What kind of scanner do I need to listen to police and fire?
That depends on the kind of radio system that's used in the area you want to monitor. Some areas can use a very basic scanner, but many will require a more advanced model.
Sometimes Radio Shack has a basic scanner model on sale at an attractive price, but it may not receive much of what you want to listen to. Don't spend your money on a radio that won't do what you want. If you do find you have bought a radio that doesn't do what you need, remember Radio Shack has a 30-day return policy.
To see what radio you will need, check Denver Radio's What Scanner Do I Need? page, or call us at 720 248-SCAN (7226).
Where can I buy a scanner?
In the Denver area:
8400 E. Iliff Ave (east of Evans & Quebec), look for the radio tower on the south side.
phone 303 745-7373
And how do the State Patrol callsigns and areas work? 
CSP callsigns consist of their troop area plus their area number in that troop (except special units). For instance, a car in Arapahoe County might be 1C6 (One-Charlie-Six). This tells you he is working troop area 1C, and area number 6 of that troop area.
Here's a link to a printable map (shown above) that shows the areas each CSP troop covers, and their callsign prefixes.
For even more detailed information on CSP callsigns, 10-codes, and other information, check RadioReference: CSP information
Why can't I receive the State Patrol, or my favorite county, on the Colorado DTRS (Digital Trunked Radio System)?
The Colorado State DTRS has been 'rebanded'. What this means, is that ALL of the frequencies in the system were changed. This process was completed statewide in August, 2008. If you haven't reprogrammed your scanner, it won't have the new frequencies.
In addition, many of the frequencies on the 700 MHz sites were changed in July 2010. If you were relying on one or more of these sites for reception, such as in Adams County, you may have no reception, or weaker reception.
You should contact Denver Radio for the latest reprogramming.
FREE SCANNER MANUALS
Need a 
scanner manual? You can download them free at Uniden product support.
You can also call them at 1-800-297-1023, and they may be able to help you over the phone. This service
is available Monday-Friday, 7am to 4pm Mountain time.
Scanner manual downloads are available free at Radio Shack product support, or check the RS Index to Scanners.
Manual downloads are available free at GRE product support.
SCANNER REPAIR
If you have a scanner which needs repair, there are two good options:
Radio Shack: 800 843-7422 (they say take it to your local store to send it in)
Uniden: 800 297-1023
GRE: 650 591-1400
One company specializes in scanner repair: G&G Communications.
Their rates are reasonable; $40 labor, plus parts and shipping. They've been in business since 1973. Estimate fee is $20.00 which includes return shipping if you decide not to repair the scanner. Turnaround time is 2-3 weeks if parts are in stock. Phone 716 768-8151.