce audio but scramble the words so only authorized radios can decode them. You cannot decrypt encrypted traffic through any legal method. RadioReference.com tells you which frequencies in your area are encrypted before you try to listen.

Do I need a license to listen to a police scanner?

No. Receiving radio transmissions does not require a license. You only need a license if you transmit on those frequencies, which is illegal without authorization. Listening is completely legal in all U.S. states.

What is the difference between an app and a handheld scanner?

Apps stream feeds over the internet and work anywhere you have cell service or WiFi. Handheld scanners receive signals directly from the air and do not need internet, but require you to program frequencies manually. Apps are easier to start with; scanners are better if you want to listen regularly or live in an area with no online feeds.