[header] How to cover a police beat for a newspaper [title] Purchase a' handheld' police scanner radio. [step] Depending on what signal type (digital vs. analog) the police broadcast in in your area, this will cost between $75 and $500 or more in pounds. The scanner is the wellspring of breaking news on this beat. 
Keep it with you as often as possible. [title] Gather important information office phone numbers from all law enforcement and emergency service offices in the vicinity.