Uniden Bearcat BCD436HP Police Scanner
The
Uniden Bearcat BCD436HP Police Scanner is a powerful, easy-to-use handheld digital scanner designed for both beginners and experienced users who want reliable, real-time access to local communications. With its built-in nationwide database, simply enter your zip code and start listening to police, fire, EMS, aviation, weather, and more with no complex programming required. Advanced features like TrunkTracker V technology, digital and analog reception, and location-based scanning ensure you hear the right channels in your area with clarity and precision.
The digital BCD436HP is the first scanner to incorporate the HomePatrol-1's ease of use in a traditional handheld scanner. Simply enter your zip code, and the BCD436HP will quickly select and scan channels in your local area.
Very simple to operate, you can be up and running in 3 minutes or less. No programming needed, just your zip code. Once your Zip Code is entered, BCD436HP will load Police, Fire and EMS channels in your area.
Fast shipping, expert programming available, and U.S.-based scanner support to get you up and running quickly.
In the box
- BCD436HP Radio Scanner
- Antenna (All-Band Rubber Duck)
- USB Cable
- Hand Strap
- NiMH batteries
- SMA to BNC Adapter
Downloads
Recommended Accessories
About our Set-up & Optimize Service
Get your Uniden Bearcat BCD436HP set up the right way from the start.
Programming is the most important part of using a police scanner. Without the right setup, many users turn the scanner on and hear little to nothing—or too much unrelated traffic—which leads to frustration. Our Set-up & Optimize service ensures your scanner arrives fully prepared for your specific area, so you can turn it on and start listening right away.
Before your scanner ships, our team will:
Update the internal frequency database to the latest available version
Install any firmware updates (the scanner’s operating system)
Build a custom Favorites List based on your shipping address or requested location
Pre-configure the scanner using your zip code for accurate local scanning
We also organize your channels so the most important local communications—like police, fire, and EMS—are easy to access and not buried in unnecessary noise.
This step is critical because not all areas are perfectly set up in the national database. Without proper configuration, local agencies may not scan correctly. We take the time to make sure everything works as it should for your location.
Please allow 7–14 business days for this custom programming service before your order ships.
Product Description
TrunkTracker V supports the following:
APCO Project 25 Phase I and Phase II, X2-TDMA, Motorola, EDACS, and LTR Trunked Radio Systems
Pre-Programmed Database
4 Gigabyte microSD card holds the entire USA and Canada database of radio systems, plus leaves room for hundreds of hours of audio recording.
Unit Size
W 2 5/8" x H 6" x D 1 1/4" (without knobs and antenna)
Easy to program
- Flexible Easy Channel Selection using Zip Code or GPS and Service Types — just pick the kinds of channels you want to hear and tell the BCD436HP where you are and let it do the rest.
- Flexible Scanning — scan from any combination of the main database and Favorites Lists
Easy to use
- Sentinel Software makes database and firmware updates simple. Also allows you to create, edit, and manage your Favorites Lists.
- Complete Front-Panel Programmability — create custom Favorites Lists either using systems from the main database as a starting point or program your systems from scratch.
- Easy Scan Control using the dedicated System, Department and Channel Hold buttons.
- Quick Key access to 100 Favorites Lists, 100 Systems per Favorites List, and 100 Departments per System.
The features you love!
- Close Call® RF Capture with Do-Not-Disturb automatically tunes the scanner to nearby transmissions without interrupting reception in progress.
- NOAA Weather Alert with SAME
- Temporary Avoid lets you quickly silence unwanted systems, departments, or channels while allowing you to restore them by cycling power.
- Included Sentinel Software makes database and firmware updates simple. Also allows you to create, edit, and manage your Favorites Lists.
- USB PC Connectivity
Unit Features
- Rugged construction with Rubber Side and Bottom Impact areas to improve impact resistance.
- Side-actuated Function and Menu controls
- Select/Volume/Squelch multi-control
- Rotating Belt Clip
- AA Battery Operation provides up to 8 hours of operation
- SMA-type antenna
- Back-lit Display and Keypad
- 92 x 160-Pixel Dot-Matrix Display
- Mini USB GPS input for location-based scanning using the Uniden GC-GPSK.
Frequency Coverage:
- 25-512 MHz
- 758-824 MHz
- 849-869 MHz
- 894-960 MHz
- 1240-1300 MHz
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to know anything about programming to use this scanner?
A: No. The BCD436HP is designed to be easy to use. You can simply enter your zip code and start listening. For best results, many customers choose our programming service so everything is set up and ready to go.
Keep in mind, the built-in database is broad, not personalized. So you may:
-
Hear too much (channels you don’t care about)
-
Miss things (if local systems aren’t perfectly set up or geo-tagged)
-
Get inconsistent results depending on your area
Q: What can I listen to with this scanner?
A: You can listen to local police, fire, EMS, weather alerts, aviation, and more. What you receive depends on what is active and available in your specific area.
Q: Will this scanner work in my area?
A: In most cases, yes. This scanner works across the U.S. using a built-in nationwide database. It supports both analog and digital systems, including P25 Phase I and II, which are widely used today.
Q: What is the difference between analog and digital scanning?
A: Older systems use analog signals, while many modern public safety agencies use digital systems. The BCD436HP can receive both, which makes it a great long-term choice.
Q: Can I travel with this scanner and use it in different locations?
Yes. You can update the zip code or use GPS (optional accessory) to automatically adjust what the scanner receives as you move.
Q: Do I need a computer to use this scanner?
A: No. Basic use does not require a computer. However, advanced users can connect it to a computer for more detailed programming and customization.
Q: Is this a good scanner for beginners?
A: Yes. It’s one of the most popular models for beginners because of its zip code-based setup, while still offering advanced features for users who want to learn more over time.
What our custom programming is really good for here:
-
Filters out the noise
-
Prioritizes what matters (police, fire, EMS, etc.)
-
Ensures local systems are set up correctly
-
Makes it easy to use from day one
Q: Does this scanner receive encrypted communications?
A: No. Like all scanners, it cannot receive encrypted channels. If an agency in your area uses encryption, those communications will not be available to monitor.
YouTube Videos
BCD436HP Uniden Bearcat Police Scanner 
scanner 
Great Scanner! 