Police Radio 10-Codes

Law Enforcement Officers use brief, numeric codes, known as police radio codes, to convey important details about situations, suspects and locations swiftly and privately.

Police radio codes are a crucial part of law enforcement communication, allowing
officers to communicate efficiently, maintain confidentiality, and reduce potential
misunderstandings

Importance of Police Radio Codes

Police use radio codes for several compelling reasons:

• Efficiency Codes convey information faster than full sentences. For example, “10-33” is faster than saying “Emergency, all units stand by.”
• Confidentiality To a certain extent, using codes prevent criminals from understanding police communications, thus maintaining the security of police operations.
• Precision Each code carries a specific meaning, minimizing the chances of confusion or misunderstanding.

That said, many jurisdictions today are now starting to move away from using radio codes and transitioning to plain language to simplify communications.

Ten Codes

Code	Meaning
10-0	Caution
10-1	Unable to copy — change location
10-2	Signal good
10-3	Stop transmitting
10-4	Acknowledgement (OK)
10-5	Relay
10-6	Busy — stand by unless urgent
10-7	Out of service
10-8	In service
10-9	Repeat
10-10	Fight in progress
10-11	Dog case
10-12	Stand by (stop)
10-13	Weather — road report
10-14	Prowler report
10-15	Civil disturbance
10-16	Domestic disturbance
10-17	Meet complainant
10-18	Quickly
10-19	Return to …
10-20	Location
10-21	Call … by telephone
10-22	Disregard
10-23	Arrived at scene
10-24	Assignment completed
10-25	Report in person (meet) …
10-26	Detaining subject, expedite
10-27	Driver’s license information
10-28	Vehicle registration information
10-29	Check for wanted
10-30	Unnecessary use of radio
10-31	Crime in progress
10-32	Person with gun
10-33	Emergency
10-34	Riot
10-35	Major crime alert
10-36	Correct time
10-37	(Investigate) suspicious vehicle
10-38	Stopping suspicious vehicle
10-39	Urgent — use light, siren
10-40	Silent run — no light, siren
10-41	Beginning tour of duty
10-42	Ending tour of duty
10-43	Information
10-44	Permission to leave … for …
10-45	Animal carcass at …
10-46	Assist motorist
10-47	Emergency road repairs at …
10-48	Traffic standard repair at …
10-49	Traffic light out at …
10-50	Accident (fatal, personal injury, property damage)
10-51	Wrecker needed
10-52	Ambulance needed
10-53	Road blocked at …
10-54	Livestock on highway
10-55	Suspected DUI
10-56	Intoxicated pedestrian
10-57	Hit and run (fatal, personal injury, property damage)
10-58	Direct traffic
10-59	Convoy or escort
10-60	Squad in vicinity
10-61	Isolate self for message
10-62	Reply to message
10-63	Prepare to make written copy
10-64	Message for local delivery
10-65	Net message assignment
10-66	Message cancellation
10-67	Clear for net message
10-68	Dispatch information
10-69	Message received
10-70	Fire
10-71	Advise nature of fire
10-72	Report progress on fire
10-73	Smoke report
10-74	Negative
10-75	In contact with …
10-76	En route …
10-77	ETA (estimated time of arrival)
10-78	Need assistance
10-79	Notify coroner
10-80	Chase in progress
10-81	Breathalyzer
10-82	Reserve lodging
10-83	Work school xing at …
10-84	If meeting … advise ETA
10-85	Delayed due to …
10-86	Officer/operator on duty
10-87	Pick up/distribute checks
10-88	Present telephone number of …
10-89	Bomb threat
10-90	Bank alarm at …
10-91	Pick up prisoner/subject
10-92	Improperly parked vehicle
10-93	Blockade
10-94	Drag racing
10-95	Prisoner/subject in custody
10-96	Mental subject
10-97	Check (test) signal
10-98	Prison/jail break
10-99	Wanted/stolen indicated

Phonetics

The phonetic alphabet is a set if words and phrases used by law enforcement and other emergency services to clearly and accurately communicate over radios and other communication devices.

It is meant for radio users to be able to pronounce and understand strings of letters and numbers regardless of signal quality.

It helps eliminate the risk of letters being misheard or misunderstood, reducing the chance of miscommunication and other mistakes.

Importance of the Phonetic Alphabet

Clarity in Communication When transmitting information over radios or other communication devices, clarity is essential. The phonetic alphabet eliminates the risk of letters being misheard or misunderstood, reducing the chance of miscommunication and other mistakes.
Precision in Reporting Police Officers often need to report specific details, such as license plate numbers, names, or locations. Using the phonetic alphabet ensures that these details are accurately conveyed, enabling a more efficient and effective response.
Standardized Communication The NATO phonetic alphabet is internationally recognized and standardized. It ensures that security personnel can communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues, regardless of location or language differences.
Security and Privacy It allows Police Officers to convey sensitive information without revealing it to unauthorized listeners or eavesdroppers.
Avoiding Misunderstandings In noisy or chaotic environments, such as events or crowded public spaces, clear communication can be challenging. The phonetic alphabet helps to avoid misunderstandings that can lead to security breaches or confusion.

Phonetic Alphabet

Character	Phonic
A	Alfa
B	Bravo
C	Charlie
D	Delta
E	Echo
F	Foxtrot
G	Golf
H	Hotel
I	India
J	Juliett
K	Kilo
L	Lima
M	Mike
N	November
O	Oscar
P	Papa
Q	Quebec
R	Romeo
S	Seirra
T	Tango
U	Uniform
V	Victor
W	Whiskey
X	Xray
Y	Yankee
Z	Zulu

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