Can I still listen to police scanners in Alton, IL?
Based on FCC license data, not yet confirmed by the agency. We haven't confirmed with Alton'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 Madison County, IL are mostly analog (25% digital, 65% analog, 9% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
4 public safety licensees in the FCC file belong to Alton, with 20 voice channels: 11 analog only, 0 digital only, 9 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
| ALTON, CITY OF | 5 | Yes |
ALTON, CITY OF POLICE DEPT1 other nameCITY OF ALTON POLICE DEPARTMENT | 2 | Partly |
| ALTON, CITY OF, FIRE DEPTARTMENT | 1 | Yes |
| LIFESTAR AMBULANCE SERVICE | 1 | 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 Alton (Madison County) is licensed as mostly analog. No scanner can play encrypted channels.
Top pick
Uniden BC125AT (handheld)
Most public safety radio around Alton is licensed as mostly analog, so an analog scanner covers most unencrypted traffic.
- $137.65 Amazon
Price as of 19 Oct 2026
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To hear the digital channels too
Uniden SDS100 (handheld)
Some agencies here are licensed for digital P25. This scanner hears both.
- $689.99 Amazon
- $699.99 ScannerMaster
Prices as of 19 Oct 2026
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Nearby in Madison County
Granite City · Edwardsville · Collinsville · Wood River · Bethalto · East Alton · Godfrey · Glen Carbon