Police Scanners
Police scanners come in a variety of makes and models. Similarly, police scanners are not just for law enforcement professionals' use. Today, many non-law enforcement groups use police scanners for a variety of purposes.
Police scanners can be used to monitor the communications between officers and various dispatch centers. Depending on what band the police scanner is set on, as well as proximity to the area in which the signal is being broadcast from, one can listen in to calls in towns and cities across the country. Private ambulance companies often rely on police scanners in order to know when and where to dispatch an ambulance. Often, if an ambulance team hears of a potential danger or threat, they dispatch immediately to the scene in order to provide medical assistance. Fire departments at both the professional and volunteer levels also rely on police scanners in order to appropriately dispatch services where they are needed in the quickest time possible. Tow truck companies also rely on police scanners in order to know when and where their services are required in the event of a major or minor traffic accident that has rendered one or several cars immobile. These towing companies are as indispensable as other emergency responders since they bear the responsibility of removing vehicles that were involved in accidents, and their presence on busy roads and highways may lead to other serious situations.
Another group of individuals that use police scanners in their work are members of local and national news organizations. Offices of news organizations always include a room dedicated to a number of police scanners each set on different bands in order to monitor the surrounding towns and cities for potential news worthy events including robberies, murders, fires, and other unfortunate incidents.
Finally, many private citizens own and operate police scanners as part of neighborhood watch organizations, so that they are aware of potential hazards and threats as well as situations like house fires that may require the assistance of local care giving groups and volunteers.