Can I still listen to police scanners in San Jose, CA?
Police and fire radio in San Jose
- San Jose Police Department: Encrypted (Confirmed encrypted (official)). SJPD's Jan 2021 training bulletin says all primary dispatch, back-up and special-operations channels are encrypted, with four rarely used event channels to follow. Source, 2021-01-07
What the FCC licenses show
Public safety channels in Santa Clara County, CA are a mix of analog and digital (25% digital, 46% analog, 29% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
1 public safety licensee in the FCC file belongs to San Jose, with 81 voice channels: 43 analog only, 5 digital only, 33 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
| SAN JOSE, CITY OF | 35 | Partly |
FCC source: FCC ULS license file, file date 18 Oct 2026, as of 27 Oct 2026.
Which scanner works here
Most public safety radio around San Jose (Santa Clara County) is licensed as a mix of analog and digital. No scanner can play encrypted channels.
Top pick
Uniden SDS100 (handheld)
Most public safety radio around San Jose is licensed as a mix of analog and digital. 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.
- $689.99 Amazon
- $699.99 ScannerMaster
Prices as of 19 Oct 2026
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change your price.
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.
- $351.49 Amazon
Price as of 19 Oct 2026
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change your price.
Analog only
Uniden BC125AT (handheld)
Hears only the analog channels, which here are part of the picture.
- $137.65 Amazon
Price as of 19 Oct 2026
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change your price.
Nearby in Santa Clara County
Saratoga · Sunnyvale · Santa Clara · Gilroy · Palo Alto · Morgan Hill · Mountain View · Campbell