Southern California’s Premier Radio Monitoring Community
Founded in September 1996, the Southern California Monitoring Association (SCMA) emerged following the closure of the national Radio Communications Monitoring Association (RCMA). SCMA has since become the region’s leading organization for radio enthusiasts, uniting hobbyists, professionals, and public safety personnel with a passion for radio communications.
Our members come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from first responders and journalists to amateur radio operators and casual listeners. Whether you’re interested in monitoring local police and fire communications or exploring the intricacies of digital and trunked radio systems, SCMA offers a welcoming community for all experience levels.
Meetings
SCMA hosts regular Zoom meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. These sessions feature open discussions, frequency updates, guest speakers, and resource sharing. In-person meetings, traditionally held on the second Wednesday, are currently on hold as we search for a new venue. Both members and non-members are encouraged to attend.
Click on this link for information on the location and time of the meetings.
Activities
Beyond meetings, SCMA offers:
- Newsletters: Periodic publications featuring the latest frequencies, monitoring tips, and community news.
- Exclusive Tours: Member-only visits to notable facilities such as the LAPD Dispatch Center, L.A. County Fire Dispatch, FAA Air Traffic Control, U.S. Coast Guard Air Rescue Squadron, and various radio and TV stations.
- Online Resources: A comprehensive website with frequency databases, newsletters, and multimedia content.
As you can see, the SCMA maintains an active home page on the World Wide Web.
Stay Connected
SCMA members can join our email list hosted on Groups.io to receive timely updates, share discoveries, and engage in discussions. To subscribe, visit our Groups.io page.
Membership
SCMA welcomes anyone interested in radio communications. Our community includes professionals from law enforcement, fire services, media, and government, as well as dedicated hobbyists. Notably, our founding member, the late Gene Costin—known to many as Gene Hughes—authored the renowned Southern California Police Call guide. Click on this link for a tribute to Gene Hughes. To learn more about membership and how to join, visit our Membership Information page.
For more information or to get involved, please contact us.