Can I still listen to police scanners in Seattle, WA?
Police and fire radio in Seattle
- Seattle Police Department: Open (not encrypted) (Confirmed open (official)). SPD said its dispatch channels stay open to scanners. From Q2 2026 it is encrypting channels that carry identities, victim and witness names, building access data and tactical traffic. Source, 2025-06-17
- Seattle Fire Department: Encrypted (Confirmed encrypted (official)). Seattle Fire phased in encryption from 18 Aug 2026. By 31 Aug, channels 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8 were to be fully encrypted, while dispatch channels 4 and 5 stay open (incident type, address, units). Source, 2026-08-18
What the FCC licenses show
Public safety channels in King County, WA are mostly digital (56% digital, 27% analog, 18% both). Licenses don't show encryption, so some channels may still be encrypted.
2 public safety licensees in the FCC file belong to Seattle, with 188 voice channels: 48 analog only, 77 digital only, 63 licensed for both.
| Licensee (FCC) | Call signs | Old analog scanner? |
|---|---|---|
SEATTLE, CITY OF2 other namesCITY OF SEATTLE; SEATTLE CITY OF | 47 | Partly |
| SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT/SWAT | 1 | Unknown |
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 Seattle (King County) is licensed as mostly digital. No scanner can play encrypted channels.
Top pick
Uniden SDS100 (handheld)
Most public safety radio around Seattle 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.
Nearby in King County
Federal Way · Kirkland · Bellevue · Kent · Redmond · Renton · Auburn · Bothell