Can I pick/change the Frequency on a handheld ham radio.?

Question

I work for search and rescue and they do not have a radio to supply for everyone. I was wondering if I could put there frequency into my handheld ham radio and use it to communicate with them.

Answer 1

even for "emergency" communications, it is illegal to use a device certified for use in Amateur Bands only on a frequency used for public safety.  It has happened in the past and results in censure from the FCC to the person (amateur) that modifies the radio to do this. some amateur radio handhelds can be programmed to listen on public safety frequencies, but they are blocked at the factory from trasmit capability. It can be a real bummer to be a hero in an emergency only to given a stiff fine and criminal record.

Answer 2

The ham radio probably has limits set inside the radio for how far you can program it to transmit outside the ham bands.  It really all depends on how far outside the ham band  the search and rescue frequency is.

If you have the make and model of the radio and the frequency you are trying to program, I might be of more help.

Answer 3

you cannot.

As a licensed amateur, you are supposed to know and understand the law.

the fcc certifies every emitting device, amateur radio is exempt from this because hams are tested and then licensed.

your ham radio is not certified for use on any band other than the amateur bands.

go buy a radio that is certified, you can find good used motorola gear on ePay.