Portable Police Scanner for Self-Defense

G

gvf

Moderator
Had a thought about what I think might be way to discourage potential attackers. Wear a portable police scanner if walking at night in any problem environment, with the volume up. This may come from the extensive time I spend in NYC, but here it seems half the people on the street at night are undercover cops. The squawk of police communications heard by anyone here from a hip radio, would immediately say to any potential perp, "Go Elsewhere!"
Anyone ever try this?
 
Nope, and I'm not about to do it. Especially if I'm armed.

Why? In the event of a police contact, they will most certainly take a keen interest in your scanner, why you have it with you whilst walking about and just exactly what activities are you involved with? If you're armed (legally) they may come to the conclusion you're a wanna-be cop. In the event of any sort of armed-force encounter it'll look even worse. If the other party claims they thought you were a cop ("police radio" & gun) you'll need a good lawyer.

That said, I have a portable police scanner which can be interesting to listen to at times. It comes in handy when there are lots of sirens at night and I want to know what's going on.
 
Interesting idea, but they're fairly expensive, and won't do you any good if you get in a defensive situation. Where I live, I'm more concerned about ill-kempt dogs than BGs, and a good flashlight and a small can of pepper spray would probably be better. The dogs don't understand whatever squaks come over a scanner. The pepper spray would work on BGs as well, and probably get you into a lot less trouble than pulling out your CCW.
 
That sounds kind of dumb. Just hang around near some of those people that have them and you should probably be OK. More than half of keeping yourself safe is up to you making good decisions.

Can you carry mase?
 
Boom box Beethoven

OK instead of a scanner or boom stick, how about carrying a boom box blasting classical music? I have heard that they had problems in some commercial areas with seedy types and ne-er do wells loitering next to their businesses. Nothing worked until they put loudspeakers out front playing classical music, and it repelled the bums from the area. That is worth a try as compared to the scanner! Some perp might want your scanner to track the cops.
 
Well here's one instance when a scanner helped...

http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1326556

Man saved after scanner deflects bullet


The Associated Press

SHEBOYGAN FALLS, Wis. - Police say a police scanner may have saved Floyd Kimme's life. Kimme, 50, was sitting in his living room Sunday evening when a bullet was fired into his home by a large-caliber weapon, authorities said.

The bullet went through the wall and hit the scanner, which was in front of the recliner where Kimme was sitting, said Sheboygan County Sheriff's Captain Dave Adams.

The scanner apparently deflected the bullet away from Kimme, Adams said.

Police said the incident remains under investigation.
 
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