Police scanner codes are essential tools that enable law enforcement officers to communicate swiftly and effectively. These codes, often referred to as ten-codes, serve as shorthand to convey detailed information with brevity and clarity. For instance, when an officer radios “10-4,” it signifies acknowledgment or understanding of a message. This system not only streamlines communication but also enhances operational efficiency during critical situations.
Imagine listening to a police scanner and hearing a series of numbers and codes exchanged rapidly. To the untrained ear, it might sound like a foreign language. However, each code carries specific meaning, allowing officers to relay information about incidents, statuses, and requests without lengthy explanations. Understanding these codes can provide civilians with insights into the workings of law enforcement and foster a greater appreciation for the complexities of their duties.
The Origin and Purpose of Police Scanner Codes
The concept of police scanner codes dates back to the 1930s. The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) introduced the ten-code system in 1937 to address the need for concise and standardized communication among officers. During that era, radio channels were limited, and lengthy transmissions could lead to congestion and miscommunication. The ten-code system provided a solution by assigning numbers to common phrases, reducing airtime and minimizing misunderstandings.
Over time, these codes have evolved, with variations emerging across different jurisdictions. Despite efforts to standardize them, regional differences persist, leading some agencies to adopt plain language communication to avoid confusion, especially during inter-agency operations. Nonetheless, many departments continue to use traditional codes due to their ingrained presence in law enforcement culture.
With advancements in technology, police scanner apps now allow the public to access real-time police communications from their smartphones. These apps help enthusiasts, journalists, and emergency responders stay informed about incidents in their area using police scanner codes. If you’re interested in how these apps work and which ones are the best, check out this detailed guide on police scanner apps.
Commonly Used Police Scanner Codes
While the exact meanings of codes can vary by location, several ten-codes have become widely recognized:
- 10-1: Signal weak
- 10-2: Signal strong
- 10-4: Message received; understood
- 10-7: Out of service
- 10-8: In service
- 10-9: Repeat message
- 10-20: Location
- 10-33: Emergency; all units stand by
- 10-50: Accident
- 10-99: Wanted or stolen record
These codes facilitate quick exchanges of information, allowing officers to respond promptly to various situations. For example, an officer reporting “10-50” indicates an accident, prompting necessary emergency responses without delving into specifics over the radio.
Police 10 Codes
Commonly Used 10 Codes
- 10-0 – Caution (Used when an officer approaches a potentially dangerous situation.)
- 10-1 – Reception poor (When the radio signal is weak.)
- 10-2 – Reception good (Confirmation that the radio signal is clear.)
- 10-3 – Stop transmitting (Officers use this to ask others to stop talking over the radio.)
- 10-4 – Message received, understood (One of the most well-known codes, meaning “OK.”)
- 10-7 – Out of service (The officer is unavailable.)
- 10-8 – In service (The officer is available for duty.)
- 10-9 – Repeat message (Used when the transmission was unclear.)
- 10-10 – Off duty (The officer has finished their shift.)
- 10-13 – Weather and road advice (Important for responding to calls in hazardous conditions.)
- 10-15 – Prisoner in custody (Indicates an arrest has been made.)
- 10-20 – Location (Used to ask or provide an officer’s location.)
- 10-22 – Disregard last assignment (Cancel the previous order.)
- 10-23 – Stand by (Wait for further instructions.)
- 10-29 – Check for wants (Used to check if a person or vehicle is wanted.)
- 10-33 – Alarm sounding, audible (Indicates a security alarm has been triggered.)
- 10-42 – Check the welfare of/at (Used for wellness checks.)
- 10-45D – Dead (Refers to a fatality at a scene.)
- 10-50 – Under influence of drugs (Used when dealing with a suspected drug-related case.)
- 10-56A – Suicide attempt (Indicates an active suicide attempt in progress.)
- 10-67 – Person calling for help (Used for emergency assistance requests.)
- 10-71 – Shooting (An officer reports a shooting incident.)
- 10-79 – Bomb threat (Serious alert requiring immediate action.)
Police Scanner 11 Codes
- 11-10 – Take report (An officer is writing a report on an incident.)
- 11-24 – Abandoned vehicle (Used for reporting unattended vehicles.)
- 11-40 – Advise if ambulance needed (Officers request a medical response.)
- 11-41 – Ambulance needed (Confirms an emergency medical response is required.)
- 11-42 – No ambulance needed (Medical assistance is not necessary.)
- 11-44 – Deceased person (Used when a coroner is required.)
- 11-54 – Suspicious vehicle (Used when investigating an unfamiliar or suspicious car.)
- 11-80 – Accident with major injuries (A serious crash with critical injuries.)
- 11-81 – Accident with minor injuries (A collision with less severe injuries.)
- 11-82 – Accident with no injuries (A minor crash with no reported injuries.)
- 11-85 – Tow truck required (Requesting vehicle towing services.)
- 11-95 – Routine traffic stop (An officer pulls over a vehicle.)
- 11-99 – Officer needs help! (An emergency request for backup.)
Variations and Regional Differences
Despite the widespread use of ten-codes, their meanings can differ between agencies and regions. For instance, “10-13” might signify “officer needs help” in one jurisdiction, while in another, it could mean “weather report.” These discrepancies have led to challenges, especially during collaborative efforts among multiple agencies. Events like the 9/11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina highlighted the need for clear communication, prompting some agencies to shift towards plain language protocols to ensure mutual understanding during critical incidents.
The Role of Plain Language in Modern Policing
In response to the potential for miscommunication, there’s been a movement towards adopting plain language in police communications. This approach aims to eliminate ambiguity, ensuring that all parties, regardless of their departmental background, can comprehend transmitted messages. While traditionalists argue that codes offer brevity and a level of confidentiality, proponents of plain language emphasize clarity and inclusivity, especially during multi-agency operations where standardized codes might not be uniformly understood.
How Civilians Can Benefit from Understanding Police Scanner Codes
For enthusiasts and concerned citizens who monitor police scanners, grasping the meanings of these codes can provide context to the activities unfolding in their communities. It fosters a deeper connection to local events and an appreciation for the rapid decision-making required in law enforcement. However, it’s crucial to approach this knowledge responsibly, respecting privacy and operational security.
Despite the rise of digital communication, radio remains a crucial tool in emergency response, law enforcement, and public safety operations. Police departments still rely on radio transmissions, including police scanner codes, for quick and efficient coordination. Understanding how radio technology continues to be relevant in modern times helps us appreciate why police scanners remain essential. Learn more about why radio is still a vital communication tool.
Bottom Line
Understanding police scanner codes can provide valuable insights into law enforcement communication and can even be useful in emergency situations. By learning these codes, you can better understand how officers operate and respond to various incidents. Whether you’re a curious citizen or someone interested in law enforcement, knowing these codes can be both informative and empowering.
