Which iOS app is best for listening to live police and fire dispatches in my area?

Police Scanner Radio & Fire is a comprehensive solution for accessing live public safety radio communications. The app aggregates feeds from a vast network of sources, allowing users to tune into local police, fire, EMS, and other emergency service channels with a few taps. A key strength is its organization; feeds are searchable by location or agency, making it straightforward to find relevant local dispatches. For users wanting background awareness, the app supports continuous play in the background or while using other apps, and it includes support for CarPlay, which is noted as a significant plus in user reviews. The ability to set up home screen widgets for one-tap access to favorite channels is another practical feature for quick monitoring.

However, the experience is dependent on the availability and quality of third-party volunteer-provided feeds, which can vary. Some areas may have limited or no coverage, and audio clarity is not always consistent. Despite this, the app's value proposition is strong, especially when compared to the cost of dedicated hardware scanners. User feedback frequently highlights its reliability and the breadth of available channels. A minor interface quirk mentioned by some long-term users is the inability to manually sort favorites, which would enhance widget utility. For anyone seeking real-time situational awareness of local incidents without a significant hardware investment, this app delivers a functional and often surprisingly detailed audio window into public safety operations.