Can I still listen to police scanners in Nashville, TN?
Police and fire radio in Nashville
- Metro Nashville Police Department: Encrypted (Reported (news)). The Nashville Scene reported in December 2019 that MNPD had encrypted its radio channels, cutting off scanner listeners such as the local severe-weather volunteers. The plan was announced in February 2019. Source, 2019-12-05
- Nashville Fire Department: Encrypted (Reported (news)). FOX 17 reported in May 2021 that the Nashville Fire Department was making all of its radio transmissions private, including fire calls. Source, 2021-05-25
What the FCC licenses show
Public safety channels in Davidson County, TN are a mix of analog and digital (53% digital, 33% analog, 14% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
4 public safety licensees in the FCC file belong to Nashville, with 188 voice channels: 75 analog only, 105 digital only, 8 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
| METROPOLITAN NASHVILLE & DAVIDSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT | 27 | Partly |
| FIRST CARE AMBULANCE SERVICE, LLC | 1 | Yes |
| LIFEGUARD AMBULANCE SERVICE, LLC | 1 | Yes |
| VETERANS AMBULANCE SERVICE LLC | 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 Nashville (Davidson 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 Nashville 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
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It doesn't change your price.
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.
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.