Have you ever watched a police show and heard officers using numbers like “10-4” or “Code 3”? These are called police codes. They help police officers talk to each other quickly and clearly. In this guide, we will learn about police codes in the United States and how you can find them easily.

What Are Police Codes?

Police codes are short number combinations that police officers use on their radios. Instead of saying long sentences, they use these codes to save time. For example, instead of saying “I understand your message,” they simply say “10-4.”

These codes make communication faster and clearer, especially during emergencies. Different police departments across the United States use different codes, but many are similar.

Why Do Police Use Codes?

There are several good reasons why police officers use codes:

Save Time: In an emergency, every second counts. Using a short code is much faster than explaining everything in detail.

Keep Information Private: When police talk on public radio channels, they don’t want everyone to know exactly what is happening. Codes help keep some information private.

Clear Communication: Radio signals can be unclear sometimes. Short codes are easier to understand than long sentences.

Standard Language: Codes give all officers a common language, so everyone understands the same thing.

Where Can You Find Police Codes?

If you want to learn about police codes, there is a great resource available. Police Code provides all these codes for free. You can visit their website to explore police codes from around the world. The global police codes explorer makes it easy to search and understand different codes used by police departments.

Whether you are a student, a crime show fan, or just curious, Police Code has everything you need to learn about these important communication tools.

Common Types of Police Codes

There are different types of police codes used across the United States:

10-Codes: These are the most famous police codes. They start with the number 10, followed by another number. Examples include 10-4 (acknowledged) and 10-20 (location).

Signal Codes: Some departments use signal codes instead of 10-codes. These might start with “Signal” followed by a number.

Code Numbers: Simple numbered codes like Code 1, Code 2, and Code 3 indicate different levels of urgency.

Penal Codes: These refer to specific crimes based on state law. For example, a 187 in California means murder.

Different states and cities may use different systems, which is why having a resource like Police Code is so helpful.

10 Important Police Codes Explained

Let me explain ten common police codes that you might hear or see:

1. Code 10-4 (Acknowledged/Understood)

This is probably the most famous police code in America. When an officer says “10-4,” it means “I understand” or “Message received.” It’s like saying “okay” or “got it” in everyday conversation. You hear this code in almost every police movie or TV show. Officers use it constantly to confirm they heard and understood what another officer or dispatcher said.

2. Code 10-20 (Location)

When someone asks for your “10-20,” they want to know where you are. Police officers use this code to ask about or share their location. For example, a dispatcher might ask “What’s your 10-20?” and the officer would respond with their current address or position. This code is very important for coordinating officers and sending backup to the right place.

3. Code 10-33 (Emergency Traffic)

This is a serious code that means there is an emergency and the radio channel needs to be cleared. When someone calls “10-33,” all other officers must stop talking on the radio immediately. Only emergency messages can be shared until the situation is resolved. This code helps ensure that critical information gets through during dangerous situations.

4. Code 10-76 (En Route)

When an officer says “10-76,” it means they are on their way to a location. This lets dispatchers and other officers know that someone is responding to a call. For example, if there’s a robbery reported, an officer might radio “10-76 to Main Street” to indicate they are heading to that address.

5. Code 10-97 (Arrived at Scene)

This code means the officer has arrived at the location they were sent to. After saying “10-76” to indicate they were on their way, they use “10-97” when they get there. This helps dispatchers track where officers are and know that someone is now handling the situation.

6. Code 10-42 (Ending Tour of Duty)

When an officer’s shift is over, they use “10-42” to let dispatch know they are going off duty. This is important for tracking which officers are available to respond to calls. After calling “10-42,” the officer is no longer expected to respond to radio calls unless there’s a major emergency.

7. Code 10-99 (Officer Needs Help)

This is one of the most urgent codes in police work. When an officer calls “10-99,” it means they are in trouble and need immediate assistance. All available officers will drop what they’re doing and rush to help. This code is only used in serious situations where an officer’s safety is at risk.

8. Code 10-100 (Dead Body Found)

When officers discover a deceased person, they use “10-100” to report it. This code alerts dispatchers and other units that they need to secure the scene and call for detectives and medical examiners. It’s a sensitive code that requires careful handling and additional resources.

9. Code 211 (Robbery)

In many jurisdictions, “211” refers to a robbery in progress or a robbery report. This penal code number comes from California law but is widely recognized. When dispatch calls a “211,” officers know there’s a serious crime happening and they need to respond quickly. Robbery is different from burglary because it involves taking something from a person, often with force or threats.

10. Code 187 (Homicide)

This code, which comes from California Penal Code Section 187, refers to murder or homicide. It’s become well-known through movies and music. When officers use “187,” they’re reporting the most serious type of crime. This code brings detectives, crime scene investigators, and many other resources to investigate what happened.

Why Learning Police Codes Is Useful

Understanding police codes can be helpful in many ways:

Better Understanding of News: When you watch the news or listen to police scanners, you’ll understand what’s happening.

Educational Value: Students studying criminal justice or law enforcement need to know these codes.

Entertainment: If you enjoy crime shows and movies, knowing the codes makes them more interesting.

Emergency Awareness: Understanding codes helps you know what’s happening in your community.

Career Preparation: If you’re thinking about a career in law enforcement, learning codes is a good start.

How Police Codes Vary by Location

One important thing to remember is that police codes can be different depending on where you are. A code that means one thing in New York might mean something different in California. Some departments use 10-codes, while others use different systems entirely.

This is why resources like Police Code are so valuable. You can search for codes by location and find exactly what they mean in different places. The global police codes explorer helps you understand these differences easily.

The Future of Police Codes

Police communication is changing. Some departments are moving away from codes and using plain language instead. This means saying exactly what they mean rather than using number codes. The reason is that plain language is clearer, especially when different agencies work together during big emergencies.

However, many codes are still widely used and probably will be for many years. The tradition of police codes is strong, and many officers prefer using them.

Tips for Learning Police Codes

If you want to learn police codes, here are some helpful tips:

Start with Common Codes: Begin by learning the most frequently used codes like 10-4, 10-20, and emergency codes.

Use Online Resources: Visit Police Code to access comprehensive lists and explanations.

Practice Regularly: Review codes often to help them stick in your memory.

Listen to Police Scanners: Hearing codes used in real situations helps you learn faster.

Watch Police Shows: While not always 100% accurate, TV shows can help you recognize common codes.

Make Flashcards: Create study cards with the code on one side and the meaning on the other.

Conclusion

Police codes are an important part of law enforcement communication in the United States. These numbered systems help officers communicate quickly and efficiently during their daily work and emergencies. From the famous 10-4 to emergency codes like 10-99, each code serves a specific purpose.

Whether you’re interested in criminal justice, enjoy police dramas, or are simply curious about how police communicate, understanding these codes gives you valuable insight into law enforcement work. Remember that codes can vary by location, so it’s always good to check what specific codes mean in your area.

For anyone wanting to explore and learn more about police codes, Police Code offers a free and easy way to discover codes from around the world. Their global police codes explorer is a fantastic tool for students, professionals, and anyone interested in law enforcement communication.

Learning police codes is more than just memorizing numbers. It’s about understanding how our police forces work to keep communities safe. These codes represent decades of police tradition and continue to play an important role in law enforcement today.