(A) As used in this section the term "high frequency police radio receiving set" shall mean any radio receiving set capable of receiving any message sent out by any police radio station.
(B) High frequency police radio sets prohibited, exceptions. It shall be unlawful for any person to equip or operate inside the city any motor vehicle with a high frequency police radio receiving set, unless:
(1) The motor vehicle is being used by the federal, state, city, or county government, or a peace officer; or
(2) The motor vehicle is being used by a public utility or other corporation, commercial organization, or individual operating a federally licensed short wave radio communication system. However, each vehicle so equipped shall either be plainly identifiable as belonging to the federal licensee or be registered with the chief of police for information of the police department; or
(3) The motor vehicle has been so equipped pursuant to a permit from the chief of police granted as hereinafter prescribed.
(C) Permits. Any person desiring a permit from the chief of police to operate a high frequency police radio receiving set in a motor vehicle inside the city shall file an application with the chief of police in writing, stating the name of the applicant, the license number, engine number, model and make of the motor vehicle in which it is desired to install the set and shall furnish a photograph of applicant and his fingerprints. The application shall also state the reason why it is desired to install the set. If the chief of police finds that the application shows a need for the set, that the set will be used for a lawful purpose, and that the public interest will be served by a granting of the application he shall issue a permit for installation and use of the set without charge. An application must be filed and a new permit must be secured for each year a high frequency police radio receiving set is used.
(D) Permits not transferable. Any permit issued under division (C) shall not be transferable to any other person and any high frequency police radio receiving set authorized to be installed and used by any permit shall not be placed in any other motor vehicle than the one described in the application for the permit without first obtaining a permit from the chief of police for the removal of the set to the other motor vehicle. No fee shall be charged for removal permit. In case of a change in license number of any motor vehicle in which a high frequency police radio receiving set has been permitted under this section, the owner of the vehicle shall notify the chief of police of such change within 5 days after the change is made.
(E) Responding to or interfering with police calls. It shall be unlawful for the operator of any motor vehicle, other than city officers and police and fire department officers and employees of public utilities in the line of duty, to follow up and answer police radio calls, or to in any way interfere with police officers answering such radio police calls.
(Ord. 15, passed 10-21-54) Penalty, see § 70.99 (M)
Statutory reference:
Possession or use of radio capable of sending or receiving police messages, see KRS 432.570