Understanding how police communication works is important not only for those in law enforcement but also for civilians, tourists, and residents. In the Netherlands, like in many countries, the police use special codes to communicate quickly and efficiently. These are called police codes or radio codes. They are used during emergencies, patrols, criminal investigations, traffic checks, and more.
This article will help you check the police code list of the Netherlands in simple and easy English. Whether you’re a student, traveler, researcher, or just curious, this guide will help you understand Dutch police codes and how they are used.
Police Code provides these codes for free, allowing you to explore global police signals and meanings. You don’t need to pay or register—just access and learn anytime.
What are Police Codes?
Police codes are short numbers or signals used by police officers to communicate specific situations over the radio. These codes help officers communicate quickly and with fewer words. For example, instead of saying, “We have a robbery in progress,” they might use a code like “Code 211.”
In the Netherlands, some codes are numeric (like 101), while others may be alphabet-based or a combination. They are designed to be understood only by the people trained to use them.
Why Are Police Codes Used in the Netherlands?
Police officers in the Netherlands face many situations daily. To handle these properly, they need to respond fast and effectively. Police codes help in the following ways:
Save time: Saying a code takes less time than saying a whole sentence.
Improve clarity: There is less chance of misunderstanding.
Maintain privacy: The public or suspects may not understand what the officers are talking about.
Stay professional: Helps keep communication clean and formal.
Dutch Police Communication System
In the Netherlands, the National Police is responsible for public safety and crime control. Dutch police use a digital radio network known as C2000. This network is highly secure and allows encrypted communication.
C2000 is used by police, fire departments, and ambulance services. Within this system, police codes are commonly used to report emergencies, call for backup, or inform other officers.
Commonly Used Police Codes in the Netherlands
Let’s explore some of the most commonly used Dutch police codes. These codes may vary slightly based on the city or province, but most are standard across the country.
1. 101 – Assistance Needed Urgently
This code is used when a police officer is in serious trouble and needs help immediately. It’s like an SOS or “officer down” alert.
2. 102 – Backup Requested
Used when an officer needs additional support but is not in a life-threatening situation.
3. 103 – Armed Suspect
This code warns officers that the suspect may have a weapon.
4. 104 – Hostage Situation
Indicates a hostage crisis is happening and special units are needed.
5. 105 – Traffic Accident
Used to report road accidents, with or without injuries.
6. 106 – Suspicious Vehicle
Alerts officers about a vehicle acting strangely or parked suspiciously.
7. 107 – Robbery in Progress
Used when a robbery is actively happening.
8. 108 – Domestic Violence
This code is used for incidents involving violence at home.
9. 109 – Drug Activity
Reports related to drug use, dealing, or production.
10. 110 – Missing Person
Alerts the team that someone is missing and a search may be needed.
Specialized Police Codes in the Netherlands
Apart from the basic codes, Dutch police also use special codes for operations, traffic, or administrative tasks.
Code Z (Zaken) – For Special Cases
Z-codes are used in administrative or detailed reporting. For example:
Z1 – Completed successfully
Z2 – Further investigation required
Z3 – Evidence collected
Code T (Traffic)
T1 – Normal traffic stop
T2 – Speeding violation
T3 – DUI suspicion
Police Signals and Terms
Along with codes, officers also use signals or short phrases to communicate. These are often called “seinen” in Dutch.
Common Signals:
Sein 1 – Proceed with caution
Sein 2 – Stop vehicle
Sein 3 – Turn off the engine
Sein 4 – Get out of a vehicle
These are used during roadside checks or tactical operations.
How to Use Police Code to Learn Dutch Police Codes
Police Code is an easy-to-use website that offers all Dutch police codes and global police code systems in one place. You can:
Explore by Country
Search by code number or keyword
Check meanings, updates, and usage tips
Learn emergency, radio, traffic, and patrol codes
And the best part? All information on Police Code is completely free.
Are Dutch Police Codes Similar to Other Countries?
While some police codes are universal (like 10 codes used in the US), Dutch codes are customized for their local system. For example:
US Code 10-4 means “message received.”
In the Netherlands, you might say “Begrepen” (understood) or use a Z-code.
That’s why using a reliable source like the Police Code is important to learn the correct meanings.
How Tourists Can Benefit from Knowing Police Codes
If you’re visiting the Netherlands, understanding basic police codes can be helpful:
Safety: Know if a dangerous situation is near.
Awareness: Recognize if there’s an accident or criminal activity around you.
Respect: Understand what officers are doing and avoid interfering.
Example:
If you hear an officer say “Code 105”, you now know it refers to a traffic accident.
Police Emergency Numbers in the Netherlands
To support police communication, there are important emergency numbers you should know:
112 – Main emergency number (Police, Ambulance, Fire)
0900-8844 – Non-emergency police assistance
144 – Animal emergency service
Who Uses Police Codes?
In the Netherlands, these codes are used by:
Local Police Units
National Crime Squad
Traffic Police
Emergency Medical Services
Border Control and Customs
Special Units like the SWAT
Each team is trained in the proper use of these codes.
Example Police Code Conversations (Dutch-English)
Here are a few sample communications translated into simple English:
Officer A: “Code 102 at station Rotterdam.”
Meaning: Backup is requested at Rotterdam station.
Officer B: “Code 108, domestic issue, female injured.”
Meaning: Domestic violence case with injuries reported.
Control Room: “All units, Code 106, suspicious van on highway A12.”
Meaning: A suspicious vehicle is seen on A12 highway.
Digital Police Systems in the Netherlands
The police are also using technology to improve communication:
C2000 digital radio
Mobile Police Apps
Live Surveillance and Dashcams
AI for crime prediction and monitoring
Still, police codes remain the core language of officer communication.
How to Report a Crime in the Netherlands
If you want to report a crime or emergency, follow these steps:
Call 112 for serious emergencies.
Dial 0900-8844 for non-urgent help.
Provide your location.
Describe the situation simply.
If safe, wait for police arrival.
If you know any code like 101 or 105, you can mention it if needed.
Difference Between 10-Codes and Numeric Codes
In some countries, police use “10 codes” (e.g., 10-7, 10-20). In the Netherlands:
Numeric codes like 101 are more common.
10-codes are not part of standard Dutch police communication.
Instead, plain Dutch or simplified signals are used.
History of Police Codes in the Netherlands
Police codes were introduced to speed up communication and improve officer safety. Over time, they’ve evolved to include:
Emergency response codes
Surveillance codes
Administrative and traffic codes
Special unit signals
Digital systems like C2000 have further made them faster and more secure.
Can Civilians Use Police Codes?
While civilians do not use police codes in daily life, they can:
Understand news reports better
Respond more wisely in emergencies
Know when to stay safe or report
Police Code helps civilians explore these meanings freely and easily.
How Police Code Helps Researchers and Students
If you’re doing a project on law enforcement, communication, or public safety, the Police Code is the perfect resource. It helps with:
Gathering correct definitions
Comparing global police code systems
Understanding real-life applications
Supporting thesis or papers
Final Thoughts
The police code list of the Netherlands is a smart, structured, and secure system designed for fast and efficient communication. These codes help save lives, stop crime, and keep both citizens and officers safe.
Whether you’re a researcher, student, traveler, or just curious about how the Dutch police work, the Police Code gives you free access to explore these codes anytime, anywhere.
Start your journey of understanding law enforcement signals with the Police Code today. The knowledge could make you safer, smarter, and more prepared.