Your local Radio Shack should have at least one employee there who can tell you what type of scanner you need, and whether they use analog/digital/trunked/whatever. Probably the manager of the store is the best guy to talk to.
If you can get by with analog, I recommend something like the following:
http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=103&encProdID=rHqQH%2FVccfo%3D&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0
http://www.icomamerica.com/products/receivers/r5/default.aspThey will be a bit more expensive than a plain analog scanner. They also might not scan as fast. But they are a LOT more useful, as they also pickup shortwave, am/fm broadcast, television audio, etc.
** EDIT **
A lot of places have laws against using (or even having scanners) mobile. Specifically, I have heard of states in the southeast that confiscate any scanners in a car -- even if handheld and in luggage for use by race fans hoping to hear their favorite driver talking. However, AFAIK, all states have exceptions for amateur radio operators. So, if you study and get your ham license (cheap), then you can legally own a scanner even in a car.