Understanding the radio frequencies used by the West Virginia (WV) State Police can be fascinating for enthusiasts and those interested in public safety. With the right scanner, you can monitor a range of communications, from dispatch operations to car-to-car conversations between officers. This guide will delve into the world of WV State Police scanner frequencies, focusing on how to potentially tune into those inter-officer channels and what you can expect to hear.
West Virginia, like many states, utilizes a complex radio communication system to ensure seamless coordination between law enforcement agencies. The provided feed from Upshur County, West Virginia, offers a glimpse into this system, monitoring various agencies including the WV State Police Buckhannon Detachment. To effectively listen to WV State Police communications, especially car-to-car frequencies, it’s crucial to understand the types of systems they use.
Conventional vs. Trunking: Understanding the Basics
The world of radio scanners involves two primary types of systems: conventional and trunked. Understanding the difference is key to effectively monitoring WV State Police frequencies.
Conventional Systems: As the original article notes, conventional systems use dedicated frequencies for specific functions. Think of it like having separate channels on an old TV. For example, one frequency might be dedicated to dispatch, another to car-to-car communication, and yet another for tactical operations. These frequencies are static and always used for their assigned purpose.
Trunking Systems: Trunking systems, on the other hand, are more dynamic and efficient. They utilize a pool of frequencies shared by many users. Instead of a dedicated channel, when an officer transmits, the system automatically assigns them an available frequency from the pool for the duration of their conversation. This is more like a modern phone system where channels are allocated as needed. The West Virginia Interoperability Radio Network (SIRN P-25) mentioned in the feed description is a trunking system.
Alt text: Radio Shack Pro 197 Digital Trunking Receiver used for scanning public safety frequencies, highlighting trunking capabilities.
Finding WV State Police Car-to-Car Frequencies
Pinpointing exact “car-to-car” frequencies for the WV State Police can be challenging for several reasons:
- Trunking Systems: Modern systems like SIRN P-25 are trunked. There aren’t fixed “car-to-car” frequencies in the conventional sense. Instead, communication happens on talkgroups within the trunked system. “Car-to-car” communication would occur within specific talkgroups used by troopers.
- Frequency Hopping and Encryption: Advanced digital trunking systems, and potentially even some conventional channels, might employ frequency hopping or encryption for secure communication, especially for sensitive operations. Encrypted channels will be impossible to monitor with a standard scanner.
- Unlisted Frequencies: Law enforcement agencies may have frequencies that are not publicly listed for security reasons.
However, you can still effectively monitor WV State Police communications, including officer-to-officer interactions, by focusing on the right resources and understanding how trunking systems work.
Here’s how to approach it:
- Utilize Online Scanner Databases: Websites like RadioReference.com are invaluable resources. Search for “West Virginia State Police” or specific troop locations (like Troop 3 mentioned in the feed). These databases often list known frequencies and talkgroups used by different agencies.
- Focus on Talkgroups, Not Just Frequencies: For trunked systems like SIRN P-25, pay attention to talkgroups. The provided feed lists “WVSP ElkinsDp” (WVSP Troop 3 – Elkins – Dispatch) as talkgroup 9009 (HEX: 2331). While this is a dispatch talkgroup, monitoring this and related WVSP talkgroups will capture a wide range of communications, including officer interactions.
- Monitor “Law Talk” or “Tactical” Channels: In conventional systems, “Law Talk” or “Tactical” channels are often used for direct communication between units, potentially including car-to-car conversations. The Upshur County frequency table lists “Sheriff – Law Talk” frequencies at 452.2000 and 457.2000 FM. While these are listed for the Sheriff, WV State Police might also utilize similar frequencies in certain areas or for interoperability.
- Listen to Surrounding Counties: The feed notes that it also monitors broadcasts from Barbour, Lewis, Randolph, and Webster counties due to WV’s Interoperability radio system. This is crucial! WV State Police operate across county lines, and monitoring adjacent areas can provide a more complete picture of their communications.
Upshur County Scanner Frequencies: A Detailed Look
The provided frequency table for Upshur County offers a starting point for monitoring local law enforcement, including potential WV State Police activity in the area.
| Agency | Public Service | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buckhannon | City Police – Dispatch | 151.0100 | FM |
| City Police – Dispatch | 153.7850 | FM | |
| Upshur | EMS – Dispatch | 155.2800 | FM |
| EMS – Dispatch | 155.3400 | FM | |
| Fire – Dispatch | 45.28000 | FM | |
| Fire – Tactical | 45.52000 | FM | |
| Fire | 154.0250 | FM | |
| Fire – RF Link | 453.2750 | FM | |
| Fire | 458.1000 | FM | |
| Fire – RF Link | 458.2750 | FM | |
| Fire | 458.9750 | FM | |
| Sheriff – Dispatch | 156.1725 | FM | |
| Sheriff – Law Talk | 452.2000 | FM | |
| Sheriff – Law Talk | 457.2000 | FM | |
| OEM – Dispatch | 155.9250 | FM | |
| Buckhannon | Site 037 Buckhannon | 453.4875 | LCN: 1 |
| Site 037 Buckhannon | 453.5125 | LCN: 2 | |
| Site 037 Buckhannon | 460.2625 | LCN: 3 | |
| Site 037 Buckhannon | 461.6625 | LCN: 4 | |
| Site 037 Buckhannon | 461.9375 | LCN: 5 | |
| Site 037 Buckhannon | 463.9375 | LCN: 6 |
Key takeaways from this table:
- Conventional Frequencies: Upshur County still uses conventional frequencies for various services. The “Sheriff – Law Talk” frequencies (452.2000 and 457.2000 FM) are worth monitoring for potential car-to-car style communications.
- SIRN P-25 Trunking: The Buckhannon Site 037 frequencies indicate the presence of the SIRN P-25 trunking system. To monitor WV State Police on this system, you need a scanner capable of trunk tracking and P-25 digital decoding.
- Talkgroups are Crucial for Trunking: The table lists Upshur County and WV State Police talkgroups. Focusing on talkgroup “3707 (e7b) D UpshurCoSoDp Upshur County Sheriff – Dispatch – (Also Area WVSP)” and “9009 (2331) D WVSP ElkinsDp WVSP Troop 3 – Elkins – Dispatch” within your trunking scanner will be the most effective way to hear WV State Police communications, including potential car-to-car exchanges within those talkgroups.
Scanner Legality in West Virginia
Before you start scanning, it’s essential to understand the legal aspects in West Virginia. West Virginia Code §15-3-5 addresses the use of information obtained from public safety communication systems.
West Virginia Code §15-3-5: “Use of information obtained by interceptions of transmissions on department of public safety communications system forbidden; penalties… No person shall intercept any message or transmission made on or over any communications system established by the department of public safety and use the information obtained thereby to aid, abet or assist in committing a crime, or in violating any law of this state, or use the same in a manner which will interfere with the discharge of the department’s operations.”
Alt text: Upshur County Sheriff patch, representing law enforcement agencies whose communications can be monitored.
Key points from the legal code:
- Legality of Scanning: Simply listening to scanner frequencies is generally legal. The law focuses on the use of intercepted information.
- Illegal Use: It is illegal to use intercepted information to aid in committing a crime, violate any law, or interfere with law enforcement operations.
- Penalties: Violations are considered a misdemeanor, punishable by jail time and/or fines.
In simple terms, listening is fine, but using the information for illegal activities is not. Most scanner enthusiasts listen for informational purposes, out of genuine interest in public safety and emergency services.
Conclusion: Tuning Into Public Safety Communications
Monitoring WV State Police scanner frequencies, including potential car-to-car communications, requires understanding both the technology and the available resources. By utilizing online databases, focusing on talkgroups in trunked systems, and respecting the legal guidelines, you can gain valuable insights into public safety operations in West Virginia. Remember to always use scanner information responsibly and ethically, respecting the privacy and work of law enforcement professionals. Happy scanning!
