Sure, there are the new scanners that can monitor APCO 25 systems, but many agencies are being attracted to unmonitorable radio systems and functions like full-time encryption just to make sure Mr. and Mrs. Law-Abiding Citizen cannot listen in. There are even states where scanners are not allowed in a place of business or in a personal vehicle. Scanners can be a important item to have on hand especially during tornado season. Then they can be lifesavers.
I believe it is time for all taxpayers to confront their elected officials to put a stop to this. I also believe that interoperability radio systems can be acheived without shutting law-abiding citizens out of the loop.
The terrible events of 9-11 make it even more essential for citizens to be able to monitor their local law enforcement, fire and EMS departments. The sooner they know what’s coming the better chance they have to get themselves and their families to a place of safety.
On the old ADAM 12 TV series, you saw “To Protect and To Serve” on their police car, nowadays it should be “To Conceal and To Hide. The way things are going, soon we’ll all be asking “do you remember when we could listen to our police and fire departments on our scanners?”
In fact, in some cities this is already happening. What are they so afraid of anyway? Us?
It’s like the people of the United States are now considered to be the enemy.
And guess what? It’s the taxpayers who are paying for this crazy paranoia.
The “Silence Of The Scanners” is coming to a city or town near you, maybe even to the one you call home. Be afraid, be very afraid.
Lenny Schmidt
Logan, Iowa
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