Uniden HomePatrol Series Handheld Scanner

Last updated: December 31, 2019


The Uniden HomePatrol Series Handheld Scanner not only locates the nearest activity, but it also uses a "do not disturb" feature that searches in the background while you listen. You can easily take this handheld model on the go. The built-in memory also means you can save your favorite channels and even temporarily skip channels you don't want.

We looked at the top Police Scanners and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Police Scanner you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: Take this handheld police scanner on the road and enjoy the location-based scanning feature that connects you to the strongest frequency in the area.

In our analysis of 57 expert reviews, the Uniden HomePatrol Series Handheld Scanner placed 9th when we looked at the top 13 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

“The BCD436HP is the first scanner to incorporate the HomePatrol-1’s ease of use in a traditional handheld scanner. Plus, Uniden’s exclusive Close Call RF Capture feature, GPS Connectivity, Extra-Large Display, Radio System Analysis and Discover Modes put the most advanced scanner features ever right in the palm of your hand. The LCD backlit keypad elluminates the keys and screen helps you make favorite lists quick and easy to setup. The department/site Quick Keys makes for a quick call or tagging the system/channel number. There are five different frequencies that are covered with the BCD436HP (25-512 MHz, 758-824 MHz, 849-869 MHz, 894-960 MHz, 1240-1300 MHz). Other features: TrunkTracker V, APCO 25 phase I and phase II, X2-TDMA, CTCSS/DCS rapid decoding, P25 NAC decoding and simple-to-use Sentinel PC software to keep your scanner’s database and firmware up to date. Receives conventional and the following types of trunked channels: •Motorola Type I •Motorola Type II •Motorola Type IIi Hybrid •Motorola Type II Smartnet •Motorola Type II Smartzone •Motorola Type II Smartzone Omnilink •Motorola Type II VOC •LTR Standard •Project 25 Standard •Motorola X2-TDMA •P25 Phase I and Phase II •EDACS Standard (Wide) •EDACS Narrowband (Narrow) •EDACS Networked (Wide/Narrow) •EDACS ESK On the following frequencies: (25-512 MHz) (758-960 MHz) (excluding cellular telephone bands) (1.24 – 1.3 GHz) “.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

The best feature of this product is, by far, the software options, featuring the possibility of creating a Favorites List, stocking your preferred channels on a 4GB memory, as well as Quick Keys, and the option to temporarily avoid a certain channel.
Another impressive feature of this police scanner is the location-based scanning. It will take your current location and automatically scan for all frequencies in the area, saving you from manually searching or digging through a book of frequency listings.
This real time police scanner also comes with S.A.M.E weather alert. You should be in a position to enjoy owning it right now. It delivers great performance that should make it possible to use right now.
One of the features, I find great on the BCD436HP Scanner is the Close Call® RF Capture with a Do-Not-Disturb that automatically tunes the scanner to nearby transmissions without interrupting the reception in progress.

What reviewers didn't like

The downside of this scanner is a gamble, since you don’t know if it will happen to you, but both our experts and the people we’ve interviewed reported that conventional, analog frequencies are sometimes not picked up properly (even not picked up at all), so the uncertainty surely affects the final rating of this Uniden product.
Cannot use scanner while charging.
It is expensive.
Some say it is easy to use where others advised that most of the features will not be used at present time and need the software to use most of the features.
View our Police Scanner buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

From our partners