I remember a time when one with a very simple scanner could listen to all the emergency traffic for one area. The Journalist could actually beat the Fire department to a call. In many cases this is long since over with the implementing of Trunked radio systems.
Before all agencies used simple radio systems with a few single frequencies. That did make it difficult to communicate with other departments or agencies without using a dispatcher in-between. It was very simple for anyone else to listen in.
The trunked radio systems in a very simple explanation ties multiple agencies together on one system. For instance with MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communication System) in Ohio one can talk all over the state through the computer controlled network. This is really good for the Members using the system, Mutual aid is easier to coordinate with and in the case of Police they can travel through areas and still communicate with their department when out of direct radio coverage.
This does make life more expensive and difficult for the civilian scanner listener and the journalist looking for the story. The popular scanner that operates this mode starts near $700, just a portable scanner and no programing software. Finding a used radio for the mode is quite difficult if you don’t know anything about the system.
For larger news agencies this is nothing, but for a freelance photographer it is a lot of money. It’s hard to get the photograph you never know about. Now one must keep an eye out on social media looking for the public to post something or the agency itself to post. The FDNY actually has an automated twitter account @ FDNYalerts that they post runs too. It is funny how with the invention of new technology how it has taken us back to a time before radio communications. The freelance journalist has to rely on a hot tip to get the shot.
It makes me wonder if or when will it be completely impossible for anyone outside the Public Service groups to hear the radio traffic and know what is happening.
“MARCS FACTS
MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communication System) is an 700/800 MHz radio and data network that utilizes state-of-the-art trunked technology to provide statewide interoperability in digital clarity to its subscribers throughout Ohio and a 10 mile radius outside of Ohio. The MARCS system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for public safety and first responders.
There are currently over 120,000 voice units and over 1,800 mobile data units on the MARCS system with over 2,800 public safety/public service agencies statewide. This includes local, state and federal agencies.”
https://das.ohio.gov/Divisions/Information-Technology/MARCS-Services
Greg Parker Photography 