Can I still listen to police scanners in Austin, TX?
Police and fire radio in Austin
- Austin Police Department: Encrypted (Reported (news)). The City of Austin moved police radio to AES encryption on 22 April 2024, ending public scanner listening. The city cited victim privacy and tactical safety and said it would keep informing the public via social media, press releases and briefings. Source, 2024-04-22
- Austin Fire Department: Open (not encrypted) (Reported (news)). An Austin Fire Department official told CBS Austin in April 2024 that AFD's scanner traffic would remain public, with no current plans to encrypt it. This conflicts with the Statesman headline, which says fire would also go private. Source, 2024-04-22
- Austin-Travis County EMS: Encrypted (Reported (news)). In a statement to CBS Austin (April 2024), ATCEMS said it uses encrypted channels to discuss patient details and for online medical control. It did not say whether all of its traffic is encrypted. Source, 2024-04-22
What the FCC licenses show
Public safety channels in Travis County, TX are mostly digital (65% digital, 27% analog, 8% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
1 public safety licensee in the FCC file belongs to Austin, with 367 voice channels: 117 analog only, 228 digital only, 22 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
| AUSTIN, CITY OF | 148 | Partly |
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 Austin (Travis County) is licensed as mostly digital. No scanner can play encrypted channels.
Top pick
Uniden SDS100 (handheld)
Most public safety radio around Austin 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.