Police Code 4 commonly means the scene is under control or no further assistance is needed. It is the calm counterpart to Code 3, and scanner listeners often hear it when a call is being wrapped up.
If you want the wider response-code picture, start with the Police Scanner Codes guide or jump back to the homepage for the main code hubs.
What Code 4 Means
Code 4 is a status message that usually tells others no extra assistance is needed. In practical terms, it can mean the situation is safe enough for the unit to stand down or continue without more resources.
Common Use in Police Radio and Scanner Traffic
Officers use Code 4 when a stop, call, or scene is resolved. Dispatchers and other units use it as a quick signal that the event is under control.
Plain-English Example
An officer might say, “Unit 2 is Code 4 at the scene,” which tells dispatch that no backup or extra response is needed.
Important Variation Note
Some agencies use Code 4 to mean no further help is needed, while others use slightly different wording or reserve it for specific incident types. Local policy and training still decide the final meaning.
For additional context, compare Code 3, 10-4, 10-20, and Police Code 11-99.
FAQ
Is Code 4 always a clearance?
Usually it means the scene is stable, but not every department uses it the same way. The operational decision still comes from agency policy.
Does Code 4 mean no one was arrested?
No. It only speaks to the status of the response, not the legal outcome of the call.
Why do scanners use Code 4 so often?
It is a fast way to tell listeners the incident is winding down. That makes the rest of the radio traffic easier to follow.
What codes are close to Code 4?
Code 3, 10-4, 10-20, and 11-99 are the most useful comparison pages because they show how agencies handle urgency, acknowledgment, and assistance.