A system for overhearing data or voice communications is provided. The system comprises at least one antenna operative to receive messages comprising data messages or voice messages, or both data and voice messages. A radio unit is in communication with the at least one antenna, with the radio unit operative to receive signals corresponding to the messages from the at least one antenna. A processor unit is in communication with the radio unit, with the processor unit operative to process the signals corresponding to the messages. A display unit is in communication with the processor unit, with the display unit operatively enabled in response to the signals corresponding to the messages. The display unit is operative to show the messages in a text format or a graphics format.