Police code 10-8 commonly means in service or available. It is the counterpart to 10-7 and one of the most useful status updates in routine police radio traffic.
If you want the broader code set, start with the Police 10 Codes guide or compare this page with 10-7 and 10-4.
What 10-8 Means
10-8 means a unit is in service or available. In practical terms, the officer is ready to take the next assignment or return to regular radio traffic.
Common Use in Police Radio and Scanner Traffic
This code is heard when an officer signs on, returns from a break, or becomes available after a prior call. It helps dispatch know which units can be assigned quickly.
Plain-English Example
An officer might check in with dispatch and say, “10-8,” which tells everyone they are available for the next call.
Important Variation Note
Some departments use 10-8 very literally for in-service status, while others allow it to mean simply that the unit is back on the air. Local procedure still controls the final interpretation.
For related status pages, compare 10-7, 10-4, 10-20, and 10-33.
FAQ
Is 10-8 the opposite of 10-7?
Usually, yes. 10-7 means the unit is unavailable, while 10-8 means the unit is back in service or available.
Does 10-8 mean the officer is on patrol?
Not always. It means the unit is available, but the actual assignment can still vary.
Can 10-8 be heard on scanners?
Yes. It is a common status update and is often easy for listeners to recognize once they know the code.
What other pages help explain 10-8?
10-7, 10-4, 10-20, and 10-33 give the clearest surrounding context because they cover status, acknowledgment, location, and emergency traffic.