Can I still listen to police scanners in Boston, MA?
Police and fire radio in Boston
- Boston Police Department: Encrypted (Confirmed encrypted (official)). BPD announced that it would switch to a digital encrypted radio system on 9 August 2025, so analog scanners no longer receive it. It provides a free online feed of its dispatch channels with a slight delay; a spokesperson told Boston.com it is usually about 5 minutes. Source, 2025-08-06
What the FCC licenses show
Public safety channels in Suffolk County, MA are a mix of analog and digital (28% digital, 37% analog, 36% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
3 public safety licensees in the FCC file belong to Boston, with 252 voice channels: 73 analog only, 45 digital only, 134 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
| BOSTON, CITY OF | 47 | Partly |
CITY OF BOSTON, POLICE DEPARTMENT5 other namesCITY OF BOSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT; CITY OF BOSTON, POLICE DEPT.; BOSTON, CITY OF - POLICE; BOSTON, CITY OF, POLICE; BOSTON, CITY OF, POLICE DEPT. | 21 | Partly |
| BOSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT | 15 | 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 Boston (Suffolk 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 Boston 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
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change your price.