Police scanner codes are the hidden language of law enforcement communication, used by officers and dispatchers to quickly convey critical information over the radio. These codes serve as a vital tool in maintaining efficient and effective communication in real-time situations, allowing responders to stay informed without needing lengthy explanations.
Unlike the more well-known ten codes or eleven codes, police scanner codes are broader and often vary widely across different regions, providing a diverse set of shorthand phrases that address nearly every situation an officer might face.
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For the full index, start with the Police Codes Guide.
Search Scanner Codes
Search common scanner, response, 10-code, 11-code, and California code references.
Message received or acknowledged
Common acknowledgment used on many radio channels.
Location
Used to ask where a unit or person is located.
Out of service
A short status update that the unit is unavailable.
In service or available
Used when a unit is back and ready for calls.
Emergency traffic
Often used to clear the channel for urgent messages.
Emergency response
Usually indicates a high-priority emergency response.
No further assistance needed
Commonly used when a scene is under control.
Officer needs help
A serious call that often signals urgent assistance.
Homicide reference
Most commonly tied to California homicide references.
Robbery reference
Often used as shorthand for robbery in California context.
Disturbing the peace
A common reference for disturbance-related calls.
Burglary reference
Common shorthand for burglary-related references.
Mental health hold reference
Usually tied to California mental health hold context.
Prisoner in custody
Often heard after an arrest or during transport.
Suicide or suicide attempt
Commonly used for urgent crisis-related traffic.
Deceased person / possible fatality
Often tied to death or possible death on scene.
Attempted suicide or suicide
Commonly tied to crisis-related calls.
Bomb threat
High-priority public safety call.
Animal bite complaint
Often a lower-acuity call, but still important.
Accident / ambulance call
Often used for accident or ambulance-related calls.
Officer down / urgent help
Common high-priority emergency call.
Commonly associated with 10-20
Search intent page for the location query.
Commonly associated with 11-99
Search intent page for urgent officer assistance.
Commonly associated with Code 3
Search intent page for emergency response queries.
Commonly associated with Code 4
Search intent page for scene-controlled calls.
Commonly associated with 211
Search intent page for robbery references.
Commonly associated with 415
Search intent page for disturbance references.
Commonly associated with 459
Search intent page for burglary references.
California scanner, 10-code, response-code, and penal-code context
Guide page for California scanner context.
Texas scanner and local radio code context
Guide page for Texas scanner context.
Whether police still use 10 codes
Guide page for current 10-code usage.
Why police code meanings differ
Guide page for code variation context.
Difference between scanner codes and penal codes
Guide page for scanner and penal code differences.
No matching code found. Try searching by another code, meaning, or keyword.
Code meanings can vary by department, region, and policy. These are common public meanings, not official agency definitions.
If you are looking for the most common scanner references, start with Code 3, Code 4, 10-4, 10-20, and 5150.
What Are Police Scanner Codes?
Police scanner codes are a collection of shorthand signals used by law enforcement to communicate details about various situations quickly. They encompass everything from routine status checks to life-threatening emergencies, ensuring that everyone involved can understand what’s happening and respond appropriately. These codes are not standardized universally; instead, they are adapted by individual police departments to suit their unique needs and protocols.
The use of scanner codes helps officers convey key information with precision, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings, especially during high-stakes incidents. Whether it’s indicating the need for backup, announcing an emergency, or coordinating with other units, these codes play a fundamental role in effective law enforcement operations.
Police Scanner Codes
Tip: On mobile, scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Code | Meaning | Usage Context | Severity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 1 | Routine response | No urgency required | Low |
| Code 2 | Urgent response | Proceed quickly, no lights or sirens | Medium |
| Code 3 | Emergency response | Use lights and sirens | High |
| Code 4 | No further assistance needed | Situation under control | Low |
| Code 5 | Surveillance | Maintain observation without detection | Medium |
| Code 6 | Busy | Officer occupied, unavailable | Low |
| Code 6A | Busy on administrative duty | Performing administrative tasks | Low |
| Code 7 | Meal break | Officer on break | Low |
| Code 8 | Restroom break | Officer taking a restroom break | Low |
| Code 9 | Roadblock | Traffic control or block in place | Medium |
| Code 10 | Bomb threat | Threat of explosive device | High |
| Code 11 | SWAT or specialized unit requested | Tactical response needed | High |
| Code 12 | Patrol coverage needed | Request for area coverage | Medium |
| Code 14 | Ambulance en route | Medical emergency assistance on the way | High |
| Code 15 | Citizens holding suspect | Civilians detaining a suspect | Medium |
| Code 17F | Fugitive attachment | Warrant for a wanted individual | High |
| Code 17M | Municipal court attachment | Local court attachment required | Medium |
| Code 18 | Traffic incident | General traffic-related incident | Medium |
| Code 19 | Drunk | Suspected intoxicated individual | High |
| Code 20 | Auto accident | Vehicle collision | Medium |
| Code 20A | Airplane crash | Aircraft accident | High |
| Code 20F | Fatal accident | Accident involving fatalities | High |
| Code 20I | Injury accident | Accident involving injuries | High |
| Code 21 | Complaint | General complaint received | Medium |
| Code 23 | Traffic congestion | Heavy traffic in area | Low |
| Code 24 | Medical emergency | Serious health emergency | High |
| Code 25 | Call dispatcher | Request communication with dispatch | Low |
| Code 26 | Police officer | Officer presence needed or on scene | Medium |
| Code 27 | Attempted crime | Crime attempt without completion | Medium |
| Code 28 | Inciting a felony | Encouraging or initiating a major crime | High |
| Code 29 | Death | Report of a deceased individual | High |
| Code 30 | Homicide | Report of intentional death | High |
| Code 30C | Homicide by cutting | Homicide by knife or sharp object | High |
| Code 30S | Homicide by shooting | Homicide by firearm | High |
| Code 34 | Aggravated battery | Severe physical attack | High |
| Code 34C | Cutting | Attack involving a knife | High |
| Code 34S | Shooting | Gunfire-related attack | High |
| Code 35 | Simple battery | Minor physical assault | Medium |
| Code 37 | Aggravated assault | Violent assault causing serious injury | High |
| Code 38 | Simple assault | Minor altercation or threat | Medium |
| Code 39 | Negligent injury | Injury due to carelessness | Medium |
| Code 42 | Aggravated rape | Serious sexual assault | High |
| Code 43 | Simple rape | Sexual assault without physical violence | High |
| Code 44 | Aggravated kidnapping | Abduction with additional threats or violence | High |
| Code 45 | Simple kidnapping | Abduction without aggravating factors | High |
| Code 51 | Aggravated arson | Intentional fire-setting with severe damage | High |
| Code 51B | Bomb threat | Threat of explosive device | High |
| Code 52 | Simple arson | Intentional fire-setting | High |
| Code 52E | Explosives | Use or presence of explosive materials | High |
| Code 52F | Fire | Active fire | High |
| Code 54 | Combustible materials | Hazardous flammable substances | Medium |
| Code 56 | Criminal damage | Intentional property damage | Medium |
| Code 58 | Contaminated water | Hazardous or poisoned water source | High |
| Code 59 | Criminal mischief | Minor vandalism or disturbance | Low |
| Code 60 | Aggravated burglary | Burglary with violence or weapons involved | High |
| Code 62 | Alarms | General alarm activation | Medium |
| Code 62B | Simple burglary | Break-in without force or violence | Medium |
| Code 62C | Auto burglary | Vehicle break-in | Medium |
| Code 62R | Residential burglary | Home break-in | Medium |
| Code 62S | Safe burglary | Safe or vault break-in | High |
| Code 63 | Criminal trespass | Unauthorized entry | Medium |
| Code 63S | Sit-in | Peaceful occupation of property | Low |
| Code 64 | Armed robbery | Robbery involving weapon use | High |
| Code 64G | Armed robbery with gun | Robbery involving firearm | High |
| Code 64K | Armed robbery with knife | Robbery involving knife | High |
| Code 65 | Simple robbery | Robbery without weapon | Medium |
| Code 65P | Purse snatching | Theft of purse or handbag | Medium |
| Code 66 | Extortion threats | Threats for financial or personal gain | High |
| Code 68 | Unauthorized use of movable | Using property without permission | Low |
| Code 69 | Possession of stolen goods | Found in possession of stolen items | Medium |
| Code 71 | Issuing worthless checks | Writing checks with insufficient funds | Medium |
| Code 72 | Forgery | Falsifying documents or signatures | High |
| Code 80 | Carnal knowledge of juvenile | Sexual relations with a minor | High |
| Code 81 | Indecent behavior with juvenile | Inappropriate conduct with a minor | High |
| Code 82 | Prostitution | Engaging in sex work | Medium |
| Code 84 | Pandering | Encouraging or facilitating prostitution | Medium |
| Code 87 | Abortion | Illegal or unauthorized abortion | High |
| Code 89 | Crime against nature | Crimes involving unnatural sexual acts | High |
| Code 90 | Gambling | Involvement in betting activities | Low |
| Code 90C | Gambling by cards | Card game betting | Low |
| Code 90D | Gambling by dice | Dice game betting | Low |
| Code 91 | Unlawful sale to minor | Selling prohibited items to underage | Medium |
| Code 93 | Cruelty to juvenile | Abuse or neglect of a minor | High |
| Code 94 | Illegal use of weapon | Unauthorized use of a firearm | High |
| Code 95 | Illegal carrying of gun | Carrying firearm without permit | High |
| Code 95K | Illegal carrying of knife | Carrying knife without permit | Medium |
| Code 98 | Driving while intoxicated (DWI) | Operating vehicle under alcohol influence | High |
| Code 99 | Reckless operation | Driving dangerously | Medium |
| Code 100 | Hit and run | Fleeing scene of accident | High |
| Code 148 | Resisting arrest | Refusing or avoiding arrest | High |
| Code 149 | DUI/DWI | Driving under the influence | High |
| Code 601 | Incorrigible | Persistent disobedient behavior | Medium |
| Code 602 | Delinquent | Juvenile engaging in criminal acts | Medium |
| Code 901 | Accident / Ambulance call | Medical aid requested for a collision | High |
| Code 999 | Urgent help needed / Officer down | Officer in immediate danger | High |
| Code 1000 | Plane crash | Report of aircraft incident | High |
| Code 5150 | Mentally disturbed person | Person with mental health crisis | High |
| Code 10851 | Stolen vehicle | Reported vehicle theft | High |
| Code 11300 | Narcotics | Drug-related activity | High |
| Code 12020 | Carrying concealed weapon | Unlawful possession of hidden weapon | High |
| Code 23109 | Speed contest / Racing | Street racing | High |
| Code 23152 | Drunk driving – Misdemeanor | Alcohol-related DUI | High |
| Code 3000 | Road block | Obstruction of roadway | Medium |
Why Are Scanner Codes Important?
The importance of police scanner codes lies in their ability to save time and reduce confusion during communication. In the field, officers often face rapidly evolving situations that require immediate decisions. Having a set of predefined codes allows them to communicate complex information with just a few words. This not only keeps radio channels clear but also ensures that officers can focus on the task at hand rather than getting bogged down in lengthy verbal descriptions.
For example, using “Code 3” to indicate an emergency response with lights and sirens conveys an urgent situation much faster than spelling it out. The quick, coded language helps protect officer safety and improves the coordination between units, which is critical for handling emergencies effectively.
Scanner codes are also a practical way to maintain confidentiality. By using codes, officers can convey sensitive information without easily revealing details to any unintended listeners, such as suspects or the general public who might be monitoring radio frequencies.
Where Are Scanner Codes Used?
Police scanner codes are used in a variety of scenarios, ranging from everyday police activities to critical incidents. These codes are transmitted over police radio channels, providing vital information in a format that is concise and easy to understand for officers and dispatchers alike. They are used not only by local law enforcement but also by other emergency services like fire departments and paramedics, making them an integral part of broader public safety communications.
The codes are particularly valuable during multi-agency responses. When police, firefighters, and paramedics are all converging on the same scene, having a shared set of radio codes helps keep everyone aligned. However, because codes can vary between regions and departments, there can sometimes be challenges when multiple agencies have slightly different meanings for the same code.
Differences Between Scanner Codes, Ten Codes, and Eleven Codes
While police scanner codes, ten codes, and eleven codes all serve similar purposes, there are notable differences among them. Ten codes are perhaps the most well-known, covering standard phrases that have been adopted widely across various law enforcement agencies. Examples like “10-4” (acknowledgment) or “10-20” (location inquiry) are almost universally understood in police work.
Eleven codes, on the other hand, are less widespread and are typically used in certain regions or states, such as California. They offer more specialized instructions, tailored to specific scenarios that might be unique to those areas. For instance, an eleven code might denote a particular type of vehicle stop or an officer-specific request that isn’t covered by ten codes.
Police scanner codes are broader in scope and tend to cover general actions or incidents that officers frequently encounter. Unlike ten or eleven codes, scanner codes can vary widely in both usage and meaning, often depending on the preferences of individual police departments. For example, “Code 1” might simply mean a routine response in one department, while in another, it could indicate a very specific situation. The lack of a national standard for these codes means that local adaptation is common, but this also allows departments to customize their codes to better reflect the challenges they face.
Categories Covered by Police Scanner Codes
Scanner codes are used to describe a wide range of incidents and situations. Here are some of the common categories that police scanner codes can cover:
- Response Levels: Codes like “Code 1,” “Code 2,” or “Code 3” are used to describe the level of response required for a situation. These range from non-urgent, routine responses to full emergency responses requiring lights and sirens.
- Officer Status: Some scanner codes provide updates on the status of an officer, such as “Code 6” for being busy or “Code 7” for taking a meal break. These codes help dispatchers keep track of where officers are and whether they are available for new assignments.
- Emergency Situations: There are codes specifically meant for urgent incidents, such as “Code 10” for a bomb threat or “Code 30” for an officer down. These high-priority codes are crucial for mobilizing resources as quickly as possible.
- Surveillance and Observation: Codes like “Code 5” can indicate that officers are conducting surveillance and need to avoid detection. This allows units to carry out covert operations without drawing attention to their activities.
- Medical and Traffic Incidents: Scanner codes also cover medical emergencies and traffic-related events, such as “Code 18” for a traffic incident or “Code 24” for a medical emergency. This helps responders know what to expect when they arrive on the scene.
These categories help provide structure to the wide array of scenarios that police and other emergency responders may face, ensuring that everyone involved in a response understands what’s happening and what is required.
Who Uses Police Scanner Codes?
Police scanner codes are primarily used by law enforcement officers, dispatchers, and emergency responders. However, they’re also well-known among certain groups of civilians, particularly police scanner enthusiasts and hobbyists who enjoy listening to radio broadcasts. These enthusiasts use scanners to stay informed about local law enforcement activity, and understanding scanner codes allows them to better interpret what they’re hearing.
Journalists and media professionals also use scanner codes to keep up with breaking news. When covering stories involving police activity, knowing the codes can help reporters get accurate details and respond promptly to unfolding events. In some cases, community watch groups may also familiarize themselves with scanner codes as part of their efforts to keep their neighborhoods safe.
Why Codes Vary Across Departments
One of the most interesting aspects of police scanner codes is their variability. Unlike the ten codes, which have a semblance of standardization, scanner codes can be quite different depending on the department. This flexibility allows law enforcement agencies to develop codes that address specific local needs. For example, a department in a coastal area may have unique codes for situations like boat rescues or beach incidents, whereas an inland department would have no use for such distinctions.
While this customization is highly useful for local operations, it can also create challenges, particularly during larger incidents involving multiple jurisdictions. For this reason, during inter-agency operations, many departments opt to use plain language to ensure there’s no confusion. Despite this trend, the use of scanner codes persists due to the efficiency they bring to everyday communication.
Where to Insert the Police Scanner Codes Table
To provide readers with a practical reference, we suggest inserting a table of police scanner codes immediately after this section. This table should include each code along with its meaning, usage context, and severity level. Presenting the codes in a table format allows for quick reference, making it easy for readers to find the specific code they’re looking for without sifting through paragraphs of text. It’s a helpful addition that will make the information more accessible and usable.
Conclusion
Police scanner codes are an indispensable part of law enforcement communication, providing a quick and effective way for officers to share information about a wide variety of situations. Although less standardized than ten codes or eleven codes, scanner codes are highly adaptable, allowing different departments to customize their communications to fit local needs. This adaptability makes them a key element of daily operations, ensuring that officers, dispatchers, and even the public can stay informed and coordinated.
By understanding these codes, you gain valuable insight into how law enforcement agencies operate, the challenges they face, and the split-second decisions that go into keeping communities safe. Use our resources to familiarize yourself with police scanner codes, and you’ll be better equipped to understand the critical work of law enforcement professionals.
More scanner questions
If you want the emergency-response meaning, see Police Code for Emergency Response. For scene-control and status questions, also compare Police Code for No Further Assistance and Police Code for Disturbing the Peace.
More scanner context
If you want to separate general scanner shorthand from regional or legal references, these guide pages make the structure clearer.