Can I still listen to police scanners in Columbia, MO?
Based on FCC license data, not yet confirmed by the agency. We haven't confirmed with Columbia'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 Boone County, MO are mostly analog (26% digital, 56% analog, 18% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
2 public safety licensees in the FCC file belong to Columbia, with 11 voice channels: 9 analog only, 2 digital only, 0 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
CITY OF COLUMBIA2 other namesCOLUMBIA, CITY OF; COLUMBIA CITY OF | 5 | Yes |
| COLUMBIA, CITY OF - FIRE DEPARTMENT | 1 | No |
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 Columbia (Boone County) is licensed as mostly analog. No scanner can play encrypted channels.
Top pick
Uniden BC125AT (handheld)
Most public safety radio around Columbia 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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