Police ten codes are a fascinating part of law enforcement communication, serving as a bridge between rapid response and effective coordination. These Police codes, also called ten signals, are widely used across police departments, emergency services, and even citizen scanner enthusiasts. The goal of these ten codes is simple: to make police communication faster, more efficient, and less prone to misinterpretation.
We’re here to break down everything you need to know about police ten codes; full list of 10 codes, how they’re used, their meaning, and why they’re an important tool for law enforcement professionals.
For the full index, start with the Police Codes Guide.
Search Police 10 Codes
Search common 10 codes by number or meaning.
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 want a few fast examples before you read the full list, start with 10-4, 10-20, 10-7, 10-8, and 10-33.
What Are Police Ten Codes?
Police ten codes are similar to eleven codes; shorthand phrases that start with the number 10, followed by another number that conveys a specific message. Created to facilitate quick and efficient communication, these codes allow officers to share detailed information without needing lengthy explanations.
When officers are dealing with a high-stress situation, every second counts. The use of ten codes ensures that messages are conveyed clearly while using the least amount of airtime possible. Imagine trying to describe a situation in detail during an emergency—ten codes make it possible to keep messages succinct and universally understood.
The concept of the ten code system was initially developed in the 1930s and 1940s by Charles “Charlie” Hopper, who worked for the Illinois State Police. Hopper’s goal was to establish a way for police officers to communicate more effectively over early radio channels, which often suffered from interference and limited bandwidth.
Since then, ten codes have become an integral part of police culture and communications, not just in the United States, but also in other countries that have adopted similar systems.
Police 10 Codes (Full List)
Tip: On mobile, scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| 10 Code | Meaning | Usage Context | Severity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-0 | Use caution | High-risk situations | High |
| 10-1 | Weak signal | Communication issues | Low |
| 10-2 | Signal clear | Communication quality | Low |
| 10-3 | Stop transmitting | Cease communication temporarily | Medium |
| 10-4 | Acknowledged (OK) | Confirmation of received message | Low |
| 10-5 | Relay this message | Pass on information | Low |
| 10-6 | Busy | Currently occupied | Low |
| 10-7 | Out of service | Unavailable for response | Medium |
| 10-8 | In service | Available for duty | Low |
| 10-9 | Repeat message | Request for message repeat | Low |
| 10-10 | Negative | Denial or refusal | Low |
| 10-11 | On duty | Reporting active duty | Low |
| 10-12 | Stand by | Await further instruction | Low |
| 10-13 | Weather or road conditions | Inform on environment updates | Low |
| 10-14 | Message or information | General info-sharing | Low |
| 10-15 | Prisoner in Custody | Someone has been detained | Medium |
| 10-16 | Reply to message | Respond to previous communication | Low |
| 10-17 | En route to location | Heading to scene | Medium |
| 10-18 | Urgent | Immediate attention needed | High |
| 10-19 | In contact | Currently communicating | Low |
| 10-20 | Location | Requesting/responding with location | Medium |
| 10-21 | Call by phone | Request phone communication | Low |
| 10-22 | Disregard last message | Cancel previous instruction | Low |
| 10-23 | Arrived at scene | Confirmation of arrival | Medium |
| 10-24 | Task complete | Assignment finished | Low |
| 10-25 | Report to or meet at | Arrange meeting point | Low |
| 10-26 | Estimated arrival time | Provide expected arrival | Medium |
| 10-27 | License or permit check | Run driver or permit check | Medium |
| 10-28 | Vehicle registration check | Run vehicle registration check | Medium |
| 10-29 | Records check | Check for outstanding records | Medium |
| 10-30 | Danger or caution | Warning of a hazard | High |
| 10-31 | Pick up someone or something | Retrieval request | Low |
| 10-32 | Additional units needed | Request backup | High |
| 10-33 | Emergency | Immediate assistance required | High |
| 10-34 | Riot | Crowd control situation | High |
| 10-35 | Major crime alert | Large-scale criminal event | High |
| 10-36 (Vary between states) | Correct time / Assist Police Unit | Request for time / Assistance request | Low |
| 10-37 | Suspicious vehicle | Observe suspicious vehicle | Medium |
| 10-38 | Stopping suspicious vehicle | Intent to stop and check vehicle | High |
| 10-39 | Urgent: use lights and siren | Emergency response | High |
| 10-40 | Silent approach (no lights) | Covert approach | High |
| 10-41 | Starting shift | Begin tour of duty | Low |
| 10-42 | Ending shift | End tour of duty | Low |
| 10-43 | Information | General information request | Low |
| 10-44 | Permission to leave | Approval to exit area | Low |
| 10-45 | Animal carcass on road | Road obstruction | Low |
| 10-46 | Assist motorist | Aid stranded driver | Medium |
| 10-47 | Emergency road repair | Road hazard requiring repair | Medium |
| 10-48 | Traffic control | Manage traffic flow | Medium |
| 10-49 | Traffic light out | Signal malfunction | Medium |
| 10-50 | Accident | Report of a collision | Medium |
| 10-51 | Wrecker needed | Request tow truck | Medium |
| 10-52 | Ambulance needed | Request medical assistance | High |
| 10-53 | Road blocked | Obstruction in roadway | Medium |
| 10-54 | Livestock on highway | Hazard from animals on road | Low |
| 10-55 | Drunk driver | Impaired driver report | High |
| 10-56 | Suicide | Suicide Attempt | High |
| 10-57 | Hit and run | Collision with fleeing suspect | High |
| 10-58 | Direct traffic | Control traffic direction | Medium |
| 10-59 | Escort | Escort a person or vehicle | Medium |
| 10-60 | Suspicious person | Observe person acting suspiciously | Medium |
| 10-61 | Stopping suspicious person | Detain individual for questioning | High |
| 10-62 | Breaking and entering | Burglary report | High |
| 10-63 | Prepare to copy information | Ready for detailed info | Low |
| 10-64 | Crime in progress | Active criminal incident | High |
| 10-65 | Armed robbery | Report of armed theft | High |
| 10-66 | Notify medical examiner | Call coroner for death | High |
| 10-67 | Report of death | Notify of a deceased individual | High |
| 10-68 | Livestock in roadway | Hazard from animals on road | Low |
| 10-69 | Provide phone number | Give contact details | Low |
| 10-70 | Fire alarm | Fire incident report | High |
| 10-71 | Shooting | Active gunfire | High |
| 10-72 | Gun involved | Report involving firearm | High |
| 10-73 | Smoke report | Possible fire sighted | High |
| 10-74 | No contact | Attempted contact unsuccessful | Low |
| 10-75 | In contact | Communication established | Low |
| 10-76 | En route | Heading to location | Medium |
| 10-77 | Estimated time of arrival | Inform arrival estimate | Low |
| 10-78 | Need assistance | Request additional help | High |
| 10-79 | Notify coroner | Inform coroner of death | High |
| 10-80 | Pursuit in progress | Active pursuit | High |
| 10-81 | Breathalyzer report | Results of sobriety test | Medium |
| 10-82 | Reserve lodging | Arrange overnight accommodations | Low |
| 10-83 | School crossing patrol | Guard school crossing | Low |
| 10-84 | If meeting, advise arrival | Provide ETA for meeting | Low |
| 10-85 | Delayed due to… | Reason for delay | Low |
| 10-86 | Officer on duty | Officer on active duty | Low |
| 10-87 | Pick up or distribute checks | Handle check delivery | Low |
| 10-88 | Provide phone number | Share contact info | Low |
| 10-89 | Bomb threat | Suspected explosive report | High |
| 10-90 | Bank alarm | Bank security alarm activated | High |
| 10-91 | Pick up prisoner | Retrieve detained person | Medium |
| 10-92 | Improperly parked vehicle | Vehicle blocking or unsafe | Low |
| 10-93 | Blockade | Intentional road block | High |
| 10-94 | Drag racing | Illegal street racing | Medium |
| 10-95 | Subject in custody | Individual under arrest | Medium |
| 10-96 | Mental health subject | Person needing mental health aid | High |
| 10-97 | Check signal | Test radio signal | Low |
| 10-98 | Task complete | Assignment finished | Low |
| 10-99 | Wanted or stolen item found | Suspected stolen item or person | High |
How Many Ten Codes Are There?
While the number of police ten codes can vary depending on the jurisdiction or department, there is generally a core list of ten codes that most agencies share. Some regions use upwards of 100 different codes, while others may stick to a smaller subset for simplicity.
The “standard” ten codes, those that are most commonly recognized, usually cover a wide array of scenarios—ranging from everyday inquiries like “What’s your 10-20?” (location) to critical situations like “10-33” (emergency, all units respond).
Over time, different police departments have adapted and customized their own lists of ten codes to suit regional needs or specific communication protocols. This means that the same code might mean different things depending on the department using it.
Despite these variations, many core ten codes remain consistent across jurisdictions, ensuring some level of common understanding for officers moving between different regions or responding to mutual aid requests.
What Do Ten Codes Cover?
Police ten codes cover a broad spectrum of situations that law enforcement officers encounter daily. From signaling that an officer is on-duty to requesting immediate backup, these codes streamline communication between dispatchers, field units, and other responders.
Some ten codes are straightforward—for example, codes that indicate arrival at a scene or a simple acknowledgment of a message. Others are more specialized and might only be used in specific scenarios, such as dealing with hazardous materials or high-risk situations.
The flexibility of ten codes allows officers to address diverse situations efficiently. A few categories typically covered by ten codes include:
- Status Updates: Codes indicating whether an officer is on-duty, en route, or out of service.
- Location Queries: Often used to ask or convey current locations, such as “10-20.”
- Emergency Situations: Codes that signify urgent calls for backup or alert responders to emergencies.
- Requests and Reports: Codes used to ask for certain resources or report specific incidents, like needing additional units or noting a completed task.
While the police ten codes are incredibly useful, they also require officers to stay on top of training to avoid misunderstandings. Because different agencies might have slight differences in their code sets, effective communication hinges on both officers and dispatchers being clear and precise.
Many departments also carry laminated lists of ten codes for easy reference, especially when communicating across jurisdictions.
Are There Differences in Ten Codes?
Yes, there are differences, and this variation is both a benefit and a challenge. In some parts of the country, ten codes have been standardized to ensure seamless communication between multiple jurisdictions.
This is particularly helpful in large-scale emergencies involving multiple law enforcement agencies. However, in many regions, departments continue to develop their own versions of ten codes to suit their specific operational needs. This means that while “10-4” is almost universally understood as an acknowledgment, more specialized codes may vary.
For instance, “10-13” might refer to an officer needing immediate assistance in one jurisdiction, whereas in another, it could mean that there’s a weather advisory.
To address these discrepancies, some departments have moved away from ten codes in favor of plain language, especially after 9/11, when the need for unified emergency communication became more evident. Yet, many officers prefer ten codes for their brevity and privacy, and they remain widely used today, especially on police radios and scanners.
The Role of Ten Codes for Scanner Hobbyists
Police ten codes are not just for officers; they’re also of great interest to scanner enthusiasts, journalists, and citizens who like to stay informed. For hobbyists who listen to police scanners, ten codes provide the key to understanding real-time communication between officers and dispatchers.
A simple scanner can tune into a world of law enforcement activity, but without understanding the codes, much of the conversation will seem like gibberish.
Having access to ten codes allows listeners to follow along with a deeper appreciation of what’s happening in their communities. Whether it’s a high-speed chase, an emergency call for backup, or just an officer doing a routine patrol, knowing the ten codes gives context and clarity to what otherwise sounds like fragmented chatter.
This is why PoliceCodefor.com is committed to making ten codes accessible, understandable, and easy to reference—so anyone can gain a better understanding of their local law enforcement’s work.
How Police Ten Codes Evolve
Like any language, police ten codes are not static. They evolve over time as new challenges and technologies emerge. For example, codes that were used back in the 1940s may have been updated or replaced to address modern-day scenarios, such as cybercrime or incidents involving new kinds of substances.
Changes in communication technology have also influenced the use of ten codes. With the increased use of digital radios and the Internet, some police forces have opted to incorporate more plain language into their communications to prevent misunderstandings during multi-agency operations.
Despite these changes, the core idea of ten codes—creating a fast and efficient way to share information—remains as important as ever. Departments that choose to keep ten codes do so because they value the speed and clarity that these codes bring to fast-moving situations.
For officers in the field, knowing their ten codes inside out can mean the difference between a smooth operation and one where misunderstandings put lives at risk.
Conclusion
Police ten codes are more than just jargon—they are a crucial element of effective law enforcement communication, serving officers, dispatchers, and even the public. Whether you’re a law enforcement professional, a scanner enthusiast, or simply someone interested in how police work, understanding these codes gives you a window into the daily operations of law enforcement.
The ten codes are constantly evolving, adapting to meet the changing demands of law enforcement, while maintaining their core purpose: to communicate clearly, quickly, and effectively.
At PoliceCodefor.com, our goal is to make these ten codes easy for everyone to understand. We break down the terminology, explain each code’s meaning, and provide context for their use.
If you’re trying to figure out what an officer means by ’10-20′ or want to understand how different regions apply these codes, we’re here to make it clear. Learn about police communication, understand the language, and see how law enforcement officers use ten codes to keep our communities safe.
More 10-code context
When readers want the bigger picture behind the 10-code list, these support pages explain how the system is used today and why the same shorthand can still vary by department.
More location questions
If you searched for the meaning behind location traffic, see Police Code for Location and return to the Police Codes Guide for the broader index.