How to Scan Police and Emergency Frequencies with Your Ham Radio

Know Before You Tune In

With a wideband receiver like the QUANSHENG UV-K5 or UV-K1, you can scan far beyond ham bands — including public safety frequencies. But there are rules you need to know. Here is the complete guide.

Is It Legal?

In the United States, listening to most radio transmissions is legal. However, a few restrictions apply: you cannot listen to cell phone conversations (which are encrypted anyway), and some states restrict scanner use in vehicles. Always check your local laws.

What You Can Hear

Service Frequency Range
NOAA Weather 162.400-162.550 MHz
Ham Radio 144-148 / 420-450 MHz
Air Band 108-136 MHz AM
FM Broadcast 88-108 MHz
Marine VHF 156-162 MHz

Finding Your Local Frequencies

  1. Go to RadioReference.com — the largest frequency database
  2. Search for your city or county
  3. Filter by category: Fire, EMS, Police, Public Works
  4. Program into your radio (RX only — never transmit on these frequencies)

Scanning Tips

  • Use your radio scan function to cycle through stored channels
  • Set scan delay to 2 seconds — avoids cutting off replies
  • Program similar services together (all fire in one bank, all NOAA in another)
  • Use CHIRP to organize dozens of channels quickly

UV-K1(8) with wideband receiver →

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