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Police Code 10-32 has different meanings depending on the system or region in which it is used. Below, I’ll break down the meanings, usage scenarios, and examples for 10-32 Police Code in General Purpose, APCO, and Norfolk, VA.

System/Region	Police Code	Meaning	When to Use	Example in Action
General Purpose	10-32	Man with Gun	When an individual is reported to have a firearm.	Officer 1: “Dispatch, responding to a 10-32.”
APCO	10-32	Units Needed (Specify)	When additional backup is required for an operation.	Officer 2: “Dispatch, 10-32 at the location.”
Norfolk, VA	10-32	Defective Traffic Light	When a traffic signal is malfunctioning.	Officer 3: “Dispatch, 10-32 at the intersection.”

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What Does Police Code 10-32 Mean for General Purpose?

For general-purpose, Police Code 10-32 means: Man with Gun.

This code is used when officers encounter or are alerted to a situation where an individual is in possession of a firearm.

When Is Police Code 10-32 Used for General Purpose?

Situations where Police Code 10-32 is used include:

• A suspect is reported to be carrying a gun in a public area.
• Officers receive a call about a possible armed individual threatening others.

Example in Action of Police Code 10-32 for General Purpose

Officer 1: “Dispatch, I’m responding to a 10-32 at Central Park. Possible armed suspect sighted.”

Dispatch: “Copy that, Unit 3. Backup en route. Proceed with caution.”

What Does Police Code 10 32 Mean for Association of Public Safety Communication Official International APCO?

In the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) system, Police Code 10-32 means: Units Needed (Specify).

This code is used to request additional units and resources during an ongoing situation.

When Is Police Code ten 32 Used for APCO?

Officers may use this code in situations like:

1. A large-scale event requires multiple units for crowd control.
2. A high-risk operation where immediate backup is essential.

Example in Action of Police Code 10-32 for APCO

Officer 2: “Dispatch, we have a 10-32 at the bank robbery scene. Need three more units for containment.”

Dispatch: “Acknowledged, Unit 7. Additional units are on their way.”

What Does Police Code 10-32 Mean for Norfolk, VA Virginia?

In Norfolk, VA, Police Code 10-32 means: Defective Traffic Light.

This code is used to report traffic signals that are not functioning properly, potentially causing traffic congestion or accidents.

When Is Police Code 10-32 Used for Norfolk, VA?

• Officers observe a traffic light that is stuck or unresponsive.
• A citizen reports a malfunctioning signal causing confusion on the road.

Example in Action of Police Code 10-32 for Norfolk, VA

Officer 3: “Dispatch, we’ve got a 10-32 at the intersection of Main Street and 5th Avenue. Traffic light is stuck on red.”

Dispatch: “Copy that, Unit 12. Sending maintenance crew to fix the issue.

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FAQ

Police ten codes are a system of signals used by law enforcement officers to communicate quickly and efficiently over the radio. Think of them as a shorthand language that helps officers convey important information without needing to speak in full sentences. This coded communication is crucial, especially in high-stress situations where every second counts.

Code	General Purpose	APCO Association of Police Communications Officers	Norfolk, VA	Walnut Creek, CA
10-0	Use Caution		Signal Weak	Police Officer Needs Help
10-1	Unable to Copy – Change Location		Signal Weak	Poor Radio Reception
10-2	Signal Good	Signal Good		Good Radio Reception
10-3	Stop Transmitting	Stop Transmitting	Clear the Air – Emergency	Stop Transmission
10-4	Acknowledgment (OK)	Affirmative (OK)	Acknowledgment (OK)	Message Received
10-5	Relay	Relay To / From	See a Complainant	Relay Message
10-6	Busy-Unless Urgent	Busy	Investigation Police or Fire	Change Radio Channel
10-7	Out of Service	Out of Service	(a)Out of Service – Off Air (b) Out of Service – Subject to Call	Out of Service
10-8	In Service	In Service	In Service	In Service
10-9	Repeat	Say Again	Arrive at Scene	Repeat Message
10-10	Fight in Progress	Negative	Traffic Detail	Off Duty
10-11	Dog Case		On Duty (Employee Number)	Broken Glass
10-12	Stand By (Stop)	Stand By (Stop)	Vandalism	Advise Weather / Road Conditions
10-13	Weather- Road Report	Weather Conditions	(a) Leaking Water Main or Sewer (b) Hole in Street / Sidewalk
10-14	Prowler Report		Message / Information	Convoy or Escort
10-15	Civil Disturbance	Message Delivered	Prisoner in Custody	Prisoner in Custody
10-16	Domestic Problem	Reply to Message	Pick Up Prisoner	Pick Up
10-17	Meet Complainant	En-route	Administrative Assistance	Getting Fuel
10-18	Quickly	Urgent	Detail
10-19	Return to ___	(In) Contact	Return to Station	Return or Go to ___
10-20	Location	Location	What is Your Location	Location
10-21	Call (__) by Phone	Call (__) by Phone	Call (__) by Phone	Telephone
10-22	Disregard	Disregard	Investigate a Break-In	Cancel or Disregard
10-23	Arrived at Scene	Arrived at Scene	Breaking-In (In Progress)	Stand-By
10-24	Assignment Completed	Assignment Completed	Someone in the Building
10-25	Report in Person (Meet)	Report To (Meet)	Prowler	Do You Have Contact With____?
10-26	Detaining Subject, Expedite	Estimated Arrival Time (ETA)	Larceny	Clear of Warrants
10-27	(Driver) License Information	License / Permit Information	Rape Report	Subject Wanted
10-28	Vehicle Registration Information	Vehicle Information	Check Full Registration, License, Motor, Name, Stolen	Registration Check
10-29	Check for Wanted	Records Check	Person with a Gun	Check for Warrants
10-30	Unnecessary Use of Radio	Danger / Caution	(a) Vehicle Accident (b) Vehicle Accident Personal Injury (c) Hit and Run
10-31	Crime in Progress	Pick Up	Hold Up and Robbery
10-32	Man with Gun	__ Units Needed (Specify)	Defective Traffic Light
10-33	Emergency	Help Me Quick	Emergency, All Units Standby
10-34	Riot	Current Time	Narcotics Investigation
10-35	Major Crime Alert	Get a Stolen Auto Report	Time Check
10-36	Correct Time	Correct Time	Correct Time
10-37	Investigate Suspicious Vehicle	Finished with Last Assignment	Please Identify Your Unit
10-38	Stopping Suspicious Vehicle	Reckless Driving	Drunk Driving
10-39	Urgent – Use Light, Siren	Report of a Dead Person	Can __ Come to Radio?
10-40	Silent Run – No Light, Siren	Fight in Progress	Suspicious Person – Auto
10-41	Beginning Tour of Duty	Beginning Tour of Duty	Lost Child
10-42	Ending Tour of Duty	Ending Tour of Duty	Car Improperly Parked
10-43	Information	In Pursuit	Drunk
10-44	Permission to Leave __ for __	Riot	Disturbance (type)
10-45	Animal Carcass at __	Bomb Threat	Fight
10-46	Assist Motorist	Bank Alarm	Attempt Suicide
10-47	Emergency Road Repair at __	Complete Assignment Quickly	Injured, Sick, Demented Person
10-48	Traffic Standard Repair at __	Detaining Suspect, Expedite	Person Overboard
10-49	Traffic Light Out at __	Drag Racing	Proceeding to __
10-50	Accident, PD-Property Damage, PI-Personal Injury, F-Fire	Vehicle Accident, PD-Property Damage, PI-Personal Injury, F-Fire	Drugged
10-51	Wrecker Needed	Dispatch Wrecker	General Message
10-52	Ambulance Needed	Dispatch Ambulance	Ambulance Needed
10-53	Road Blocked at __	Road Blocked	Person Down
10-54	Livestock on Highway	Hit and Run Accident, PD-Property Damage, PI-Personal Injury, F-Fire	Possible Body
10-55	Intoxicated Driver	Intoxicated Driver	Bomb Threat
10-56	Intoxicated Pedestrian	Intoxicated Pedestrian	Suicide
10-57	Hit and Run PD-Property Damage, PI-Personal Injury, F-Fire	Request BT Operator	Tampering With Automobile
10-58	Direct Traffic	Direct Traffic	Burglar Alarm
10-59	Convoy or Escort	Escort	Security Check
10-60	Squad in Vicinity	Suspicious Vehicle	Dog Bite
10-61	Personnel in Area	Stopping Suspicious Vehicle	Bike Theft
10-62	Reply to Message	B and E in Progress	Radio Test
10-63	Prepare to Make Written Copy	Prepare to Receive Assignment	Prepare to Copy
10-64	Message for Local Delivery	Crime in Progress	Eating (State Location)
10-65	Net Message Assignment	Armed Robbery	Exposure
10-66	Message Cancellation	Notify Medical Examiner	Suspicious Person
10-67	Clear for Net Message	Report of Death	Smoke & Flames Visible
10-68	Dispatch Information	Livestock in Roadway	Stand-By
10-69	Message Received	Advise Telephone Number	Held Up By Bridge or Train
10-70	Fire Alarm	Improperly Parked Vehicle	Prowler
10-71	Advise Nature of Fire	Improper Use of Radio	Shots Fired
10-72	Report Progress on Fire	Prisoner in Custody	Person Found in Burning Building
10-73	Smoke Report	Mental Subject	Existing Conditions
10-74	Negative	Negative	Negative
10-75	In Contact With	Make Investigation	Lost Property
10-76	En Route	In Contact With	Stabbing
10-77	ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)	ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)	Case Number & Time
10-78	Need Assistance	Send Traffic Control	Requesting Assistance
10-79	Notify Coroner	Notify Coroner	Fire Hazard
10-80	Chase in Progress	Chase in Progress	Explosion

Code	General Purpose	APCO Association of Police Communications Officers	Norfolk, VA	Walnut Creek, CA
10-81	Breathalyzer Report	Nature of Fire	Alarm of Fire
10-82	Reserve Lodging	Fire in Progress	Additional Engine Company
10-83	Work School Crossing at __	Smoke Visible	Additional Ladder Company
10-84	If Meeting __, Advise ETA	No Smoke Visible	Second Alarm
10-85	Delay Due to __	Respond without Blue Lights / Siren	Third Alarm
10-86	Officer / Operator on Duty	Person Trapped	Any Traffic for Me?
10-87	Pick Up / Distribute Checks	Auto Fire
10-88	Present Telephone # of __	Request Deputy Chief	Provide Cover for Units
10-89	Bomb Threat	Request Additional Chief
10-90	Bank Alarm at __	Transfer Fire Alarm Wire
10-91	Pick Up Prisoner / Subject	Check Fire Alarm Box or Master Box	Hazard
10-92	Improperly Parked Vehicle	Fire Alarm Circuit Open or Trouble on Circuit
10-93	Blockade	Fire Alarm
10-94	Drag Racing	Request Gas or Diesel Fuel
10-95	Prisoner / Subject in Custody	Grass or Trash Fire
10-96	Mental Subject	In Quarters
10-97	Check (Test) Signal	Signal Weak	Arrived at Scene
10-98	Prison / Jail Break	Signal Good	Completed Assignment
10-99	Wanted / Stolen Indicated	Fireman Need Help
10-101	What is Status?
10-106	Status is Secure

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What Does Police Ten Codes Mean?

So, what exactly are these “10 codes” that police use? Well, the term “10 codes” refers to the codes beginning with the number 10, followed by another number or phrase. For example, “10-4” is probably the most recognized code, meaning “Acknowledgment” or “OK.” These codes were originally created to reduce the length of radio transmissions, ensuring that vital information is conveyed quickly and clearly.

Why Is Police Code 10 Important?

You might wonder, why not just say what you mean? Why use codes at all? The answer is simple: efficiency and clarity. In the fast-paced world of law enforcement, clear communication is key. Imagine trying to explain a situation over the radio while dealing with an emergency—long sentences could lead to misunderstandings or wasted time. The police code 10 system ensures that officers can quickly share status updates, request assistance, or relay important information with just a few words.

Which Is the Most Commonly Used Police Code in 10 Codes?

When it comes to police ten codes, some are used more frequently than others. The most common code you’ve probably heard is “10-4,” meaning “OK” or “Acknowledgment.” This code is used universally and is recognized even outside of law enforcement. Another widely used code is “10-20,” which asks for the location of the officer. These codes have become so embedded in law enforcement culture that they are almost second nature to police officers.

How Many Lists of Codes Are There in Police 10 Codes?

You might be surprised to learn that there isn’t just one universal list of ten codes. In fact, the police ten codes can vary significantly depending on the agency or region. For example, what “10-7” means in one state might be different in another. Generally, most agencies have a basic set of ten codes, but they might add or modify others to suit their specific needs. This variation can sometimes lead to confusion when officers from different areas need to work together.

In Which State Can I Use 10 Police Codes?

You might ask, “Where can I use these codes?” Well, police 10 codes are primarily used across the United States, but their exact meanings can vary from state to state. Some states and agencies have adopted the APCO ten codes (Association of Police Communications Officers), which are more standardized. However, even with this standardization, there are still differences. For instance, what “10-13” means in New York might not be the same in California. It’s crucial for officers to be familiar with the specific codes used in their jurisdiction.

What Are the Challenges of Using Police Ten Codes?

Using these codes might seem straightforward, but it can get tricky. One challenge is the variation in codes between different departments. While most officers are trained in their local codes, if they transfer or work with another department, they might face confusion. Also, in high-stress situations, remembering the correct code can be challenging, leading to potential miscommunication.

How Have Ten Police Codes Evolved Over Time?

Did you know that police ten codes have evolved significantly since they were first introduced? Initially developed in the 1930s and 1940s to standardize radio communications, these codes have been adapted to suit modern-day policing needs. Over the years, as new technologies and challenges emerged, the codes were expanded and revised to cover a broader range of situations. Today, while the basic structure remains the same, many agencies have customized their ten codes to better fit their operational requirements.

What Are the Alternatives to Police Ten Codes?

In recent years, there has been a shift towards using plain language instead of codes. This move aims to reduce misunderstandings, especially in situations where multiple agencies with different code systems are working together. However, despite this trend, police ten codes remain a vital tool for many law enforcement officers, particularly in departments that have used them for decades.

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