Batboard

Hi all,

I have a bit of an off-topic question. I am considering buying an XTS2500 UHF for use on the ham bands. But, the local Police use UHF XTS2500s as their primary radios. Therefore, if I ever get pulled over, etc, my radio and the cop's radio will appear identical. This concerns me because I am bound to run into a situation where some cop thinks that I got my hands on one of "their" radios. Has this ever actually happened to anyone? If so, how have you handled it?

Thanks!

1) Don't do things that will get you pulled over. This may sound trite, but honestly, how many people are pulled over "just because", and how many are pulled over because they were really doing something that deserved it?
2) Don't do things that will get you noticed by the police, such as parking on the road to storm spot.
3) Don't give them a reason to wonder about your radio - put it out of sight, say under the seat or in the glove box. Of course, if this is your only radio and you don't have a dedicated mobile rig, that doesn't work.
4) Make sure you have your radio license with you. If he asks, politely show him your license and explain.
5) If he is determined to make an issue of it - don't argue there at the side of the road, because you won't win, you won't make things better, you will make them worse. Yes officer, no officer, thank you officer. Argue your case in court.

+1

well said

I always have in my car a copy of my ham radio license, & a copy of the specific Florida statute [843.16(3)],which allows me to listen to frequency modulated two way radio broadcasts because I have a ham radio license. Years ago when I was stopped by a motorcycle cop & had a Syntor on UHF he said " no private person could own this radio". I still remember him saying to the dispatcher "Run me a serial # check on a Motorola radio". It came back fine, & I was on my way. While there are many "legit" radios w/o tags, I hope your radio has tags so the PD could run the SN should it become necessary. I mention this only because you have the same radio your PD uses. Could you imagine a cop trying to get the SN in the service mode? GARY N4KVE

Hello:
I take a bit different opinion of the depicted situation.
If an officer were to pull me over or aside due this type of situation id react a bit differently myself.
An officer that would do that needs to be put in there place by these qestions.
What makes you think my radio is stolen ?
Since its a Motorola product what makes you believe this radio is not sold to the public for use ?
Why would i be licensed with the FCC for the freqs i use in MY radio that im now carrying ?
Does it somewhat appear that you have made the belief that i have a stolen radio without reasonable cause ?
Not al officers would intrude on you just because you carry there model of radio but a few may making the bad impression for the balance of the good majority and as such im inclined to create a few waves for that type of officer.
Thrown in jail over this - Not a chance .
You have the right as a honest citizen to be left alone until reasonable cause is provided
otherwise.
If you have the back bone to stand up for your rights then do so otherwise yes officer / no officer is more than likely your best option .
Possibbly consider contacting you precinct and tell them you have one and clear the possibility of this happening and have it documentd on there system and get the case number or carry a paper from the comanding officer in charge to show proof of ownership.
A little pre prep will eliminate any future ownership concerns this way.
Satelite

where's the face palm smiley?

It all depends on your area and the departments... and whether the officers are used to seeing these radios in the hands of folks other than LEOs.

Both police and fire (and state police) in my area use XTS-5000s, XTL-5000s, and XTS-2500s. At one time or another, I have one or all of these in my car when I've been stopped. Yeah, OK... so I have this habit of missing stop signs.

When I HAVE been stopped, I've often had my radio ON and visible, and never had a question.

Then again... I live in a relatively rural area, with volunteer fire and ambulance crews. There are lots of these folks that are interested in radios.

Peter
K1PGV

While I understand the OP's reason for asking about this - it's not something that is really what we want discussed on here.

If you have a technical question we are always willing and able to help try and figure out it. If you have legal or policy questions you will always find different answers, attitudes, and as always - opinions. Keep in mind no matter how well intentioned these are none of these people will show up in court to defend those answers, attitudes, and opinion or hand you back in cash whatever you paid for your new confiscated radio. (Not saying that would or would not happen - but you get the idea I'm sure).

Please consult an attorney who will be standing there saying hey, I told him xyz and here's the law, now go pound sand.

-Alex