Can I still listen to police scanners in Ottawa, IL?
Based on FCC license data, not yet confirmed by the agency. We haven't confirmed with Ottawa'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 LaSalle County, IL are a mix of analog and digital (29% digital, 53% analog, 18% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
3 public safety licensees in the FCC file belong to Ottawa, with 20 voice channels: 14 analog only, 0 digital only, 6 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
CITY OF OTTAWA POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENT1 other nameOTTAWA, CITY OF - POLICE DEPARTMENT | 4 | Yes |
| OTTAWA, CITY OF | 2 | Partly |
| OTTAWA RIVER RESCUE SQUAD | 1 | Yes |
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 Ottawa (LaSalle 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 Ottawa 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
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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.
- $351.49 Amazon
Price as of 19 Oct 2026
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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
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Nearby in LaSalle County
Peru · Streator · LaSalle · Marseilles · Oglesby · Earlville · North Utica · Tonica