Can I still listen to police scanners in Tennessee, IL?
Based on FCC license data, not yet confirmed by the agency. We haven't confirmed with Tennessee'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 McDonough County, IL are mostly analog (18% digital, 75% analog, 7% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
No license in the FCC file is in Tennessee's own name, so its police and fire most likely use county or regional radio (19 public safety licensees in McDonough County).
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 Tennessee (McDonough County) is licensed as mostly analog. No scanner can play encrypted channels.
Top pick
Uniden BC125AT (handheld)
Most public safety radio around Tennessee 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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