10 4 Police Code: Meaning in General Purpose, APCO, VA, and CA

10 4 police code is one of the most widely recognized and frequently used codes in police communication. This code is universal in its meaning, signifying acknowledgment, agreement, or understanding of a message.

System/Region	Police Code	Meaning	When to Use	Example
General Purpose	10-4	Acknowledgment (OK)	To confirm receipt of instructions or orders. To indicate understanding of critical information during an operation. To acknowledge a message from dispatch.	Officer: “Unit 3, proceed to location for backup.” Dispatch: “Unit 3, 10-4, en route.”
APCO	10-4	Affirmative (OK)	To confirm operational directives or plans. To agree with or affirm another officer’s statement. To verify receipt of mission-critical updates.	Officer 1: “We have multiple units available for the operation, correct?” Officer 2: “10-4, all units are ready.”
Norfolk, VA	10-4	Acknowledgment (OK)	During coordination between multiple responding units. To acknowledge dispatch information or updates. When confirming the status of an officer or situation.	Dispatch: “Unit 4, proceed to the incident on Main Street. 10-4?” Unit 4: “10-4, proceeding now.”
Walnut Creek, CA	10-4	Message Received	To acknowledge a received call or alert. When verifying the transfer of critical information. To ensure smooth coordination between teams.	Dispatch: “Unit 5, please check the area near the mall for suspicious activity. 10-4?” Unit 5: “10-4, on our way.”

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What Does 10 4 Police Code Mean for General Purpose?

For general communication, 10 4 police code means: “Acknowledgment (OK).”

It is used to confirm that a message has been received and understood. Officers rely on this shorthand to maintain quick and efficient communication during operations.

When Is Police Code 10-4 Used for General Purpose?

Here are some common scenarios when officers use 10-4 in general communication:

1. To confirm receipt of instructions or orders.
2. To indicate understanding of critical information during an operation.
3. To acknowledge a message from dispatch.

Example of Police Code 10-4 in Action for General Purpose

Officer: “Dispatch, Unit 3 reporting to location. Over.”

Dispatch: “Unit 3, proceed to Main Street. 10-4?”

Officer: “10-4, message received. En route.”

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What Does Police Code ten 4 Mean for APCO?

In the APCO system (Association of Police Communications Officers), 10-4 refers to Affirmative (OK).

It serves the same function of acknowledgment but emphasizes agreement or confirmation in professional police communication.

When Is Police 10-4 Code Used for APCO?

1. To confirm operational directives or plans.
2. To agree with or affirm another officer’s statement.
3. To verify receipt of mission-critical updates.

Example of Cop Code 10-4 in Action for APCO

Officer 1: “We’re splitting into two teams for the search. Agreed?”

Officer 2: “10-4, splitting teams. Let’s move.”

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What Does Police Code 10-4 Mean for Norfolk, VA Virginia?

In Norfolk, VA Virginia, 10-4 signifies Acknowledgment (OK) with the same purpose: to confirm a message is understood.

When Is Code 10-4 Used for Norfolk, VA?

1. During coordination between multiple responding units.
2. To acknowledge dispatch information or updates.
3. When confirming the status of an officer or situation.

Example of Police Code 10 four in Action for Norfolk, VA

Dispatch: “All units, reports of a disturbance on Granby Street. Units respond. 10-4?”

Unit 4: “10-4, responding now.”

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What Does Police Code 10-4 Mean for Walnut Creek, CA California?

In Walnut Creek, CA California, Police Code 10-4 means: Message Received.

Officers use it to verify communication with dispatch or other units.

When Is Cop Code 10-4 Used for Walnut Creek, CA?

1. To acknowledge a received call or alert.
2. When verifying the transfer of critical information.
3. To ensure smooth coordination between teams.

Example of Police Code 10-4 in Action for Walnut Creek, CA

Dispatch: “Unit 5, fire reported near Broadway Plaza. Can you confirm?”

Unit 5: “10-4, on our way.”

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Frequently Asked Questions