Police codes are essential tools used by law enforcement to communicate clearly and concisely in urgent situations. By using a standardized code system, police officers and emergency responders quickly convey information over radio transmissions without needing lengthy explanations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of police radio codes, including the common 10 codes, character codes, and various other terms used by officers on duty. Whether you’re interested in understanding these codes for personal knowledge or preparing for a role in law enforcement, this article will help you explore their meanings in simple, easy-to-understand language.
What Are Police Radio Codes?
Police radio codes are shorthand communication methods used primarily in North America. These codes help officers describe incidents, situations, and statuses in a few words. The codes are especially important when officers need to stay discreet or convey information rapidly. For instance, instead of saying “I’m available for duty,” an officer might simply say “10-8.” This guide will explain many of these codes and their meanings in detail.
What Are the 10 Basic Codes?
The “10 codes” were originally developed in the 1930s and have since become one of the most widely used forms of police communication. While different regions and agencies may have slight variations, here are the 10 basic codes that are universally understood by most law enforcement agencies:
- 10-1 – Signal weak
- 10-2 – Signal good
- 10-3 – Stop transmitting
- 10-4 – Acknowledgment or okay
- 10-5 – Relay the message
- 10-6 – Busy
- 10-7 – Out of service
- 10-8 – In service
- 10-9 – Repeat message
- 10-10 – Off-duty
What Are the Most Common Police Codes?
Besides the basic 10 codes, other codes and phrases frequently used by police officers around the world include:
- 10-20 – Location (e.g., “What’s your 20?” meaning “Where are you?”)
- 10-36 – Correct time
- 10-50 – Accident
- 10-63 – Prepare to copy
- 10-99 – Wanted/stolen record
Learning these common codes can provide you with insights into police radio chatter and how officers handle real-time situations.
What Is the Police Character Code?
Police character codes are specific letters and numbers used to describe individuals or objects involved in incidents. In general, character codes are designed to communicate the severity of a situation, the type of person involved, or the nature of the object in question. For instance:
- A – Adam (for armed)
- B-Boy (for backup needed)
- C – Charlie (for a civilian)
These character codes allow officers to quickly convey descriptions or requests to one another.
What Does 10/20 Mean?
The phrase “10/20” is used by police to inquire about someone’s current location. When an officer asks another, “What’s your 10/20?” they’re asking for their present location. This shorthand phrase is widely recognized and used not only by law enforcement but also in various fields that rely on two-way radio communication.
Police 10 Codes and Their Meanings
The “10 codes” are shorthand number combinations from 10-0 to 10-99. Here is a breakdown of several police 10 codes and what they mean:
- 10-4: Acknowledgment, OK
- 10-7: Out of service
- 10-8: In-service, available for calls
- 10-13: Officer needs immediate assistance
- 10-16: Domestic disturbance
- 10-29: Check for wanted (person, vehicle)
Each police agency may adapt these codes for local use, so some variations may exist depending on the jurisdiction.
10-8 Police Code: What Does It Mean?
The “10-8” police code is used to indicate that an officer is on duty and available for service. Essentially, it means the officer is back in service and ready to respond to any incoming calls. The 10-8 code is commonly broadcast over the police radio to keep dispatchers and other officers informed about who is actively patrolling and available.
820 Police Code Meaning
The “820” code varies significantly across regions and agencies. In some departments, it may refer to a specific type of incident, like a mental health emergency or a report of a suspicious vehicle. Due to these regional differences, it’s always best to refer to a reliable source, such as the Police Code, to confirm the specific meaning of any given code in a certain area.
Additional Police Codes and Their Meanings
In addition to the widely known 10 codes, law enforcement agencies may also use other specific codes and signals to describe situations, such as:
- Code 1: Normal response (no lights or sirens)
- Code 2: Urgent, no lights or sirens
- Code 3: Emergency response (with lights and sirens)
- Signal 100: Hold all but emergency traffic
- Signal 33: Emergency
Codes like these help officers prioritize the urgency of calls and tailor their response accordingly.
How to Understand Police Code Lingo
Police codes are a form of “lingo” or jargon, designed to keep police communication efficient and sometimes discreet. Knowing police codes can be helpful if you’re a security guard, part of a neighborhood watch, or even a member of the public wanting to better understand law enforcement terminology.
Why Police Codes Are Useful Globally
Around the world, police codes provide a way for agencies to standardize their communication. These codes make it possible for officers in different regions to understand one another’s instructions and status updates, even if they are from different parts of the world.
To globally explore police codes, the Police Code offers a comprehensive, free resource for learning codes specific to different countries and regions.
Police 10 codes are shorthand codes used in radio communications to convey information efficiently. Each code represents a specific situation or status, such as “10-4” for acknowledgment or “10-20” for location. These codes help police officers and dispatchers communicate clearly and quickly.
The 10-4 code is one of the most commonly used codes, meaning “OK” or “Acknowledged.” It’s a quick way for officers to confirm that they’ve received a message and understood it.
The 10-20 police code is used to ask for or indicate a person’s location. When someone asks, “What’s your 10-20?” they’re asking, “Where are you?” This code is popular not only among police but also in general two-way radio communication.
Police codes make communication faster, clearer, and more discreet. Instead of explaining a situation in detail, officers can use these codes to relay information quickly over the radio, which is especially useful in emergencies.
You can find a comprehensive list of police codes, including regional variations and meanings, at Police Code, a free resource that provides global police code information for those interested in learning about law enforcement terminology.
Conclusion
Police codes are a critical aspect of law enforcement communication, providing a quick and standardized way to relay important information. From understanding the basic 10 codes to identifying different signals and character codes, this article has covered various aspects of police code usage. With resources like the Police Code, anyone can explore these codes on a global level and enhance their understanding of police communication.