[ScanIndiana] (no subject)

[Paul Munsel]

	I've been following this topic, and will agree with most due to the
nature of the traffic listed, and the freqs used. I know there are times
the officers need to get off main freqs to organize operations, but they
still need to be authorized/licensed freqs for LE etc. I work with a Task
Force in Texas, and we have access to alternate freqs when needed. We
also have a letter authorizing us by the licensed agency to operate on
the freqs. We use them as simplex, and PL's that are not in use by the
primary agency to avoid possible interference. We also are limited to 5
watts when operating there. If an agent(s) is too far away, another can
relay if needed, but that is usually not the problem. Un NEXTEL areas
here, we use that instead. As I recall, in the FCC rules, there is
authority to operate on the alternate freqs when authorized by another
agency, and it is limited to no more than 5 watts. Read that a long time
ago. Now, we also are REQUIRED by the Commander to "behave" when using
the freqs, as we may be monitored by the public, or the licensed agency
itself. We adhere to that, as the Boss has meat hooks in his office where
he hangs the leftover of our backside for a later meal if you know what I
mean...
	A lot of law enforcement folks do not like for the public to hear what
they are doing, I disagree. I cannot count the number of times a scanner
monitor has helped us locate someone who was needing help, or helped
locate a "Bad Guy" by hearing Law, Fire, or EMS looking, after having
sketchy info on a location. There are times when we do not want the
public to know what we are doing, and this is during a situation where a
lot of public knowledge may jeopardize the safety of the officers, or a
"Bad Guy". When I am Case Agent, my first concern is the men following me
through a door, and then the safety of our Bad Guys. No one needs to be
hurt. If I lose the dope, I lose the dope. If I lose one life, no matter
whose it is, I have totally failed, and have to try to live with that.
	Down here, we also use digital phones, and alpha/numeric pagers. They
are not the most secure, but they still help.
	By the way, I have an extensive Shack here, and I too enjoy listening
when I am at home, to the scanner, shortwave, and working my Ham friends.

	I am subscribed to Scanindiana because I am from Indiana, and love to
know what is going on there. Been gone for about 22 years, and Texas is
now my home, but Indiana will always be "Back Home"...
73,
Paul Munsel N5XMV
Hearne, Texas

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