Police Code Meanings
Browse every police code meaning explained in plain English — 10-codes, 11-codes, penal codes and more, with usage context for each.
10-4 10-4 Police code 10-4 usually means message received or understood. Learn what 10-4 means, how it is used, and why meanings can vary. 10-7 10-7 Police code 10-7 means out of service or unavailable. Learn the common meaning, radio use, and why it can vary. 10-8 10-8 Police code 10-8 means in service or available. Learn the common meaning, radio use, and why it can vary. 10-15 10-15 | Prisoner in Custody Police code 1015 is used to indicate that an officer has a prisoner in custody. It communicates to dispatch that someone has been detained and is being transported. 10-20 10-20 Police code 10-20 usually refers to location. Learn what 10-20 means in radio traffic and scanner use. 10-33 10-33 Police code 10-33 usually means emergency traffic or urgent radio traffic. Learn the common meaning and variations. 10-56 10-56 | Suicide or Suicide Attempt 10-56 police code is used to indicate a situation involving suicide or a suicide attempt. Someone may have taken their own life or is actively attempting to do so. 11-44 11-44 | Deceased Person / Possible Fatality 11-44 police code is used to indicate a possible fatality at the scene of an incident. 11-44 informs officers that they may be dealing with a deceased individual. 11-45 11-45 | Attempted Suicide or Suicide 11-45 is a police code used for a situation involving a suicide or attempted suicide. When officers hear "Code 11-45," they understand that immediate action is needed. 11-86 11-86 | Bomb Threat Police code 11-86 typically refers to a bomb threat or a situation involving the potential presence of an explosive device. When officers hear "police code 11-92 11-92 | Animal Bite Complaint 11-92 police code is primarily used to refer to an animal bite complaint or an injury/incident involving an animal that has bitten or injured a person. 11-99 11-99 Police code 11-99 commonly means an officer needs help. Learn the usual meaning, urgency, and usage variations. 187 187 187 is commonly associated with homicide under California Penal Code. Learn the common meaning and scanner context. 211 211 211 is commonly associated with robbery under California Penal Code. Learn the common meaning and public safety context. 415 415 415 is commonly associated with disturbing the peace under California Penal Code. Learn the common meaning and usage. 459 459 Police code 459 is commonly associated with burglary under California Penal Code. Learn the common meaning and context. 901 901 | Police Code for Accident 901 police code is a call that alerts officers to respond to the scene of a vehicle collision or other types of accidents. It also involves ambulance call. 999 999 | Police Code for Officer Down Police Code 999, the emergency code for officer down or in danger. Understand its use, meaning, and importance in critical situations. 5150 5150 5150 commonly refers to a California mental health hold. Learn what the code means in common public use and scanner context. Code 3 3 Code 3 usually means an emergency response using lights and sirens. Learn how Code 3 is used and why policies vary. Code 4 4 Code 4 often means the scene is under control or no further assistance is needed. Learn common usage and variations.