How to Program a Police Scanner: Complete Guide
Programming a police scanner used to mean entering frequencies manually one by one. Modern scanners make it easier—but before you start, check if your area is encrypted. No amount of programming will make an encrypted system work.
Step 0: Check Encryption Status
Before spending time programming, verify your local agencies aren't encrypted:
- Visit RadioReference.com
- Search for your county and city
- Look for "E" (encrypted) tags on channels
- If primary police dispatch is encrypted, programming won't help
Finding Your Local Frequencies
RadioReference Database
RadioReference.com is the definitive source for public safety frequencies. For each agency, you'll find:
- System type — Conventional, P25, trunked, etc.
- Frequencies — All channels used by the agency
- Talkgroups — For trunked systems
- Encryption status — Which channels are encrypted
- CTCSS/DCS tones — If applicable
Free vs. Premium
Basic frequency info is free. Premium membership ($7.50/mo) gives you direct scanner programming files that auto-configure many scanners.
Understanding System Types
Conventional Systems
Simplest to program
Each agency has dedicated frequencies. You simply enter the frequencies into your scanner.
Programming:
- Find frequencies on RadioReference
- Enter each frequency into a channel
- Add CTCSS/DCS tone if listed
- Set mode (FM, NFM, P25)
Common in rural areas and smaller departments.
Trunked Systems
Requires system setup
Multiple agencies share a pool of frequencies controlled by a computer. You program the control channel and talkgroups.
Programming:
- Find the system on RadioReference
- Enter the control channel frequency
- Add talkgroup IDs you want to monitor
- Scanner automatically follows conversations
Common in urban/suburban areas.
P25 Digital Systems
Requires digital scanner
Modern digital standard. Can be conventional or trunked. Requires a scanner with P25 decoding capability.
Key Points:
- Phase I — Older P25, widely supported
- Phase II — Newer, requires newer scanners
- Can be encrypted or unencrypted
- NAC codes may be required
The modern standard for most departments.
Programming Methods
Manual Keypad Entry
Works on all scanners, but tedious for many channels.
Best For:
- Adding a few specific frequencies
- Quick field programming
- Scanners without PC connectivity
Computer Software
Much faster and easier, especially for trunked systems.
Popular Options:
- Uniden Sentinel — For Uniden SDS/BCD series
- Whistler EZ-Scan — For Whistler scanners
- FreeSCAN — Free, supports many models
- Win500/Win96 — For older Uniden models
Requires USB programming cable (often included).
Database Downloads
Some scanners download frequency databases directly.
Options:
- Sentinel database — Built into Uniden scanners
- RadioReference feeds — Premium members
- ZIP code programming — Auto-populates local freqs
Basic Programming Steps (Uniden Example)
Install Software
Download and install Uniden Sentinel from the Uniden website. Connect your scanner via USB.
Create a New System
In Sentinel, create a new system matching your local type (conventional, P25, trunked).
Add Frequencies/Talkgroups
Enter the frequencies from RadioReference. For trunked systems, add the control channel and talkgroup IDs.
Configure Settings
Set delay times, priority channels, alert tones, and any CTCSS/DCS codes.
Write to Scanner
Upload the configuration to your scanner. Test by listening for expected activity.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No Audio / Dead Air
- Check encryption status — encrypted channels produce silence or noise
- Verify correct frequency and mode (FM vs P25)
- Check CTCSS/DCS tone settings
- Confirm scanner supports system type (Phase II requires newer scanners)
Digital Garbling
- Weak signal — try better antenna or location
- Wrong NAC code for P25 systems
- Phase II system with Phase I-only scanner
Missing Transmissions
- Trunked system not configured correctly
- Control channel frequency wrong
- Talkgroups not added
Scanner Shows "Encrypted"
- The channel is encrypted — nothing you can do
- This is the reality for 40%+ of major cities
- Consider advocacy to reverse encryption
If Programming Doesn't Work...
If you've verified frequencies and settings but still hear nothing intelligible, your department has likely encrypted. This is increasingly common.
Encryption cannot be defeated by better programming or equipment. If your area is encrypted, consider joining efforts to restore transparency.
Learn how to fight encryption →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my local police frequencies?
RadioReference.com has a comprehensive database of all public safety frequencies organized by state, county, and city. Search for your jurisdiction to find frequencies, talkgroups, and system information.
Do I need special software to program a scanner?
Most modern scanners can be programmed directly via the keypad, but software like Uniden Sentinel, FreeSCAN, or manufacturer tools makes it much easier. Many are free.
What if my scanner won't receive my local police?
First check RadioReference to see if your department is encrypted. If they are, no programming will help—encryption makes scanners useless. If not encrypted, verify you have the correct frequencies and system type.
What's the difference between conventional and trunked programming?
Conventional systems use fixed frequencies you can enter directly. Trunked systems share frequencies dynamically and require entering the control channel and talkgroup IDs instead of individual frequencies.
Can I program encrypted channels into my scanner?
You can program the frequencies, but you won't hear anything intelligible. Encrypted channels produce digital noise that cannot be decoded by any consumer scanner.
Take Action for Transparency
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Contact Your Representatives
Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.
Get StartedRead Case Studies
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