Cb radio?

bang bang boom wrote:Mayb an internet radio that streams live police radio streams in the uk?

Just a couple of small flaws in that idea...

1. I have always been given to understand that it is illegal to listen to UK police broadcasts under the amended Wireless and Telegraphy Act of 2006, most certainly to act upon them or transmit on them.

2. That UK police broadcasts are now digitally encrypted on the Airwaves/Tetra network.

ironass wrote:Just a couple of small flaws in that idea...

1. I have always been given to understand that it is illegal to listen to UK police broadcasts under the amended Wireless and Telegraphy Act of 2006, most certainly to act upon them or transmit on them.

2. That UK police broadcasts are now digitally encrypted on the Airwaves/Tetra network.

lots of things are illegal and im 100% certain you have done atleast 1 thing thats illegal..

Hmmm...

Thanks on part 2 didnt think of that

You're probably right there Band Bang, maybe not even "probably" perhaps "absolutely" would be a better word.

Though not everyone would be stupid enough enquire about it on a public forum.

Nincompoop

bang bang boom wrote:lots of things are illegal and im 100% certain you have done atleast 1 thing thats illegal..

Hmmm...

Thanks on part 2 didnt think of that

Strange "Moral Compass" you have there, that allows you to break any laws that you do not agree with and because you believe everyone else breaks the law.

Just a shame that the Justice System does not share your views.

However, I do not think that this forum is in the business of condoning illegal activities, do you?

I believe you can get live streams of US police and emergency services via the internet. Whether that's legal or not I don't know, but it is definitely illegal to listen in on UK police broadcasts if you were able to do so, but most if not all are encrypted.

dog-man

This sets out the legal position about the reception of personal or business radio transmissions by unauthorised persons or groups.

A licence is not required to use a radio receiver or scanner as long as it is not capable of transmission. It is not illegal to sell, buy or own a scanner or any other receiver but it must only be used to listen to transmissions meant for general reception. The services that can be listened to under the definition of general reception are:

a) licensed broadcasting stations
b) amateur and citizens' band radio transmissions
c) weather and navigation transmissions

It is an offence to listen to any other radio services unless licensed to do so, this includes listening to illegal radio stations (pirates) by virtue of the fact that they are not licensed radio stations.
Unauthorised reception

Section 49(1), (2) and (3) of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 makes it an offence if a person "otherwise than under the authority of a designated person", either:

"(i) uses any wireless telegraphy apparatus with intent to obtain information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any message whether sent by means of wireless telegraphy or not, of which neither the person using the apparatus nor a person on whose behalf he is acting is an intended recipient"

This means that it is illegal to listen to anything other than general reception transmissions unless you are either a licensed user of the frequencies in question or have been specifically authorised to do so by a designated person. A designated person means:

a. the Secretary of State;
b. the Commissioners of Customs and Excise; or
c. any other person designated for the purpose by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

or:

(ii) except in the course of legal proceedings or for the purpose of any report thereof, discloses any information as to the contents, sender or addressee of any such message, being information which would not have come to his knowledge but for the use of wireless telegraphy apparatus by him or by another person."

This means that it is also illegal to tell a third party what has been heard.

With certain exceptions, it is an offence under Section 1 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 for a person - "intentionally and without lawful authority to intercept, at any place in the United Kingdom, any communication in the course of its transmission by means of:

a. a public postal service; or
b. a public telecommunication system."

It is similarly an offence to intercept any communication in the course of its transmission by means of a private telecommunication system. This means that it is illegal to listen to telephone calls, including mobile phone networks which are designated as forming part of the public telecommunications system.

It is even illegal to listen to private companies, say, taxi firms or football stewards, etc.

And that, is that. I dunno.