Branch: Police Scanners and Everyday Rural Life

In “It’s On All the Time in Our House:” Police Scanners and Everyday Rural Life, author Michael Branch (Sociology, Hartwick College) explores the long-time use of police scanners by laypeople in a rural town in upstate New York. He argues that, despite the perceived community benefits to having scanners in their homes, there exist also unforeseen consequences, especially for vulnerable residents.

Police scanners are radio-like devices that allow listeners to hear police and emergency activity in a particular area. Although these are traditionally physical devices, apps and Facebook pages which display the same information are increasing in popularity. Branch explores the sociological impact of the use of police scanners in the rural community of Old Forge, NY, through interviews with those living there.

Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews of mostly permanent and longtime residents, the author discovers both positive perceptions and negative impacts of the scanners. Perhaps due to the town’s majority-white population, Old Forge’s relationship with policing is shaped by residents’ perception that the area is “somehow removed from the troubles of crime and police violence.” However, economic divides among white residents also shape policing experiences. Those struggling financially are “othered” and are especially vulnerable to exposure and targeting through scanner broadcasts. Residents express concerns about privacy, as scanner use can stigmatize those seeking emergency services, particularly those related to domestic violence or mental health episodes. Branch also highlights a divide between permanent residents and newer, wealthier secondary residents, drawn to the town by tourism, who fuel rising housing costs and rural gentrification.

At the same time, scanners foster a sense of solidarity and community among permanent residents. They view the scanner as a way to promote stepping up and helping out others during a time of need. This sense of caring and obligation to the community is one of the driving forces behind the popularity of police scanners.

Branch expresses concern over potential detrimental impacts of access to police scanner information online, which extends its accessibility and longevity. While the information promotes community and connection, it also disproportionately targets underprivileged groups, stigmatizes certain emergency calls, and contributes to a lack of privacy. These findings highlight dual perspectives on the impact of the police scanners.