Just a generalization here…….FCC fines are usually monetarily hefty, and some offenses may even come with jail time. I would imagine, that while LEGALLY a non-LEO or FCC official cannot confiscate even a $30 Chinese radio (which at this point are generally all FCC type certified) , I would imagine that the alternative of having the perpetrators (and parents) info forwarded to the FCC for a formal complaint with the resultant fines assessed is a far worse choice. IMHO I would offer the kids/parents the choice: voluntarily give the radios to Hatzolah and/or destroy them, or face the formal complaint and resultant fines. Just as a quick example (without getting too technical) a simple setting on these radios colloquially called “narrowbanding” that is set improperly can incur a $10,000 fine PER OCCURRENCE. IE: for each time the PTT button is pressed. The FCC doesn’t fool around. look at their enforcements page. Hopefully this whole publicized incident will deter others from interfering with Hatzolahs activities.
