Top 25 Most Used Police Codes Explained

Top-25-Most-Used-Police-Codes-Explained

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down important or common law enforcement codes. This incorporates various police codes and signal systems used by different agencies in law enforcement. Importantly, the actual use and meaning of these codes can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another.

#25: 10-4
Acknowledgment/Understood
10-4 is the standard code used in the common ten-code system, predominantly among law enforcement and other emergency response teams. It signifies acknowledgment or understanding of a message received over radio communication.

#24: Signal 5
Bomb Threat
Signal 5 is used within specific coding systems to discreetly indicate a bomb threat. This code is part of a broader set of signals designed to allow officers to communicate about highly sensitive and potentially dangerous situations without causing public alarm.

#23: 11-06
Illegal Discharge of Firearms
The eleven-code system is used by law enforcement in California and elsewhere to report an illegal discharge of firearms. This enables swift communication about gun-related incidents, triggering immediate actions to address potential threats to public safety.

#22: 10-2
Good Reception
10-2 signifies that a radio transmission has been received clearly and understood. It’s essential in ensuring effective communication across law enforcement operations, where clarity can be the difference between success and failure in critical situations.

#21: 10-6
Busy
To indicate that an officer or unit is busy and temporarily unavailable for new calls or assignments, code 10-6 is used. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that communications are clear, and that response capabilities are not overstretched.

#20: Signal 2
Homicide
This important signal is employed by some police departments to report a homicide incident discreetly. It is part of a coded communication system designed to facilitate the exchange of sensitive information among officers.

#19: 11-24
Abandoned Vehicle
Reporting an abandoned vehicle means using 11-24. This lets officers communicate instances where vehicles are left unattended in suspicious circumstances, potentially indicating criminal activity or safety hazards.

#18: 10-22
Disregard
10-22 instructs officers or units to disregard a previously issued command or message, and is vital for operational flexibility and ensures that resources are not wasted on actions that have become unnecessary or counterproductive.

#17: 10-8
In Service
An officer or unit will indicate that they are active and available for assignments or calls with a 10-8. It’s fundamental for resource allocation and operational readiness.

#16: 10-44
Deceased Person
10-44 signifies a deceased person, and when dispatched, officers must handle the situation with sensitivity and professionalism. It involves securing the area, notifying appropriate authorities, and initiating investigations to determine the cause of death. Respect for the deceased and their loved ones is paramount during such incidents.

#15: Signal 10-29
Warrant Check
To request a warrant check on an individual, officers will use 10-29. Conducting a warrant check is crucial for officer safety and ensuring that individuals encountered during police interactions are not wanted for arrest.

#14: Signal 10-98
Assignment Completed
This wrap-up code 10-98 indicates that an assignment or task has been completed. Officers can then inform dispatch or command centers that they have finished their designated duties and are available for reassignment or further instructions.

#13: 11-41
Ambulance Needed
To signal the necessity for an ambulance without the use of lights or sirens, an 11-41 is used. It denotes a medical emergency requiring prompt but not urgent attention. This code ensures efficient allocation of medical resources while minimizing disturbance to traffic and public awareness.

#12: Code 4
No Further Assistance Needed
Code 4 is used to indicate that a situation is under control and no further assistance is required. Activating Code 4 signifies that the incident has been resolved satisfactorily.

#11: 11-10
Take a Report
Law enforcement officers are instructed to take a report on a non-emergency incident with an 11-10. This is for documenting events that may not require immediate action but are necessary for legal records, further investigation, or statistical purposes.

#10: 10-20
Location
A 10-20 requests or reports the location of an officer, incident, or other relevant entity. It ensures that backup, or resources can be directed promptly to where they are most needed.

#9: 10-7
Out of Service
An officer or unit out of service, either due to the end of a shift, a break, or equipment issues, will use a 10-7. This status is crucial for dispatch and coordination, signaling when an officer is not available to respond to calls or engage in active duties.

#8: Signal 11
Escort/Transport
Signal 11 is for some law enforcement agencies to request escorting assistance by organizing logistical support for individuals, valuable transports, or special events.

#7: 10-33
Emergency, All Units Stand By
This critical code indicates an emergency situation, instructing all units to stand by for further instructions. This code is activated during high-risk incidents such as officer down situations, active shooter scenarios, or major disasters. By broadcasting 10-33, law enforcement agencies mobilize all available resources.

#6: Code 3
Use Lights and Siren
Code 3 authorizes law enforcement officers to use emergency lights and sirens during vehicle operations. It’s activated in urgent situations where an immediate response is required, such as responding to emergencies, pursuing suspects, or navigating through traffic to reach a scene quickly.

#5: 10-31
Crime in Progress
To signal that a crime is in progress, officers use code 10-31. This alert mobilizes law enforcement officers to respond immediately, aiming to interrupt the criminal activity and ensure public safety.

#4: Signal 7
Burglary
Used by certain police departments to discreetly report a burglary, this allows officers to communicate the occurrence of property crimes without specific details over open radio channels.

#3: 11-80
Serious Injury Accident
11-80 is to report a serious injury accident. This code prompts an urgent response from police, medical, and possibly fire services to provide immediate help, secure the scene, and conduct preliminary investigations.

#2: Code 5
Stakeout/Stay Away
Code 5 is to indicate a stakeout operation is underway, instructing units not involved to stay clear of the area. It is crucial for maintaining the secrecy and effectiveness of surveillance efforts, ensuring that suspects remain unaware of police presence.

#1: Code 11-99
Officer Needs Assistance
This is a grave signal in law enforcement, indicating an urgent call for aid, often implying a life-threatening situation for an officer. This code prompts an immediate and robust response from fellow officers and emergency services to aid the endangered officer in peril.

Have you heard any of these codes before in movies or shows? Let us know in the comments.