Yes, many agencies still use 10 codes. They remain useful because they are short, familiar, and efficient when radio traffic is busy.
At the same time, a growing number of departments use plain language for clarity across agencies. That shift does not erase 10 codes, but it does change how often they are heard.
If you want the code list itself, start with the Police 10 Codes guide, then compare the broader Police Codes Guide, the Police Scanner Codes page, and common examples such as 10-4, 10-20, and 10-33.
Why some agencies still use 10 codes
10 codes are short, familiar, and efficient. That makes them useful in busy radio traffic where every word matters. Some agencies keep them because officers and dispatchers are already trained to use them fluently.
They can also be helpful when a department wants a compact way to communicate routine status, location, or acknowledgment without speaking in a long sentence over the radio.
Why some agencies moved toward plain language
Many agencies shifted toward plain language because it can be easier to understand across agencies, especially during mutual-aid incidents or large emergencies. Clear speech can reduce confusion when teams from different places work together.
That shift does not mean 10 codes disappeared. It just means some departments decided that plain language fits their operations better, especially when interoperability matters.
Scanner listeners may still hear both
If you listen to a scanner, you may hear one department using 10-4 or 10-20 while another agency in the same region uses plain-language wording for the same idea.
That mix is normal. It reflects the fact that radio habits are shaped by local policy, training, and history more than by one universal rule.
Common 10 codes still recognized by the public
Even when agencies move toward plain language, a few codes stay widely recognized by the public: 10-4, 10-20, 10-7, 10-8, and 10-33 are still commonly searched because people hear them often in scanner traffic and TV coverage.
That familiarity is one reason 10-code pages remain useful. They help readers translate shorthand into plain English without assuming the same exact policy everywhere.
Common 10 codes people still search
Whether police still use 10 codes depends on department policy and the kind of incident being handled. Some agencies use them constantly; others use them only in limited situations or not at all.
FAQ
Are 10 codes still common?
Yes, but the frequency depends on the agency and region.
Do all departments use plain language now?
No. Many still use some 10 codes alongside plain-language communication.
Why do scanner listeners care about 10 codes?
Because the codes turn short radio traffic into understandable plain-English meaning.
Is 10-4 still widely understood?
Yes, it is one of the most recognized 10 codes.
Where can I find the full list?
Start with the Police 10 Codes guide and then use the lookup tool for specific examples.