Have you ever heard a police scanner and wondered what those short codes mean? You are not alone. Thousands of people across Ontario and Canada want to know what police officers are saying when they use numbers and short terms over the radio. These codes are called police radio codes, and they have been used for many decades to help law enforcement communicate faster and more clearly.
If you live in Ontario or are simply curious about how the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) communicate, this guide is for you. It is written in very simple English so that anyone can understand it. You will learn what police codes are, why they are used, what the common OPP codes mean, and how you can check them all online for free.
The best place to check all Ontario Provincial Police codes online is Police Code. This platform provides a complete list of police codes used across Canada and the world, completely free of charge. Visit Police Code and start your global police codes explorer today.
What Are Police Codes?
Police codes are short numbers or phrases that law enforcement officers use to talk to each other over the radio. Instead of saying a long sentence, an officer can just say a short code, and the other person on the radio knows exactly what they mean.
For example, instead of saying, “We have a traffic accident with injuries on Highway 401,” an officer might simply say a short code that means the same thing. This saves a lot of time and keeps communication clear and fast.
Police codes are also called:
- 10-codes (because many start with the number 10)
- Radio codes
- Scanner codes
- Signal codes
Different countries, provinces, and cities may use different codes. Ontario has its own set of codes used by the Ontario Provincial Police. However, many of these codes follow a similar pattern to codes used by other police departments across North America.
A Brief History of Police Radio Codes
Police radio codes have been around since the 1930s. They were first created in the United States by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO). The goal was to make radio communication faster and more efficient.
Before codes were used, officers had to speak in full sentences over the radio. This took a lot of time, especially during emergencies. With codes, officers could share information in just a second or two.
Over time, these codes spread to police departments in Canada, including Ontario. The Ontario Provincial Police adopted many of these codes and added some of their own to match the specific needs of policing in Ontario.
Today, police codes are still widely used, even though modern technology has improved communication systems. Many officers and dispatch centers continue to rely on codes because they are fast, simple, and understood by everyone on the team.
Who Are the Ontario Provincial Police?
The Ontario Provincial Police, commonly known as the OPP, is one of the largest police services in North America. They are responsible for policing a huge part of the province of Ontario, including:
- Rural areas and small towns that do not have their own local police
- Provincial highways and major roads
- Waterways, including lakes and rivers
- Provincial parks and crown land
The OPP works closely with local police departments, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and other emergency services. Because they cover such a large area, fast and clear communication is very important for the OPP. This is why police radio codes are a big part of how they work every day.
The OPP has thousands of officers serving communities all across Ontario. From the busy highways around Toronto to the remote areas of Northern Ontario, OPP officers rely on radio codes to stay connected with their dispatch centers and with each other.
Why Do Police Use Radio Codes?
You might wonder why police still use codes when they could just speak normally. There are several good reasons:
Speed: Saying “10-4” is much faster than saying “Yes, I understand what you said.” In an emergency, every second counts.
Clarity: Codes reduce confusion. When everyone knows exactly what a code means, there is less chance of misunderstanding.
Privacy: Codes make it harder for people listening to police scanners to understand what is being said. While scanner enthusiasts can still look up codes, it adds a small layer of privacy.
Consistency: Using the same codes across different departments means officers from different areas can still understand each other when working together.
Professionalism: Using a standard set of codes keeps communication organized and professional.
Common Ontario Provincial Police Codes
Below is a guide to some of the most commonly used police codes in Ontario. These are the codes you are likely to hear if you listen to an OPP radio channel or police scanner. Keep in mind that police codes can vary slightly depending on the department, but these are the most widely recognized ones used across Ontario.
10-Codes (Ten-Codes)
10-0 – Use caution
10-1 – Signal weak / Poor radio reception
10-2 – Signal good / Radio is working well
10-3 – Stop transmitting / Do not broadcast right now
10-4 – Acknowledged / Message received and understood (This is probably the most famous police code of all)
10-5 – Relay message / Pass this information to someone else
10-6 – Busy / Officer is currently busy with a situation
10-7 – Out of service / Officer is not available
10-8 – In service / Officer is available and on duty
10-9 – Repeat / Please say that again
10-10 – Negative / No, or did not understand
10-11 – Dog case / Situation involving a dog
10-12 – Visitors present / There are civilians nearby
10-13 – Weather and road conditions
10-14 – Escort / Providing escort service
10-15 – Prisoner in custody / An arrested person is being held
10-16 – Pick up prisoner
10-17 – En route / Officer is on the way
10-18 – Urgent / Handle this quickly
10-19 – Return to station
10-20 – Location / What is your current location?
10-21 – Call by telephone / Please make a phone call
10-22 – Disregard / Ignore the previous message
10-23 – Standby / Wait for more information
10-24 – Assignment completed
10-25 – Report to / Meet with a specific person
10-26 – Detaining subject / Person is being held for questioning
10-27 – Driver’s license check / Running a license check
10-28 – Vehicle registration check
10-29 – Check for wanted / Is this person or vehicle wanted?
10-30 – Danger or unsafe situation
10-31 – Crime in progress / A crime is happening right now
10-32 – Man with a gun / Someone is armed
10-33 – Emergency / This is an emergency call
10-34 – Riot
10-35 – Major crime alert / Important criminal activity
10-36 – Correct time / What is the current time?
10-37 – Suspicious vehicle
10-38 – Stopping a suspicious vehicle
10-39 – Urgent, use lights and siren
10-40 – Silent run / Respond without lights or siren
10-41 – Beginning tour of duty / Starting shift
10-42 – Ending tour of duty / Ending shift
10-43 – Information
10-44 – Request for officer / Need another officer here
10-45 – Condition of patient
10-46 – Assist motorist
10-47 – Emergency road repairs needed
10-48 – Traffic standard repair
10-49 – Traffic light out of service
10-50 – Traffic accident / Vehicle collision
10-51 – Wrecker needed / Tow truck required
10-52 – Ambulance needed
10-53 – Road blocked
10-54 – Livestock on the road
10-55 – Intoxicated driver
10-56 – Intoxicated pedestrian
10-57 – Hit and run accident
10-58 – Direct traffic
10-59 – Escort / Convoy
10-60 – Squad in area
10-61 – Personnel in vicinity
10-62 – Reply to message
10-63 – Prepare to make written copy
10-64 – Message for local delivery
10-65 – Net message assignment
10-66 – Message cancellation
10-67 – Clear for net message
10-68 – Dispatch information
10-69 – Message received
10-70 – Fire alarm
10-71 – Advise the nature of the fire
10-72 – Report progress on fire
10-73 – Smoke report
10-74 – Negative / No
10-75 – In contact with / I am speaking with
10-76 – En route / On the way
10-77 – Estimated time of arrival
10-78 – Need assistance / Officer needs help
10-79 – Notify coroner / Death has occurred
10-80 – Chase in progress / Vehicle pursuit
10-81 – Breathalyzer report
10-82 – Reserve lodging
10-83 – Work school crossing at
10-84 – If meeting, advise estimated time of arrival
10-85 – Delayed
10-86 – Officer or operator on duty
10-87 – Pick up checks for distribution
10-88 – Present telephone number
10-89 – Bomb threat
10-90 – Bank alarm at
10-91 – Pick up prisoner
10-92 – Improperly parked vehicle
10-93 – Blockade
10-94 – Drag racing
10-95 – Prisoner in custody / Submit to
10-96 – Mental subject / Person with mental health issue
10-97 – Check signal / Test signal
10-98 – Prison or jail break / Escaped prisoner
10-99 – Wanted or stolen / Something has been reported as wanted or stolen
Other Important OPP Signal Codes
In addition to 10-codes, the Ontario Provincial Police also use other types of signal codes and short phrases. Here are some common ones:
Code 1 – Respond without lights or siren (non-emergency)
Code 2 – Respond with lights on but no siren
Code 3 – Emergency response with lights and siren
Code 4 – All clear / Situation is under control
Code 5 – Stakeout in progress / Officers are observing secretly
Code 6 – At a scene
Code 7 – Meal break
Code 8 – Restroom break
Code 9 – Sergeant or supervisor on duty
Signal 1 – Officer requires assistance
Signal 100 – Code for a deceased person found at a scene
These short codes help OPP officers communicate important information without saying too much over the radio.
How to Check Ontario Provincial Police Codes Online
The easiest and fastest way to check all Ontario Provincial Police codes online is to visit Police Code at Policecode.info. This website is a complete, free global police codes explorer. It has police codes from Ontario, all other Canadian provinces, the United States, and many other countries around the world.
Here is why Police Code stands out:
It is completely free. You do not need to pay anything, sign up, or create an account. All the codes are available to everyone at no cost.
It is easy to use. The website is designed so that anyone can find the codes they are looking for quickly. You do not need to be a tech expert to use it.
It is updated regularly. Police codes sometimes change or get updated. Police Code works to keep the information accurate and current.
It covers codes from around the world. Whether you want to check OPP codes, RCMP codes, American police codes, or codes from police services in other countries, Police Code has it all in one place.
It is a trusted source. Police Code has built a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy source for police radio codes and signals.
If you are curious about any police code you heard on a scanner, saw in the news, or came across in a TV show, Police Code is the first place you should check.
Why Are Police Codes Important to Know?
You might wonder why an ordinary person would want to know police codes. Here are a few reasons:
Understanding the news: Sometimes, news reporters mention police codes when covering crime stories. Knowing the codes helps you understand what actually happened.
Listening to police scanners: Many people enjoy listening to police scanners as a hobby. Knowing the codes makes the experience much more interesting and understandable.
Emergency preparedness: If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation near police activity, understanding what officers are saying can help you know what to do.
General knowledge: Police codes are an interesting part of how modern law enforcement works. Learning about them is a fun way to understand more about public safety.
Writing and research: Writers, journalists, filmmakers, and researchers often need accurate police code information for their work. Police Code provides a reliable reference.
Are Police Codes the Same Everywhere in Canada?
This is a very good question. The short answer is no. Police codes are not exactly the same everywhere in Canada. Different police services, including those in different provinces, may use slightly different codes or signals.
However, many codes are very similar because they are based on the original APCO 10-code system that was created in the United States. The Ontario Provincial Police uses a version of these codes that has been adapted to fit the specific needs of policing in Ontario.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which serves many parts of Canada, including some rural areas of Ontario, may use slightly different codes. Municipal police forces in large cities like Toronto (Toronto Police Service) or Ottawa also have their own communication systems.
This is why having a resource like Police Code is so useful. It brings together codes from many different departments and provinces so you can compare and understand them all in one place.
Interesting Facts About Police Radio Codes
Here are some fun and interesting facts about police radio codes that you might not know:
“10-4” is the most famous police code in the world. Thanks to TV shows, movies, and popular culture, almost everyone knows that 10-4 means “message received.” It has even become a common phrase used in everyday language.
The number 10 in 10-codes does not have a special meaning. It was originally added before the codes to give the radio equipment a moment to warm up and transmit clearly. Over time, all codes that followed this format became known as 10-codes.
Some police departments are moving away from 10-codes. After the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, it was discovered that different emergency services were using different codes and could not understand each other. Since then, some departments have started using plain language instead. However, 10-codes are still widely used in Ontario and across Canada.
Police codes appear in many movies and TV shows. Shows like “The Wire,” “COPS,” and many crime dramas have used police codes to add realism. Hearing “we have a 10-50 on Highway 7” sounds much more authentic than saying “there is a car accident.”
You can listen to police radio legally. In Canada, it is generally legal to listen to police radio frequencies using a scanner. However, it is illegal to use what you hear to help someone avoid police.
How Police Dispatch Centers Use Codes
When you call 911 in Ontario, your call is answered by a trained dispatcher. The dispatcher then communicates with police officers on duty using radio codes. Here is a simple example of how this works:
- A person calls 911 to report a traffic accident on Highway 400.
- The dispatcher notes the location and details of the call.
- The dispatcher broadcasts the information to available OPP officers using the appropriate codes.
- An officer responds with their code to confirm they are on their way.
- When the officer arrives at the scene, they confirm they are at the location using another code.
- When the situation is handled, the officer uses a code to report that the assignment is complete.
All of this happens in seconds. Police codes make this fast and smooth communication possible.
OPP and Emergency Communication
The Ontario Provincial Police works within a larger emergency communication system that includes:
- Provincial dispatch centers
- Local emergency services (fire, ambulance)
- Ontario government agencies
- Municipal police forces in Ontario
- Federal agencies like the RCMP and CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency)
Having a shared understanding of radio codes helps all of these agencies work together during major emergencies like natural disasters, large accidents, or serious crimes. Events like floods, major highway accidents, or search-and-rescue operations require many agencies to communicate and coordinate. Police codes play a key role in making this coordination smooth.
Tips for Beginners Who Want to Learn Police Codes
If you are new to learning about police radio codes, here are some helpful tips to get started:
Start with the basics. Learn the most common codes first. Codes like 10-4 (acknowledged), 10-20 (location), and 10-33 (emergency) are used very frequently and are a good starting point.
Use Police Code as your reference. Visit Policecode.info to look up codes whenever you are unsure about something. It is free, easy to use, and has all the information you need.
Listen to a police scanner. You can buy a police scanner or use online streaming tools to listen to police radio. This is the best way to hear codes being used in real situations.
Practice regularly. The more you hear codes in context, the faster you will remember them. Over time, you will start to recognize codes automatically.
Focus on Ontario codes first. Since you are interested in OPP codes specifically, start by learning the codes used in Ontario. Once you are comfortable, you can explore codes used in other provinces and countries.
Join enthusiast communities. There are many online forums and groups where police scanner enthusiasts share information, tips, and code updates. Joining one of these communities can help you learn faster.
Conclusion
Understanding Ontario Provincial Police codes is interesting, useful, and easier than you might think. These codes have been used for decades to help law enforcement communicate quickly and clearly. From simple acknowledgments like 10-4 to emergency signals and crime codes, each code has a specific purpose that helps keep officers and the public safe.
Whether you are a curious citizen, a writer, a journalist, a student, or simply someone who enjoys listening to police scanners, knowing police codes gives you a deeper understanding of how law enforcement works in Ontario and across Canada.
The very best place to check Ontario Provincial Police codes online — and codes from police departments around the world — is Police Code. Visit Policecode.info today and start your global police codes explorer. Everything is available for free, with no sign-up required. It is your one-stop resource for police radio codes, 10-codes, signal codes, and more.
Stay curious, stay informed, and explore the world of police communication at Police Code.