Radio scanner

The term scanner generally refers to a communications receiver that is primarily intended for monitoring VHF and UHF landmobile radio systems, as opposed to, for instance, a receiver used to monitor international shortwave transmissions, although these may be classified as scanners too.

Radio scanning also serves an important role in the fields of journalism and crime investigation, as well as a hobby for many people around the world.

Scanners developed from earlier tunable and fixed-frequency radios that received one frequency at a time.

Many scanner clubs exist to allow members to share information about frequencies, codes, and operations.

It is legal to possess a scanner in Australia and to listen to any transmission that is not classified as telecommunication (i.e. anything not connected to the telephone network).

Without permission it is only allowed to listen to HAM Radio or other so called 'free to listen' channels [6] In Canada, according to the Radiocommunication Act,[7] it is completely legal to install, operate or possess a radio apparatus that is capable only of the reception of broadcasting (digital and analogue, but not encrypted data) provided that private information is not passed on or disclosed to any other person(s) or party(s).

A situation that occurred in the Toronto area on 28 June 2011 involving York Regional Police officer Constable Garrett Styles was picked up by scanners.

Online streaming of communications between the fatally injured officer and police dispatch were picked up by local media.

The tragedy was widely reported before the officer's family was notified and several media outlets rebroadcast the recorded emergency transmission.

[10] This prohibition was previously included in the Telekommunikationsgesetz, but was moved to the TTSDG as a part of the German telecom law reform in 2021.

[14] Moreover, Section 11(2) of the Act states that "no person shall improperly divulge the purport of any message, communication, or signal sent or proposed to be sent by wireless telegraphy.

[17] Owning a scanner that is able to intercept the frequencies of law enforcement is illegal and carries a jail sentence from eighteen months to five years, as per Article 617 of the Civil Penal Code.

[citation needed] In Mexico, it is legal to have an unblocked scanner and listen to any radio spectrum frequencies, including encrypted and cellular band.

According to the Federal Law of General Ways of Communication, individuals are prohibited from spreading any information obtained via a scanner.

However, if a "special" (i.e., unusual) effort is needed to intercept the information on a frequency (such as decrypting encrypted traffic or using an unauthorized or bootleg radio), then it is considered illegal.

[20] In 2008, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled that receivers that can solely be used to detect certain frequencies (such as radar detectors) are illegal because they cannot be used to "convey knowledge or thoughts" and thus are not covered by the aforementioned doctrine.

[26] Many emergency services have now switched to digital encrypted radio systems, so that it is more difficult for the general public to listen to them.

The legality of radio scanners in the United States varies considerably between jurisdictions, although it is a federal crime to monitor encrypted cellular phone calls.

[27] Although scanners capable of following trunked radio systems and demodulating some digital radio systems such as APCO Project 25 are available, decryption-capable scanners would be a violation of United States law and possibly laws of other countries.

According to some siren enthusiasts the hack was done by using a two-way radio and using a video online using activation tones from Dallas County's dispatch center.

The penalties for violating this section are severe: a fine of not more than $2000, imprisonment, or both or, where such violation is “willful" and for purposes of direct or indirect commercial advantage or private financial gain,” a fine of up to $50,000 and imprisonment of not more than two years for the first such conviction and up to $100,000 and five years for subsequent convictions.

In addition, the statute provides for a private civil remedy to any person aggrieved by a violation of this section.

The FCC regulations implementing this section more specifically provide those messages originated by “privately-owned non-broadcast stations .