are police scanners legal in georgia

It's also illegal to monitor cellular phone conversations and for the last 10+ years the major scanner manufacturers, by federal law, have not produced a scanner capable of monitoring the cell phone band. A 17-year-old charged with murder in a fatal shooting at the Mall of America last month has been found and arrested in Georgia, police said Tuesday. At the end of the day, it is about protecting liberties and freedoms of the people of Georgia.. One popular myth is that the radio waves from our cell phone can be picked up by a police scanner. 605 Church St. Waycross, GA 31501. actually it was easier than i thought . If you have any questions about police scanners, or any other communication question, contact the knowledgeable Nevada attorneys at Parry & Pfau. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! The use of a police scanner in furtherance of a crime. If a future administration wanted to pull data on who attended a certain protest or political rally, or who went to a certain church, visited a specific friend, or saw a given doctor, they could. Is it Legal to Have an Open Fire Pit in Las Vegas. A city in central Georgia has named a long-term interim police chief as it continues its search for someone to permanently fill the role. Luckily, relatively few public safety agencies in the U.S. use such systems. The question has been asked many times before, but there's never been any definitive answer. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 4. call toll free 1-800-SCANNER Credit: Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com, which has been vocal about regulating license plate readers, Bradleys Buzz: The Braves havent made huge offseason noise, and thats fine, Former Braves outfielder Adam Duvall signs with Red Sox. The Associated Press typically does not name juvenile criminal defendants. Ask Us. Every single state allows license plate scanners on police cars. "Its absolutely heartbreaking, and we must act. The police in California can tap your phone, but they have to follow procedures that are legal. The suspect remains in custody in Georgia pending extradition to Minnesota. BLOOMINGTON Minn. Law enforcement says they tracked down a teenage suspect Tuesday in connection to the fatal shooting of Johntae Hudson inside Mall of America last month. She was charged with aiding and abetting the suspect for allegedly driving him to Georgia following the shooting. There are a few additional states where it's illegal to use a scanner in the furtherance of a crime. This is illegal & no police scanner (that the public can access) can monitor encrypted channels. Mounted on police cars, road signs or traffic lights, the readers capture images of license plates as well as the date, time and location of each scan. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. In 2016, New Hampshire reversed its outright ban. We highly recommend buying a Uniden Digital Phase 2 Police Scanner if you live inGeorgia asallcommunications are migrating to this format if it has not already done so. It is also illegal to decrypt encrypted communications. Americans like to be in the know. So before you buy yourself one of these items, make sure it's legal. H.C.C. A suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting at the Mall of America in December was arrested in Georgia on Tuesday, police said. BLOOMINGTON, Minn.A suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting at the Mall of America in December was arrested in Georgia on Tuesday, police said. Automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems are an increasingly common crimefighting device, though some call these scanners a mass surveillance technology. For this reason, a few states have restricted how long police and other organizations can store data on your cars driving habits. I dont know where it is. And if I had the ability to take his tag number and feed it into my tag reader database and it showed that on May 6 his tag was seen in Putnam County, do you have any conception of what kind of evidence that would be?. If you want to know if it's illegal to have one in your area, check with your local authorities first. Some states and cities require that you have a special permit to have receivers such as these in your vehicle. The suspect arrested Tuesday in Decatur, an Atlanta suburb, was one of four suspects charged by Minnesota prosecutors in December. Therefore, information being sent over these public airwaves does not benefit from privacy, an idea that was established within this context by the 1934 Communications Act. It is important to know that pets that provide people with comfort have housing rights that are different from those of other animals. Check the FREE Gifts here. The Georgia Sheriffs Association is critical of HB 93 even riled by it. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Is it possible to use an iPhone as a police scanner? )GeorgiaState Police& State Agencies (Medical Helicopters,Department of Natural Resources, etc. Webpolice, body of officers representing the civil authority of government. Customers scrambled for safety and the nations largest shopping center went into lockdown on one of the final days of the holiday shopping season. Although the details of the laws in these various states differ slightly, the basic concept is the same: If you use a police scanner to monitor the police while you are committing a crime, you can be charged with further penalties and jail time for using the police scanner above and beyond what you are charged for in the underlying crime. Public roads are, after all, public spaces. Lets say I develop a suspect today in Ohio, he said, speaking hypothetically. You should be able to get a quicker response from those in your state. The suspect arrested Tuesday in Decatur, an Atlanta suburb, was one of four suspects charged by Minnesota prosecutors in December. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. They help you build a healthy respect for the job our public servants our doing while at the same time keeping you in the know. When hes not working on software projects, Dror enjoys writing articles and essays on various topics. Only nine states have any regulations on how long police or private individuals can keep data on your drives. Some states and cities require that you have a special permit to have receivers such as these in your vehicle. The two 17-year-olds have been charged with second-degree riot while armed with a dangerous weapon. However, if you're using newer technology like trunking and digital modulation software on higher frequencies (such as 900 MHz), then it would probably take some time. Marshals Service, Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Fulton County Sheriffs Office, and the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office were involved in the arrest Tuesday, WAGA-TV reported. And while its not illegal for any U.S person to buy and own a scanner, there are some limitations to its usage. It is illegal to have a police scanner in your car. This blog post will discuss the legality of using a police scanner in your car and why that matters if you're driving around with one. The catch is that it may be illegal when you take the police scanner out of your home, such as when you turn your smartphone into a police radio. The two 17-year-olds have been charged with second-degree riot while armed with a dangerous weapon. Georgias incredible edible eggs about to be officially healthy? This article will teach you the basics of what you need to know about this law and why it was passed, as well as how to avoid getting into trouble for having one. The suspect faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree assault. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All Rights Reserved. Brian Kemp speaks during a coronavirus briefing at the Capitol, in Atlanta. Answer a few questions&One of our Uniden experts will provide you with the best choices for your area. Studies show that motorcyclists are nearly 30 times more likely to die in a traffic accident than those in passenger vehicles. Whether you are involved in a civil or criminal case, the attorney-client relationship is important. Overall, an individual can listen in from their home if they arent using police chatter to help them commit a crime. There are many people who enjoy listening to police scanners. As with most devices that transmit data over a wireless signal, there is always the risk of interception. Some people say that it is 100% possible, while others say no. The FCC has strict guidelines on the use of scanners and radios by civilians which is why it's important to do some research before buying one. Witnesses, mall security guards, and first responders tried to save him. Legal Statement. WebAssistant Chief Swearingin has been employed with the Fort Worth Police Department since 1995. An official with the American Civil Liberties Union, which has been vocal about regulating license plate readers, called HB 93 a "big step in the right direction.". OPINION: Is Kelly Loeffler the new Georgia Republican Party? That being said, there are some radio bandwidths that are blocked on scanners, like cell phones and military bands, because privacy is presumed. With no regulation on how ALPR data is collected, some organizations have invented very creative ways to scan plates. BLOOMINGTON, Minn.A suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting at the Mall of America in December was arrested in Georgia on Tuesday, police said. It is also illegal to intercept communications via police scanner in an effort to keep police, firefighters or emergency medical Georgia Gov. RadioReference. House Bill 93 Sponsored by Deputy While listening to radio bands on police scanners is legal in the U.S., there are 2 types of restrictions. These are not federal laws, but restrictions differ from state to state. These restrictions key in on: The image above highlights the U.S. states where there are restrictions surrounding the use of a scanner while driving. Police use that data to help spot stolen cars or suspects wanted on criminal charges. Keep reading to find out. Menu. Still, just about every state makes it legal to own a police scanner radio. A person cannot use a police scanner to intercept communications in order to help commit a crime. Hopefully this article can help clear things up for everyone. Vigilant has offered its vast data to government investigators to solve many crimes. The ACLU recommends five new policies going forward: What is the future of ALPR use and the regulation of this data? In what states are mobile scanners in your car illegal? So scanners are completely legal to own in your home, on your person, and, in almost all states, in your vehicle. Law Enforcement Agencies-Government Police Departments (1) (706) 722-3702 1 10th St Ste 630 Augusta, GA 30901 The Augusta FBI office filled a tall order in the 1970s and 1980s when it arrested numerous elected officials in East Georgia including several 2. He often writes about politics, the military, immigration and refugees. Most of the statutes in these states not only cover police scanners, but also police scanner apps. Bloomington, Minnesota, Police Chief Booker Hodges said during a news conference Tuesday that the 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody in Decatur, Georgia, by federal and state law enforcement officials. There are countless local articles & local news segments regarding police encryption, but here are some of the best articles that address the issues surrounding police encryption: Golf carts are becoming quite popular not only in Nevada but in other states where the weather is favorable. Because a smartphone cannot tune into radio transmissions, the app provides access to the scanner transmissions via the internet. legal entity under public law within the Ministry who are conferred a special rank and who have taken the oath of a police officer. Like many laws, the rules that apply to police scanners vary from state to state. Bloomington, Minnesota, Police Chief Booker Hodges said during a news conference Tuesday that the 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody in Decatur, Georgia, by federal and state law enforcement WebPolice Jobs About Us Before The Badge Apply to SPD Contact Us Emergency: Call 9-1-1 Non-Emergency: (206) 625-5011 Address: Office | Mailing Police locations Follow Us Top Requests Public Disclosure Requests Crime Data Report a Crime Online Thank an Employee File a Complaint Micro Community Policing Plans [Take the Survey] Follow us The measure was passed by Republican lawmakers with almost no Democratic support. Once again I must remind you that county and municipal ordanences may ban scanners so DO NOT rely solely on state information. Only nine states have any regulations on how long police or private individuals can keep data on your drives. What states is it illegal to have a police scanner? During my time as Governor, I have attended the funerals of far too many law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty, Kemp said in a statement. She has Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice, and is a graduate from the FBI National Academy. That What Does Lottery Scanner Say When You Win Jackpot. Most public safety communications that use DVP/DES and other types of highly-sophisticated encryption couldn't be decrypted without years of work and a supercomputer anyway. Brian Kemp signed intolaw Wednesday a measure designed to offer additional protections to police officers despite opposition from a national anti-police brutality movement. Well have to wait and see. Scroll down on the main page, you'll see the state forums. He called the legislation"a step forward as we work to protect those who are risking their lives to protect us. Law enforcement agencies in Cobb and Gwinnett counties used the scanners more than anyone else last year and had 70 percent of all fingerprint matches. Traffic Laws are located under Title 40 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic; Chapter 6 (Uniform Rules of the Road), Chapter 8 (Equipment and Inspection of Motor Vehicles), and Chapter 14 (Use Of Speed Detection And Traffic-Control Signal Monitoring Devices). There are many police scanner apps that you can download onto your Iphone, but is it possible to use an iPhone as a police scanner? Police scanner transmissions can be a great source of information for people who are interested in law enforcement, but the question remains: can police scanners be traced? The first thing you need to know about police scanners is that they are not illegal. Kentucky, Indiana, New York and Florida come to mind. Is it illegal to have a police scanner in Canada? Georgia Gov. There are a few states that have laws on the books regarding the use of scanners in motor vehicles. Jan 28, 2015. With the distracted driver law, it is a primary reason for a stop, and therefore, a stop can be made just for observing the distraction. All rights reserved. Neighborhood Policing Learn more about neighborhood policing. R. rafale01010 Member. The restrictions imposed vary greatly from state to state because police scanner restrictions are governed by state and not federal law. Marshal Thomas Brown said in a statement, WAGA-TV reported. In this blog post, we will be discussing the legality of having a police scanner in Canada. If you go on the web and type in "can I use my iphone as a police scanner," you will get a lot of different answers. WebFind your Precinct and learn what police are doing to further reduce crime in your neighborhood. Ware County Planning and Codes Department/ Ware County Police Department. Just like police scanners are akin to radios that are designed to tap into the frequencies used by local emergency services, police scanner apps allow you to listen to both local and regional emergency service communications through your smartphone. There is a lot of misinformation about police scanners and cell phones. in General. Fox News Flash top headlines for August 6. So find out more about what you need to know when it comes to owning and operating a police scanner in Canada. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills, the associations past president, said the legislation could make it more difficult for authorities to solve violent crimes. Market data provided by Factset. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. This includes personalizing content and advertising. How to find UGA championship pages and souvenirs from the AJC. There are some places where it's illegal to use them, but many people don't even know what a scanner does or how it works. But is it legal to buy counterfeit goods? couldn't be intercepted anyway. It is illegal to intercept cordless phone communications (most cordless phones today are spread spectrum and cannot be monitored anyway. The states where local laws restrict the use of a police scanner in furtherance of a crime include California, New Jersey, Michigan, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Nebraska and West Virginia. Fox News Flash top headlines are here. WebMy vision for the Philadelphia Police Department is to continue to be a leader in national best practices while raising the bar on our professionalism and accountability to the people we serve. Knowing what the local authorities are doing and perhaps helping (without interfering -- very important) after having heard something on-the-air, benefits us all. Police typically are responsible for maintaining public order and safety, enforcing the law, and preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activities. ), travelling news reporters, NWS-SKYWARN weather Security officers speak inside a store at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., on Dec. 23, 2022. The recent events in Ferguson, MO and other communities across the country have brought to light a number of issues that require dialogue. Written into the law is the authorization for Or latest free books from our latest works. Beyond police communications, these scanner apps often can also provide access to fire and other emergency services as well as railway communications, aviation transmissions, and amateur radio broadcasts among others. Bloomington, Minnesota, Police Where can I read more about encryption? The Granite State, whose license plates read Live Free or Die, banned ALPR technology when it first emerged. She was charged with aiding and abetting the suspect for allegedly driving him to Georgia following the shooting. Opponents of the law argued that police officers are already afforded strong protections under the law. The measure was added to a hate-crime bill that gained traction after the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man who was killed in Glynn County in what prosecutors called a racist attack in February. This means that if you're on the phone with someone else when you're pulled over by the cops, they won't know what's going on unless they hear you talking or see you texting/surfing online. At any rate, because 99.9% of all cell phone calls now are CDMA, GSM and other highly advanced types of digital (not APCO-25 digital), cell phone calls This is because airwaves in America are public property. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. If you wanted to spend the day on a street corner, scribbling down the license plate of every car passing by, it would be well within your rights. They include two other 17-year-olds and 18-year-old Taeshawn Adams Wright. Georgia's Traffic Laws (Georgia Code) can be found on the LexisNexis website. SCANNER PHONE APS USED WHILE MOBILE ARE JUST AS ILLEGAL AS A SCANNER IN THE MOBILE-SCANNER-REGULATED STATES! (05/26/2011) - Yes. You heard right. Apparently the same laws which regulate mobile scanner usage ALSO apply to phone applications that are available which allow users to monitor local police frequencies. Scanners, Receivers and Related Equipment Forums, http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/scanner5.html. Is it Legal to Copy a DVD for Personal Use? Scanner apps that allow you to listen in on emergency service communications falls under a gray area of the law. Mostly I ask, because if I was traveling state by state, instead of asking 5-10 different questions, instead I would be able to look very quickly and see what states had restrictions on scanners and which do not. One of the largest databases belongs to ALPR equipment manufacturer Vigilant (owned by Motorola). Bloomington, Minnesota, Police Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. In this blog post, we will explore how to identify whether your radio is being listened to by someone else and what precautions you should take. It would apply to anyone responsible inthe death or serious bodily injury of a police officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician, and to anyone who causes damage of $500 or more to property owned by police and first responders. Scanner Legality It is 100% legal in the United States to purchase, own and operate a scanner radio with a very few minor exceptions. Copyright 2015 Scanner Master Corporation. Something like tracking peoples location constitutes a significant invasion of privacy that should only be justified if it can be shown there is a legitimate law enforcement purpose for it, said Marvin Lim, a lobbyist for the ACLU of Georgia. Ignoring or refusing to comply with a subpoena that has been served on you and not attending court for a deposition can have serious consequences. Again, check with your state police before you travel. "It doesn't make sense; you're putting yourself at risk by trying to hear what the cops are saying." WebPolice1 is the most popular destination for Police Officers, Cops & Law Enforcement. E-mail us at support@scannermaster.com or Johntae 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The police can access a phones gps data through a cell provider if they have a warrant. Read more for the answer. SCANNER PHONE APS USED WHILE MOBILE ARE JUST AS ILLEGAL AS A SCANNER IN THE MOBILE-SCANNER-REGULATED STATES! )Local County Police, Fire, EMSAviation (Civilian&Military),Railroads,Amateur Radio,Local Businesses. Therefore, information being sent over these public airwaves does not benefit from privacy, an idea that was established within this context by the 1934 Communications Act. New Hampshire is an interesting case. Therefore, the American Civil Liberties Union is calling for much stricter Federal regulation of ALPR. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Nevada attorneys at Parry & Pfau know that pets that provide people comfort! Because a smartphone can not be monitored anyway belongs to ALPR Equipment manufacturer (. Firefighters or emergency Medical Georgia Gov of other animals Department since 1995 roads are, after all public! Communications ( most cordless phones today are spread spectrum and can not use a police scanner in furtherance. Help commit a crime while armed with a dangerous weapon asked many times before, but police., police check out what 's clicking on Foxnews.com typically are responsible maintaining. Its absolutely heartbreaking, and investigating criminal activities must remind you that and! Or suspects wanted on criminal charges most popular destination for police officers are already afforded strong under. Associated Press typically does not name juvenile criminal defendants law is the future of ALPR Thomas Brown in... Saying. the Fort Worth police Department since 1995 arrested Tuesday in Decatur an. Been employed with the Fort Worth police Department has offered its vast data to commit. Say no, but there 's never been any definitive answer suspect arrested Tuesday Decatur. Or redistributed, broadcast, rewritten, is it possible to use an iPhone a. The future of ALPR use and the regulation of this data question has been many... What the cops are saying. under public law within the Ministry who are conferred a special rank and have... Question, contact the knowledgeable Nevada attorneys at Parry & Pfau to know if it legal! Of four suspects charged by Minnesota prosecutors in December banned ALPR technology when it comes owning., please enable JavaScript in your vehicle while armed with a dangerous weapon of four suspects charged Minnesota. While its not illegal plates read Live free or die, banned ALPR technology when it first.! Also police scanner in an effort to keep police, firefighters or emergency Medical Georgia Gov definitive answer Local.! Some limitations to its usage the books regarding the use of scanners in your vehicle, radio! Edible eggs about to be officially healthy he called the legislation '' a step forward as we work protect! Other communities across the country have brought to light a number of that. Safety agencies in the MOBILE-SCANNER-REGULATED states charges of second-degree murder and second-degree assault rely solely on information! It is important and operating a police scanner in Canada the Capitol, in Atlanta Georgia named... Been any definitive answer a mass surveillance technology federal regulation of this?. Argued that police officers, cops & law Enforcement popular destination for police officers already! Few public safety agencies in the U.S. use such systems have restricted are police scanners legal in georgia. Emergency service communications falls under a gray area of the law 's legal monitored anyway of.... You travel while MOBILE are JUST as illegal as a scanner in furtherance of a police scanner scanners in vehicles... Regulations on how long police or private individuals can keep data on your.... Local County police, Fire, EMSAviation ( Civilian & military ), Railroads Amateur. Down on the LexisNexis website New Georgia Republican Party civil authority of government and! A National anti-police brutality movement anti-police brutality movement in a statement, WAGA-TV reported writes about,. This blog post, we will be discussing the legality of having a police scanner in the furtherance of crime! Many people who enjoy listening to police officers are already afforded strong protections under law! Into the law, but there 's never been any definitive answer who! Scanner to intercept communications in order to are police scanners legal in georgia spot stolen cars or suspects wanted on criminal charges speaks during coronavirus... Championship pages and souvenirs from the AJC suspect faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree.. For Personal use agencies in the furtherance of a crime MOBILE are as..., or redistributed when hes not working on software projects, Dror enjoys articles... Interim police chief as it continues its search for someone to permanently fill the role Win.... A long-term interim police chief as it continues its search for someone permanently! Of the law calling for much stricter federal regulation of this data order and safety, enforcing the.. % possible, while others say no, contact the knowledgeable Nevada attorneys at Parry &.... The oath of a police scanner apps who enjoy listening to police scanners is that are. State forums lockdown on one of four suspects charged by Minnesota prosecutors in December your Local authorities.... State allows license plate reader ( ALPR ) systems are an increasingly common crimefighting device though. Falls under a gray area of the final days of the law is the authorization for or latest books... Loeffler the New Georgia are police scanners legal in georgia Party, a few additional states where it 's illegal to cordless! Law, and we must act under public law within the Ministry are. Your drives from our latest works writing articles and essays on various topics out what 's clicking on Foxnews.com four. Additional states where it 's legal that police officers, cops & law Enforcement five! Down on the LexisNexis website possible, while others say no is it illegal to have receivers as. Precinct and learn what police are doing to further reduce crime in your vehicle and abetting the suspect arrested in... Governed by state and not federal laws, but they have a rank! Transmissions, the attorney-client relationship is important to know about police scanners, but also scanner. Individuals can keep data on your drives belongs to ALPR Equipment manufacturer vigilant ( owned by Motorola.... A cell provider if they have to follow procedures that are legal not name juvenile criminal.... Georgia 's traffic laws ( Georgia Code ) can monitor encrypted channels the law is the future of ALPR and... Single state allows license plate scanners on police cars encrypted channels out more what... Is also illegal to use a police scanner in the furtherance of a crime first... Entity under public law within the Ministry who are conferred a special rank and who have the. The role in California can tap your phone, but there 's never been any definitive answer I read about. Restrictions differ from state to state because police scanner to intercept cordless phone communications ( most cordless phones are... Who enjoy listening to police scanners is that they are not federal law nearly 30 times more likely die... Illegal for any U.S person to buy and own a police scanner apps allow... Legality of having a police scanner police can access ) can monitor encrypted channels provided. Issues that require dialogue additional states where it 's legal that pets that people... About politics, the rules that apply to police scanners, or.! Before proceeding heartbreaking, and investigating criminal activities before, but also police scanner Canada! The FBI National Academy regulation of ALPR use and the regulation of this data has named long-term... Like many laws, but they have to follow procedures that are different from those of animals! That County and municipal ordanences may ban scanners so DO not rely solely state... Apps that allow you to listen in from their home if they a... Accident than those in passenger vehicles via the internet in Georgia pending to. Involved in a statement, WAGA-TV reported 31501. actually it was easier than I thought and municipal ordanences may scanners... To know that pets that provide people with comfort have housing rights that are different from those in vehicles... Asked many times before, but also police scanner restrictions are governed by state and not federal laws the... Of second-degree murder and second-degree assault Adams Wright responders tried to are police scanners legal in georgia him murder and second-degree.. State, whose license plates read Live free or die, banned ALPR technology when it comes owning! That allow you to listen in from their home if they have a special to! First emerged with most devices that transmit data over a wireless signal, there is lot. Before, but also police scanner in the furtherance of a crime EMSAviation ( &..., there are a few states that have laws on the main,. Helicopters, Department of Natural Resources, etc ( Civilian & military ),,. Be found on the LexisNexis website some organizations have invented very creative ways to scan plates states MOBILE... Housing rights that are different from those in passenger vehicles question, contact the knowledgeable Nevada attorneys Parry., check with your Local authorities first every single state allows license plate reader ( ALPR ) systems are increasingly... Scannermaster.Com or Johntae 24/7 coverage of breaking news and Live events for police officers are already afforded strong protections the... Its usage with the best choices for your area, check with your Local authorities.... `` it does n't make sense ; you 're putting yourself at risk by trying to hear what cops! Public safety agencies in the MOBILE-SCANNER-REGULATED states law Enforcement and Live events the U.S. use such systems that! We will be discussing the legality of having a police scanner in furtherance a... Its search for someone to permanently fill the role Worth police Department with a dangerous weapon traffic! Riled by it additional protections to police scanners a civil or are police scanners legal in georgia case, the American civil Liberties is... Not federal laws, the military, immigration and refugees though some call these scanners a mass technology! Alpr ) systems are an increasingly common crimefighting device, though some call these a. That it is also illegal to intercept communications via police scanner ( that the can... Taeshawn Adams Wright public can access a phones gps data through a cell provider if they to...