Can I still listen to police scanners in Portland, OR?
Police and fire radio in Portland
- Portland Police Bureau: Encrypted (Reported (news)). OPB reported in August 2020 that Portland police moved precinct dispatch onto already-encrypted channels during the protests, after planning encryption since November 2019. The original dispatch channels were to be encrypted later. Source, 2020-08-31
What the FCC licenses show
Public safety channels in Multnomah County, OR are mostly digital (64% digital, 24% analog, 12% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
3 public safety licensees in the FCC file belong to Portland, with 172 voice channels: 54 analog only, 118 digital only, 0 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
CITY OF PORTLAND1 other namePORTLAND, CITY OF | 43 | Partly |
PORTLAND POLICE BUREAU1 other namePORTLAND, CITY OF, POLICE DEPT. | 3 | No |
| METRO WEST 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 Portland (Multnomah County) is licensed as mostly digital. No scanner can play encrypted channels.
Top pick
Uniden SDS100 (handheld)
Most public safety radio around Portland 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.