| Virginia Police Code |
Meaning |
When to Use |
Example in Action |
| 10-1 |
Police Officer Needs Help |
When an officer requires immediate backup |
Officer: “Dispatch, this is Unit 5, 10-1, requesting immediate assistance!”
Dispatch: “Copy that, Unit 5! Backup en route!”
|
| 10-2 |
Assist Officer |
When an officer requests help but not an emergency |
Officer: “Dispatch, 10-2 at Main Street, need an extra unit.”
Dispatch: “Acknowledged, sending another officer.”
|
| 10-3 |
Clear the Air-Emergency |
To stop all radio communication due to an urgent situation |
Dispatch: “All units, 10-3! Emergency in progress, hold transmissions!”
|
| 10-4 |
O.K., Acknowledgment |
To confirm receipt of a message |
Officer: “Understood, 10-4, proceeding as instructed.”
|
| 10-5 |
See a Complainant |
When an officer is required to meet with a complainant |
Dispatch: “Unit 12, 10-5 at 5th Avenue, complainant waiting.”
Officer: “10-4, on my way.”
|
| 10-6 |
Investigation Police or Fire |
When investigating a police or fire incident |
Officer: “Dispatch, 10-6 at fire scene, gathering details.”
|
| 10-7 |
Out of Service |
When an officer is unavailable for calls |
Officer: “Dispatch, Unit 3 is 10-7 for the next 30 minutes.”
|
| 10-8 |
In Service |
When an officer is back in service |
Officer: “Unit 5, 10-8, ready for new assignments.”
|
| 10-9 |
Arrived at Scene |
When an officer reaches the incident location |
Officer: “Dispatch, 10-9 at reported location.”
|
| 10-10 |
Traffic Detail |
When an officer is on traffic duty |
Officer: “Dispatch, 10-10 at Highway 7, monitoring speed.”
|
| 10-11 |
Broken Glass |
When reporting broken glass at a location |
Officer: “Dispatch, 10-11 at parking lot, investigating.”
|
| 10-12 |
Vandalism |
When reporting or responding to vandalism |
Officer: “Suspect fled, 10-12 graffiti on storefront.”
|
| 10-13 |
Leaking Water Main/Sewer |
When reporting water-related issues |
Officer: “Dispatch, 10-13, water main burst on 3rd Street.”
|
| 10-14 |
Convoy or Escort |
When providing an escort |
Officer: “Dispatch, 10-14, escorting VIP to city hall.”
|
| 10-15 |
Have Prisoner in Custody |
When transporting a suspect |
Officer: “Dispatch, 10-15, en route to station.”
|
| 10-16 |
Pick Up Prisoner |
When retrieving a prisoner |
Officer: “Dispatch, 10-16, heading to county jail.”
|
| 10-17 |
Administrative Assistance |
When requesting administrative support |
Officer: “10-17, need records check on suspect.”
|
| 10-18 |
Detail |
When assigned to a specific duty |
Officer: “10-18, covering parade route security.”
|
| 10-19 |
Return to Station |
When heading back to headquarters |
Officer: “Dispatch, 10-19, completing shift.”
|
| 10-20 |
What is Your Location |
When asking for location |
Officer 1: “10-20, where’s your position?”
Officer 2: “Near 5th Avenue.”
|
10-21 |
Call ___ by Telephone |
When an officer needs to contact someone by phone. |
Dispatcher: “10-21 to headquarters immediately.”
Officer: “Copy that, calling now.” |
| 10-22 |
Investigate a Break In |
When a break-in needs to be checked. |
Officer: “Dispatch, I’m responding to a 10-22 at 5th Street.” |
| 10-23 |
Breaking In (In Progress) |
Used when a break-in is currently happening. |
Caller: “Someone is breaking in right now!”
Dispatcher: “Units, 10-23 in progress at 12 Main St.” |
| 10-24 |
Someone in the Building |
When there is an unauthorized person inside a building. |
Officer: “I see movement inside. Confirming a 10-24.” |
| 10-25 |
Prowler |
Used when someone is lurking suspiciously. |
Resident: “There’s a man sneaking around my yard!”
Dispatcher: “Units respond, possible 10-25 at Elm St.” |
| 10-26 |
Larceny |
For cases of theft. |
Store Owner: “Someone just stole items from my shop!”
Officer: “Noted, responding to a 10-26.” |
| 10-27 |
Rape Report |
For reporting a sexual assault. |
Dispatcher: “Officer, take a 10-27 report at 221 Oak Ave.” |
| 10-28 |
Check Full Registration |
When an officer needs vehicle or driver details. |
Officer: “Dispatch, run a 10-28 on plate XYZ123.” |
| 10-29 |
Person with a Gun |
Used when a suspect is armed. |
Caller: “I see a man with a gun outside!”
Dispatcher: “All units, 10-29 at City Park.” |
| 10-30 |
Vehicle Accident |
For reporting any vehicle collision. |
Officer: “I’m on scene of a 10-30, minor damage, no injuries.” |
| 10-31 |
Hold Up and Robbery |
For an active robbery. |
Clerk: “We are being robbed!”
Dispatcher: “10-31 in progress at Main Bank.” |
| 10-32 |
Defective Traffic Light |
For reporting malfunctioning traffic signals. |
Officer: “Notifying public works of a 10-32 at 4th Ave.” |
| 10-33 |
Execute Warrant |
When an officer is serving an arrest or search warrant. |
Officer: “We’re en route for a 10-33 execution.” |
| 10-34 |
Narcotics Investigation |
Used in drug-related cases. |
Officer: “Conducting a 10-34 at suspect’s residence.” |
| 10-35 |
Get a Stolen Auto Report |
For reporting a stolen vehicle. |
Dispatcher: “Taking a 10-35 report from a caller on Maple St.” |
| 10-36 |
Correct Time |
Used to confirm or request time updates. |
Officer: “Dispatch, request 10-36 confirmation.” |
| 10-37 |
Finished With Last Assignment |
When an officer has completed a task. |
Officer: “10-37, ready for next call.” |
| 10-38 |
Reckless Driving |
For reporting dangerous driving behavior. |
Caller: “A car is swerving on the highway!”
Dispatcher: “Units, 10-38 on blue sedan, northbound.” |
| 10-39 |
Report of a Dead Person |
For handling deceased persons. |
Officer: “Confirming a 10-39, coroner en route.” |
| 10-40 |
Suspicious Person-Auto |
Used for suspicious individuals or vehicles. |
Officer: “Investigating a 10-40 near the mall.” |
| 10-41 |
Lost Child |
For reporting missing minors. |
Parent: “My child is missing!”
Dispatcher: “Officers responding to 10-41.” |
| 10-42 |
Car Improperly Parked |
For parking violations. |
Officer: “Issuing ticket for a 10-42 violation.” |
| 10-43 |
Drunk |
For intoxicated individuals. |
Officer: “Detaining a 10-43 outside the bar.” |
| 10-44 |
Disturbance |
For reporting any type of disturbance. |
Dispatcher: “10-44, loud dispute at 5th Ave.” |
10-45 |
Fight |
When a physical altercation is occurring |
“Dispatch, we have a 10-45 in progress at 5th and Main. Requesting backup!” |
| 10-46 |
Attempt Suicide |
When a person is attempting self-harm |
“We have a 10-46, individual on the bridge railing. Need negotiator ASAP!” |
| 10-47 |
Medical Emergency |
When an individual is injured, sick, or in distress |
“Officer requesting EMS for a 10-47. Victim is unconscious!” |
| 10-48 |
Person Overboard |
When someone falls into the water |
“Emergency! 10-48 reported at the city dock. Send marine unit!” |
| 10-49 |
Barking Dog |
For excessive dog noise complaints |
“Got a 10-49 complaint on Elm Street. Sending an officer to check.” |
| 10-50 |
Court Cases |
When an officer needs to attend court |
“Officer 21 unavailable due to 10-50 at the courthouse.” |
| 10-51 |
General Message |
For transmitting general information |
“10-51: All units be advised of road closures downtown.” |
| 10-52 |
Open Door/Window |
When a door or window is suspiciously open |
“Dispatch, I have a 10-52 at the bank, checking perimeter.” |
| 10-53 |
Gas-Repairs-Wash |
Used for vehicle service notifications |
“Unit 15 going for a 10-53 at the city garage.” |
| 10-54 |
Man Molesting Children |
When a suspect is involved in child-related crimes |
“Urgent! 10-54 at the playground. Officers en route!” |
| 10-55 |
Bomb Threat |
When a bomb threat is reported |
“Dispatch, 10-55 at City Hall. Evacuating the area!” |
| 10-56 |
Unruly Crowd |
For large, disorderly gatherings |
“10-56 at the stadium, requesting riot control.” |
| 10-57 |
Tampering With Automobile |
When someone is trying to break into a car |
“We have a 10-57 on 2nd Avenue. Suspect seen breaking windows!” |
| 10-58 |
Burglar Alarm |
When an alarm is activated |
“10-58 at the jewelry store. Checking for forced entry!” |
| 10-59 |
Traffic Violator |
When a driver is violating traffic laws |
“Unit 10 in pursuit of a 10-59, high-speed chase in progress!” |
| 10-60 |
Dog-Related Incidents |
When a dead, stray, or aggressive dog is reported |
“Officer on scene for a 10-60b. Dog is aggressive!” |
| 10-61 |
Void IBM Card |
For data entry errors |
“10-61, incorrect report filed, requesting correction.” |
| 10-62 |
Radio Test |
For checking radio communication |
“Dispatch, this is Unit 12. Conducting a 10-62, do you copy?” |
| 10-63 |
Personal Relief |
When an officer needs a break |
“Unit 4 going 10-63, will be back in 15 minutes.” |
| 10-64 |
Eating (State Location) |
When an officer is on a meal break |
“Unit 7 on a 10-64 at Joe’s Diner.” |
| 10-65 |
Exposure |
When someone is exposed to dangerous conditions |
“10-65 reported near the lake. Homeless man suffering hypothermia.” |
| 10-66 |
Send Wrecker |
When a vehicle needs towing |
“10-66b at the highway exit. Request police tow truck.” |
| 10-67 |
Smoke and Flames Visible |
For reporting visible fire or smoke |
“Dispatch, 10-67 at the warehouse! Send fire units!” |
| 10-68 |
In Commission on Stand-By |
When an officer is available but not actively engaged |
“Unit 9 is 10-68, waiting for further orders.” |
| 10-69 |
Held Up by Bridge or Train |
When an officer is delayed due to an obstruction |
“Unit 3, 10-69. Train crossing blocking the road.” |
| 10-70 |
Danger / Caution |
Alert for a hazardous or dangerous situation. |
“Officer: ‘Approaching a dangerous area, 10-70.’ Dispatcher: ‘Proceed with caution, we’ll send backup.’ |
| 10-71 |
False Alarm |
When an emergency alarm or situation turns out to be false. |
“Officer: ‘False alarm at the location, 10-71.’ Dispatcher: ‘Roger that. Stand down.’ |
| 10-72 |
Person Found in Burning Building |
When a person is found inside a burning building. |
“Officer: ‘We have a person found inside the burning building, 10-72.’ Dispatcher: ‘Send fire rescue, ASAP.’ |
| 10-73 |
Existing Conditions |
To report the current conditions or status of a situation. |
“Officer: ’10-73, current conditions are stable.’ Dispatcher: ‘Copy that, stand by.’ |
| 10-74 |
Enroute |
When a unit is enroute to a location or scene. |
“Officer: ‘We’re enroute to the location, 10-74.’ Dispatcher: ‘Roger, we’ll clear the area.’ |
| 10-75 |
Dispatch Mechanic |
To request a mechanic for vehicle or equipment issues. |
“Officer: ’10-75, need a mechanic for my unit.’ Dispatcher: ‘Copy, mechanic is on the way.’ |
| 10-76 |
Rewind Box (Give Location) |
To request the rewind of a location or situation log. |
“Officer: ’10-76, rewind box for incident location.’ Dispatcher: ‘Understood, send location details.’ |
| 10-77 |
Send VEPCO (State Gas or Electric) |
Request to send a utility company for assistance (e.g., gas or electric issues). |
“Officer: ’10-77, send VEPCO for electrical issue.’ Dispatcher: ‘Sent, awaiting their arrival.’ |
| 10-78 |
Held Up by (State) |
To report being delayed by a state agency or event. |
“Officer: ‘I’m held up by state traffic, 10-78.’ Dispatcher: ‘Understood, proceed when clear.’ |
| 10-79 |
Courtesy Call |
To make a call for informational purposes, not emergency-related. |
“Officer: ‘I’m making a courtesy call, 10-79.’ Dispatcher: ‘Acknowledged, let us know if you need assistance.’ |
| 10-80 |
Critical Call (Code Red) |
To signal a critical or emergency situation requiring immediate attention. |
“Officer: ’10-80, code red! We need immediate backup!’ Dispatcher: ‘Copy, sending units now.’ |
| 10-81 |
Alarm of Fire |
Reporting a fire alarm activation or potential fire. |
“Officer: ’10-81, alarm of fire at the location.’ Dispatcher: ‘Fire units are on the way.’ |
| 10-82 |
Additional Engine Co. |
To request an additional engine company for fire response. |
“Officer: ’10-82, need an additional engine company.’ Dispatcher: ‘On their way, ETA 5 minutes.’ |
| 10-83 |
Additional Ladder Co. |
To request an additional ladder company for fire response. |
“Officer: ’10-83, need additional ladder company for fire.’ Dispatcher: ‘Acknowledged, sending now.’ |
| 10-84 |
Second Alarm |
To request a second alarm response, typically for a larger fire. |
“Officer: ’10-84, second alarm requested.’ Dispatcher: ‘Sending additional units.’ |
| 10-85 |
Third Alarm |
To request a third alarm response, indicating a significant emergency. |
“Officer: ’10-85, third alarm requested for fire.’ Dispatcher: ‘Understood, escalating response.’ |
| 10-86 |
Person Trapped |
When a person is trapped in a situation, requiring immediate rescue. |
“Officer: ‘We have a person trapped in the vehicle, 10-86!’ Dispatcher: ‘Sending rescue units now.’ |
| 10-87 |
Auto Fire |
Reporting a fire involving a vehicle. |
“Officer: ’10-87, we have an auto fire on the highway.’ Dispatcher: ‘Fire units are enroute.’ |
| 10-88 |
Request Deputy Chief |
To request the presence or assistance of a Deputy Chief. |
“Officer: ‘Request Deputy Chief on site, 10-88.’ Dispatcher: ‘Copy, dispatching immediately.’ |
| 10-89 |
Request Additional Chief |
To request an additional Chief officer for support. |
“Officer: ‘Need additional chief on scene, 10-89.’ Dispatcher: ‘Roger that, we’ll send them.’” |
| 10-90 |
Transfer Fire Alarm Wire |
To transfer fire alarm signals to the correct channel. |
“Officer: ’10-90, transfer fire alarm wire to backup.’ Dispatcher: ‘Acknowledged, transferring now.’ |
| 10-91 |
Check Fire Alarm Box or Master Box |
To check or inspect a fire alarm system box or its components. |
“Officer: ’10-91, checking fire alarm box for functionality.’ Dispatcher: ‘Please confirm status.’ |
| 10-92 |
Fire Alarm Circuit Open or Trouble on Circuit |
Indicating a problem with the fire alarm circuit. |
“Officer: ’10-92, fire alarm circuit trouble, needs repair.’ Dispatcher: ‘Understood, repair team on the way.’ |
| 10-93 |
Fire Alarm |
Reporting an active fire alarm. |
“Officer: ’10-93, fire alarm activated at location.’ Dispatcher: ‘Fire units dispatched.’ |
| 10-94 |
Request Gas or Diesel Fuel |
Request for fueling a vehicle or equipment. |
“Officer: ’10-94, requesting diesel fuel for vehicle.’ Dispatcher: ‘On the way, stand by.’ |
| 10-95 |
Grass or Trash Fire |
Reporting a fire involving grass or trash. |
“Officer: ’10-95, reporting grass fire on the side of the road.’ Dispatcher: ‘Sending fire support.’ |
| 10-96 |
In Quarters |
Officer is in their assigned quarters, available for assignment. |
“Officer: ’10-96, in quarters and available for calls.’ Dispatcher: ‘Roger, standby for calls.’ |
| 10-97 |
Signal Weak |
Indicating weak radio or signal communication. |
“Officer: ’10-97, signal weak, over.’ Dispatcher: ‘Copy, will try again.’ |
| 10-98 |
Signal Good |
Indicating that the radio or signal communication is strong. |
“Officer: ’10-98, signal good, all clear.’ Dispatcher: ‘Copy, loud and clear.’ |
| 10-99 |
Fireman Need Help |
Indicating that fire personnel are in need of assistance. |
“Officer: ’10-99, fireman need help!’ Dispatcher: ‘Help is on the way, hold tight.’ |