Best Digital Trunking Police Scanner: Top Picks Reviewed

Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner. 25 – Includes batteries, ready to use quickly.

Best mid-range P25 Phase II capable scanner available, the BCD325P2 offers a solution for individuals needing to monitor modern P25 transmissions without breaking the bank. Its programming, while different from older bank-style methods, becomes straightforward once the System/Site/Group/Channel hierarchy is understood. This allows for efficient manual programming, with trunking systems consisting of multiple sites and hundreds of channels entered in a relatively short amount of time.

The device boasts a crisp, easily readable screen with a backlight for various lighting conditions. The buttons provide solid tactile feedback and key beeps, ensuring confident operation. Its built-in speaker delivers ample volume, and an earphone jack is included for private listening or noisy environments.

While the scanner can be power-hungry, consuming batteries relatively quickly, this can be mitigated by using rechargeable batteries. The unit includes two NIMH rechargeable batteries, but investing in higher-quality sets is recommended for extended listening. Although the manual may be challenging for beginners due to its technical language and organization, it covers all the necessary information.

Additional online resources can provide supplementary guidance for new users. Overall, this scanner offers exceptional value for its price, delivering robust P22 Phase II capabilities for individuals willing to invest the time in understanding its operation.

Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner – Digital display for clear information viewing.

Budget-friendly, the BC125AT scanner offers a significant advantage with its alpha tagging feature, providing readable labels for each channel alongside the frequency, enhancing usability compared to models like the SR30. Both scanners share similar features, and the BC125AT boasts a compact and lightweight design, with an easily readable display that automatically backlights when a channel becomes active. While manual programming can be time-consuming, the availability of free programming software simplifies the process of creating and downloading channel configurations.

The software also enables uploading the scanner’s current configuration for editing, backup, or updating. It’s even possible to create a program file for the SR30 using a file for the BC125AT or vice-versa, requiring some reformatting due to differing file formats. This cross-compatibility is useful for maintaining consistent configurations across multiple scanners.

The BC125AT allows you to program more than one scanner of the same model to have the same configuration, if desired. The BC125AT is similar to the SR30, although it seems to scan more slowly than the SR30. Despite some drawbacks such as the inability to scan while recharging, a cumbersome channel lock-out, difficult keyboard operations, a multi-function knob that makes adjusting the volume and particularly the squelch functions, and a lack of a mobile installation kit, the BC125AT functions well overall.

Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner – GPS connectivity for accurate location tracking.

Is this the one? The BCD996P2 scanner is a powerful device capable of receiving a wide range of signals, including analog and digital modes across Police, Fire, Public Service, Military Air, Gov, and Misc bands. It excels at receiving APCO P-25 digital signals, even with a stock antenna in favorable locations. While digital 800 MHz signals may require a smaller antenna, optimal reception can be achieved with an external antenna and booster, potentially reaching analog signals from over 60 miles away in ideal conditions.

The device’s performance with digital trunking systems is subject to signal variability and tower configurations, which can complicate the listening experience. Successfully tracking a P-25 system may require monitoring multiple towers with varying signal strengths. Simulcasting distortion, weather conditions, and programming accuracy can also impact reception quality. The scanner’s display provides frequency information upon locking onto a control channel in APCO P-25 mode, enabling talkgroup monitoring.

Programming the BCD996P2 requires careful attention to detail, as each channel and system has numerous parameters to configure. Computer-based programming using software like Freescan is highly recommended for efficient setup. The scanner includes DC power cords for car use, a mounting bracket, and an AC adapter. It features a bottom-firing speaker with enhanced bass audio, customizable display colors, and signal adjustments for each channel and system.

While upgrades for ProVoice, Mototrbo, and DMR are available for an additional fee, the device’s core functionality remains robust. This scanner does not utilize an SD memory card. The learning curve is steep, making it best suited for experienced users who are willing to invest time and effort into mastering its capabilities. Despite the challenges, the BCD996P2 offers phenomenal performance and exceptional abilities for those who can properly configure it.

Uniden BearTracker Scanner (BCT15X) with 9 – Compact size; easy to transport and store.

For enthusiasts of radio scanning, the Uniden BCT15X offers an exceptional experience, particularly for those new to trunking scanners. Despite initial unfamiliarity with trunking technology and programming, the device can be easily mastered through online resources such as YouTube tutorials and websites like RadioReference.com. These resources provide guidance on manual programming, which can be done effectively even without connecting the scanner to a computer.

The BCT15X is capable of scanning Motorola Type II trunking systems, common in many urban areas. The device’s re-banding feature, crucial for 800 MHz trunking, can be quickly configured following online instructions. Once programmed with frequencies and talk group IDs, the scanner delivers clear audio quality, making it ideal for both mobile and base station use.

A provided bracket allows for adjustable positioning, optimizing sound projection even with the speaker located on the bottom of the unit. The device allows for alpha tag naming, enabling personalized labeling of systems, frequencies, and channels. A comprehensive, downloadable user manual is readily available online, offering an interactive and easy-to-navigate guide to the scanner’s functions.

The process of manual programming is straightforward with the readily available resources. The BCT15X provides access to a wide range of communications, including law enforcement, fire departments, and other public safety agencies. The device is capable of receiving diverse operations, providing an immersive experience.

While there may be a learning curve, the scanner’s capabilities and the abundance of online resources make it an invaluable tool for any scanning enthusiast. To ensure product satisfaction, ordering directly from reputable retailers is recommended to guarantee the correct model, specifically the BCT15X, as there are differences between it and other models.

Whistler WS1065 Digital Trunking Desktop Scanner – Programmable Police/Fire Radio with Backlit Display – Compact size, easy to carry and store.

If you’re like me and appreciate a scanner that offers a blend of value and functionality, this model is worth considering. It arrives unprogrammed, giving you the freedom to input the necessary data, which is readily available at no cost. Programming it by hand is possible, although modern trunking systems require more data than older analog scanners, such as control channels and talkgroup information.

While this may require some initial effort, software options are available to simplify the process. This scanner is a Phase 1 capable, digital trunking unit, compatible with accessories from GRE, Radio Shack, and Whistler. While its VHF front-end may require some adjustment for optimal performance, it handles other bands exceptionally well.

It’s important to note that this scanner does not support TDMA (Phase 2 or DMR), NeXTEL, or encryption. For those transitioning from analog scanning, there may be a learning curve involved in understanding trunking and digital systems. However, experienced scanner enthusiasts will find the interface intuitive and easy to navigate.

Ultimately, this scanner offers a cost-effective entry point into modern scanning, particularly for those interested in tinkering with settings and learning new concepts. While touchscreen scanners with database-driven operation exist, this model provides a hands-on experience for those who enjoy fine-tuning their setup.