After being awakened for the umpteenth time by multiple cars of the cops hauling through our neighborhood at 2am last night, I wondered where they were going and what was going on (Yes, I know they were hunting down felons and whatnot).

Has anybody here used a scanner to listen in on what is going on in the neighborhood or surrounding area? If so, any recommendations? Or, are all the calls dispatched over those computers they have in the cars and as such are scanners obsolete these days?

Thanks!