[MilCom] Radio Scanners at airshows

[Jesse]

Saint01 wrote:
> Hi all , heres my 2 cents worth .
> Here in Michigan , you can contact the 
> state police and by answering a very short
> questionaire , you can get a "permit for
> use of short wave receiver in vehicle"
> permit . I've never had to show it , as every time
> i've ever been approached , they understand
> what i'm doing , but i'm sure i'll run across a
> hard-ass one of these days . From talking to friends
> they are not available in all states , so check with your
> local's .        C ya , 
> 
> Greg in Michigan  ///  Saint 01
> 1 mile East of KLAN
> B.C. 9000 XLT  /  R.S. Pro-2035
> with R.S. 20-013 Discone & RG-8X @ 26' *
> R.S. Pro -43 with Diamond RH-77CA *
> mobile antenna = A.S. MON-51 with RG-8X
> _______________________________________________
> MilCom mailing list
> MilCom@mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/milcom
> 


So are you saying that law enforcement in MI views a shortwave receiver 
and a scanner as the same thing ?
Seems to me thats an important point.
I have the feeling that if and when you run into a hard-ass,you will 
loose your equipment,as you do not stand a chance the way the law is 
written.
As I understand it,the law in Mi,and other states,is that the mobile use 
of a device capable of receiving police frequencies is prohibited.
The exceptions are for,I believe, transceivers with 'bona-fide Amateur 
Radio Operator  holding  a  Technician  class,
General, Advanced, or Extra class amateur license issued by  the
Federal Communications  Commission "
http://www.afn.org/~afn09444/scanlaws/scanner5.html
(Scroll down to 'Michigan' for MI specific info)
The way that statute is written (and I wish them jerks would learn to 
use periods in their sentences,and use actual paragraphs instead of one 
monotonous sentence) it appears that you need both a license from the 
FCC,and the permission of the MSP to get a waver.

I have no problem believing that the police would not have a problem if 
they pulled you over with a short wave receiver on your seat.

P.S.
As a side note,here are the restrictions for the July 25th/26th air show 
coming up at Selfridge ANG :

The following restrictions apply:

     * No Coolers
     * No Back Packs
     * No Cans
     * No Glass
     * No Alcohol

     * No Pets
     * No Weapons of any kind
     * No Tents
     * No Awnings
     * No Cooking Equipment

For Your Convenience:

To minimize imposition it is recommended that Air Show patrons bring 
only necessary items on their person and limit the size and contents of 
carry-in items to those that are essential.

I can certainly argue that my scanner is essential.