Can I still listen to police scanners in Las Vegas, NV?
Police and fire radio in Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department: Encrypted (Reported (news)). Metro encrypted its radio channels in early 2018, ending public scanner listening. Police cited protection of victim and tactical details. Source, 2018-02-05
What the FCC licenses show
Public safety channels in Clark County, NV are mostly digital (63% digital, 22% analog, 15% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
4 public safety licensees in the FCC file belong to Las Vegas, with 257 voice channels: 79 analog only, 178 digital only, 0 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
| LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT | 88 | Partly |
LAS VEGAS FIRE AND RESCUE1 other nameLAS VEGAS FIRE & RESCUE | 20 | Yes |
LAS VEGAS, CITY OF1 other nameCITY OF LAS VEGAS | 3 | Partly |
| MEDICWEST AMBULANCE | 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 Las Vegas (Clark County) is licensed as mostly digital. No scanner can play encrypted channels.
Top pick
Uniden SDS100 (handheld)
Most public safety radio around Las Vegas is licensed as mostly 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
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change your price.