[=Magpie=]

I've recently downloaded an app on my iPad that enables me to listen to the local police radio system.

So, as the title asks, does anyone know if it's legal to listen?

[erindiv]

That's an interesting thought. My Pa listens to the local police radio all the time on a regular radio. Anyone can tune in, so I can't see how it would be illegal...

[soontobegran]

It is not illegal to listen but it should be.
I have no idea why anyone who was not a criminal would be interested in listening.

[soontobegran]

That's an interesting thought. My Pa listens to the local police radio all the time on a regular radio. Anyone can tune in, so I can't see how it would be illegal...

I didn't think you could pick up the frequency on normal radio? That is why they brought out these scanners so they can intercept the calls?

[erindiv]

It is not illegal to listen but it should be.
I have no idea why anyone who was not a criminal would be interested in listening.

I can assure you my dear old Pa is not a criminal He just likes to know if there have been accidents etc. And finds it mildly amusing when people speeding and being morons get caught.

As for the radio, I always assumed it was a normal radio but the last time I looked at it was when I was about 9 so honestly I couldn't be sure.

edit - a quick Google search turned up lots of answers, the general consensus is that it is legal to listen but illegal to use the information to your advantage.

This post has been edited by erindiv: 20/12/2012, 11:11 PM

[=Magpie=]

I assure you I'm not a criminal either!
I just simply find it interesting, it certainly gives me more understanding of the wonderful and difficult job the police do.

[erindiv]

STBG, just out curiosity, why do you think it should be illegal?

[soontobegran]

http://www.aussiescanners.com/index.php/what-is-scanning

Because people who don't need to be shouldn't be privvy to sensitive information. It is not so much of an issue of you intend to just listen but it is extremely handy information for criminals. It is also how journalists get to the scene of a crime before the emergency services sometimes.
erindiv, your pa must have a scanner or a CB radio as the conversations can't be picked up on normal radio.


ETA... My DH is now retired but as a police person of over 3 decades used to express his frustration when people were tipped off that they were on their way or they turned up to an accident or some drama only to find a crowd of people forming as they heard about it on their scanners.
I know not everyone uses it for this but it can be a significant problem.

This post has been edited by soontobegran: 20/12/2012, 11:23 PM

[erindiv]

erindiv, your pa must have a scanner or a CB radio as the conversations can't be picked up on normal radio.

Must have. I feel a bit silly now

[=Magpie=]

There was a car chase the other day and everytime they set up the 'stingers', the car did a U-turn, the police decided he had a scanner. Caught him anyway.
Stragely I can't access the scanners for Brisbane but can for the local area, Logan. Which is probably more interesting anyway.