Can I still listen to police scanners in Lincoln, NE?
Police and fire radio in Lincoln
- Lincoln Police Department: Encrypted (Reported (news)). Lincoln police primary dispatch channels on the city's new radio system are encrypted; the public online feed runs on a 10-minute delay, and media keep real-time access. Source, 2019-06-18
- Lincoln Fire & Rescue: Open (not encrypted) (Reported (news)). The same Journal Star report says Lincoln Fire & Rescue transmissions would not be delayed and stay in real time on the public feed. Source, 2019-06-18
What the FCC licenses show
Public safety channels in Lancaster County, NE are a mix of analog and digital (46% digital, 35% 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 Lincoln, with 101 voice channels: 46 analog only, 47 digital only, 8 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
LINCOLN, CITY OF EMERGENCY COMM.2 other namesLINCOLN, CITY OF, EMERGENCY COMM.; CITY OF LINCOLN EMERGENCY COM | 15 | Partly |
| LINCOLN, CITY OF | 10 | Partly |
| CITY OF LINCOLN, LANCASTER, COUNTY OF | 2 | 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 Lincoln (Lancaster 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 Lincoln 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.