Can I still listen to police scanners in Half Moon Bay, CA?
Based on FCC license data, not yet confirmed by the agency. We haven't confirmed with Half Moon Bay's police or fire department whether their radio is encrypted. Source: FCC ULS license file of 18 Oct 2026, checked 27 Oct 2026.
What the FCC licenses show
Public safety channels in San Mateo County, CA are a mix of analog and digital (52% digital, 40% analog, 8% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
No license in the FCC file is in Half Moon Bay's own name, so its police and fire most likely use county or regional radio (36 public safety licensees in San Mateo County).
FCC source: FCC ULS license file, file date 18 Oct 2026, as of 27 Oct 2026.
Which scanner works here
Public safety radio around Half Moon Bay (San Mateo County) has both analog and digital licenses. No scanner can play encrypted channels.
Top pick
Uniden SDS100 (handheld)
Public safety radio around Half Moon Bay has both analog and digital licenses. A digital P25 Phase II scanner hears analog and P25, wherever traffic isn't encrypted. It also handles simulcast sites, which licenses don't show.
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Cheaper P25 option
Whistler WS1065 (desk)
Hears P25 Phase I and II, but can struggle near simulcast sites. A good choice if you've confirmed the local system isn't simulcast.
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Analog only
Uniden BC125AT (handheld)
Hears only the analog channels, which here are part of the picture.
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Nearby in San Mateo County
San Mateo · Belmont · Hillsborough · Pacifica · Menlo Park · Redwood City · South San Francisco · Daly City