2 points:
1. Scanners are very helpful in keeping marshals in touch with what is going on, out of sight. Used on the GP loop at Brands, it is a real help. Are we going to ban food & drink as well, as they can be a distraction? There is one sure way for marshals to lose concentration, leave them for hours with not contact with the outside world! The old red flag story wont go away! Maybe we should move PA speakers from near posts as well?
2. I bought a scanner in San Francisco last month for someone who has bought one himself. It's a RadioShack 200 Channel, VHF/UHF/Air device. It's very similar to the one I bought last year. It's very tough as I've dropped the damn thing many times!(My one, not this one!) It cost me $149.99 + tax (8%), so make me an offer!
End of advert!