How to Listen to Los Angeles Police Scanner and Understand

Introduction

Los Angeles is not only the entertainment capital of the world but also one of the busiest cities in the U.S. in terms of law enforcement. Every day, hundreds of 911 calls report high-speed car chases on the 405 freeway, bold thefts in Beverly Hills, and large-scale protests in Downtown LA.

How can you keep up with all these real-time events? Los Angeles Police Scanner is the perfect tool to do just that. It not only provides instant news updates but also offers an unfiltered view of how the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) operates.

Whether you’re a local resident wanting to stay informed, a journalist tracking breaking news, or simply curious about police scanner Los Angeles, this guide will show you how to listen to the Los Angeles police scanner live, use it legally, and make the most out of it.

Los Angeles Police Scanner

1. How Does Los Angeles Police Scanner Work?

1.1. How LAPD Uses Radio Communications

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) uses police radio scanners to communicate about:

Emergency 911 calls (accidents, robberies, fires)
High-speed vehicle pursuits
Crime reports (theft, violence, drug activity)
Crowd control during major events and protests

LAPD divides its radio frequencies by geographical divisions such as Hollywood, Downtown LA, West LA, and South LA. These radio transmissions are broadcast through the APX Digital Radio system, where some channels remain publicly accessible.

1.2. Best Ways to Listen to Los Angeles Police Scanner

There are three popular ways to access a Los Angeles police scanner live:

1.2.1. Police Scanner Devices

Recommended models: Uniden Bearcat BC125AT, Whistler WS1040
Works via VHF/UHF frequencies, allowing users to manually tune in
Some LAPD frequencies are encrypted, but many remain open to the public

1.2.2. Mobile Apps for Los Angeles Police Scanner

Convenient and often free to use
Best apps: Scanner Radio – Police Scanner
Quickly access Los Angeles police scanner live from anywhere

1.2.3. Online Websites for Free Police Scanner Los Angeles

No downloads required, just open in a browser
Popular sites: http://scannerpolice.net/
Select police radio scanner Los Angeles feeds and listen in real time

2. What You Can Hear on a Los Angeles Police Scanner

2.1. High-Speed Car Chases

Los Angeles has one of the highest rates of police pursuits in the U.S., especially on major highways like the 405, 101, and 110.

When police spot a suspicious vehicle, they report it using Code 37 (stolen vehicle).
If the suspect flees, officers switch to Code 3 (lights and sirens activated).
LAPD helicopters (Air Support Division) are deployed for aerial tracking.

Example of police scanner Los Angeles radio traffic:

“Pursuit in progress on I-405, suspect vehicle black Mustang, high speed, requesting backup units.”

2.2. Store and Mall Robberies

Retail theft and armed robberies frequently occur at high-end shopping centers like The Grove, Beverly Center, and Rodeo Drive.

When a store alarm is triggered, LAPD dispatches patrol units immediately.
Common LAPD radio codes:
- 211 – Armed robbery
- 459 – Burglary
- 415 – Disturbance

Example from a Los Angeles police scanner live feed:

“211 in progress at Beverly Hills Rolex Store, multiple suspects, requesting air support.”

2.3. Protests and Public Events

Los Angeles is a hotspot for protests, particularly in Downtown LA, Hollywood Boulevard, and Venice Beach.

LAPD uses police radio to manage crowd control and deploy officers accordingly.
Common LAPD radio codes for protests:
- Code 20 – Request additional units
- Code 4 – Situation under control
- 415-G – Group disturbance

Example from a police radio scanner Los Angeles transmission:

“Code 20 at Pershing Square, 200+ protesters, possible road blockage.”

3. Is It Legal to Listen to a Los Angeles Police Scanner?

Listening to a Los Angeles police scanner is generally legal in California, but there are rules to follow:

Allowed: Listening at home or on a mobile device
Not allowed: Using a police scanner while driving (California Vehicle Code 27001)
Illegal: Sharing police scanner transmissions to interfere with law enforcement
Restricted: Broadcasting police scanner audio without proper authorization

4. Best Tools to Listen to Free Police Scanner Los Angeles

Best Free Apps: Scanner Radio – Police Scanner
Best Online Website: http://scannerpolice.net/
Best Police Scanner Devices: Uniden Bearcat BC125AT