Please see the most recent updates in the "Where did the .com name go?" thread. Posts number 16 and 17.
Scanner for the most part are legal in the US. From looking around Massachusetts no laws restricting scanners. They can request that scanners not broadcast on the web but is not against the law to do so. They have encrypted channels if they really didn't want things to be public.
I for one had the web scanner on and was waiting for things to go full LAPD with a hail of bullets and incendiary grenades. Insead there was a simple "suspect in custody" and a rerquest for pic of "White hat" to confirm that they had the right guy. Than a load of "The suspect in custody is the guy that was in the boat?" from others.
It was the most anticlimactic ending but I'm glad it did end that way.
I'm taking a minute here for all those killed and injured from the first explosion to the extaordinary hunt and successful apprehension. Thank you all for your sacrifices and best wishes in your recoveries.
and well done Boston
Lot's of "Open mic...Officer XXX XXXX, check your mic"