Police Codes Explained

Even if you’re green in the scannerverse, you probably already use police codes in jest. The most obvious example is 10-4, which is simply used to signify acknowledgment. 

10 codes are the most standardized class of police codes and, in turn, the most easily recognizable. 

Even if you’re (temporarily) receiving a poor signal, you should be able to make sense of a 10 code through the static. 

Law enforcement officials use short code to streamline radio communication. Many industries use acronyms and initialisms to identify multi-syllabic terms.

These police codes vary greatly depending on your state, county, or even precinct.

In 2016, due to lack of standardization, the US Government recommended the use of everyday language to avoid confusion.

You can look up your local police codes on this database.

Watch our police codes video to learn more.

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