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Norfolk, Virginia, uses Police Ten Codes as part of law enforcement communication to ensure quick and clear transmissions between officers and dispatch. These Virginia Police 10 Codes help law enforcement respond effectively in various situations, from routine traffic stops to emergency incidents.

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What Are Police Ten Codes in Virginia?

Police ten codes are shorthand radio signals used by law enforcement for fast and efficient communication. They were originally developed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) to standardize law enforcement communication.

While some departments have replaced police 10 codes with plain language, Norfolk, VA, still uses them for quick, coded communication in emergency situations.

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Why Are Norfolk Virginia Police Ten Codes Important?

The Virginia Police 10 Codes play a vital role in:

• Reducing radio traffic by allowing short, clear messages.
• Enhancing officer safety with coded alerts.
• Standardizing communication across law enforcement agencies.
• Speeding up responses to emergencies.

In high-risk situations, clear communication can be a matter of life and death, making these police ten codes in Virginia an essential part of law enforcement operations.

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List of Norfolk Virginia Police Ten Codes

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.’

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How Are Police Ten Codes in Virginia Used?

Norfolk police officers use Virginia police 10 codes in different scenarios:

• Routine traffic stops (e.g., 10-20 to request location).
• Emergencies (e.g., 10-99 for an fireman in danger).
• Coordinating responses (e.g., 10-55 for a bomb threat).
• Surveillance operations (e.g., 10-4 to acknowledge orders).

These police ten codes help law enforcement maintain efficiency and officer safety in Norfolk, Virginia.

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Example of Virginia Police 10 Codes in Action

Scenario: Responding to a Bomb Threat (10-55)

Officer 1: “Dispatch, I have a possible 10-55 at Main Street. Requesting backup.”
Dispatch: “Copy that, Unit 7. Sending additional units. Proceed with caution.”

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Virginia Police 10 Codes vs. Plain Language: What’s the Difference?

Method	Pros	Cons
Police Ten Codes	Faster communication, officer safety	Requires training, may vary by region
Plain Language	Easy to understand, used in federal agencies	Slower, less secure for law enforcement

Virginia law enforcement continues to use 10 codes due to their efficiency and security benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve ever wondered how police officers in California manage to coordinate so effectively in high-pressure situations, the answer lies in the use of California police ten codes. In this article, we’ll explore everything about these codes, their application in California, and why they’re essential.

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What Are California Police Ten Codes?

California police ten codes are a standardized set of numeric signals used across law enforcement agencies in the state. These codes simplify communication and ensure critical information is relayed accurately, whether it’s a routine traffic stop or a high-stakes emergency.

Why Are Ten Codes Important in California?

With its large population and diverse urban and rural areas, California law enforcement faces unique challenges. Ten codes:

• Enhance Efficiency: Allow quick communication without lengthy explanations.
• Maintain Clarity: Prevent misunderstandings during emergencies.
• Ensure Discretion: Officers can communicate sensitive information without alarming the public.

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How Are Police Ten Codes Used in California?

California law enforcement agencies use ten codes to streamline communication between officers, dispatchers, and other agencies. For example:

• 10-4: Acknowledges receipt of a message (e.g., “Message received, moving forward.”)
• 10-20: Refers to a location or address (e.g., “What’s your 10-20?”).
• 10-33: Indicates an emergency situation requiring immediate assistance.

Example Scenario of Using Police 10 Codes in California:

Imagine an officer in Walnut Creek, CA reporting a suspicious person. Instead of saying, “I’ve witness a suspicious person near Main Street and California Boulevard,” the officer might say:
“10-66 near Walmart at 10-20 Main and California.”

This efficient system allows dispatchers and backup units to respond faster.

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The History of Police Ten Codes in California

Police ten codes were first introduced in the 1940s by APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International). California quickly adopted the system due to its growing need for streamlined communication.

Timeline of Ten Codes in California:

• 1950s: Statewide adoption begins.
• 1970s: Variations emerge among local agencies.
• 2000s: Efforts to standardize codes across California intensify.

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Are Cop Ten Codes in California Different?

Yes and no. While the core ten codes are consistent across the United States, California agencies often adapt them for specific regional needs. For example:

• 10-28: Used for vehicle registration checks statewide.
• 10-98: Marks the completion of an assignment, commonly used in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

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List of Comprehensive California Police Ten Codes

Here are all used ten codes in California:

California Police Code	Meaning	When to Use	Example in Action
10-1	Poor Radio Reception	When the radio transmission quality is poor.	“Dispatch, 10-1. Unable to hear clearly, please repeat.”
10-2	Good Radio Reception	When the radio transmission quality is good.	“Dispatch, 10-2. Receiving signal clearly.”
10-3	Stop Transmission	To request a stop in communication.	“All units, 10-3 until further notice.”
10-4	Message Received	To acknowledge receipt of a message.	“10-4, I understand.”
10-5	Relay Message	To pass a message to another person or unit.	“10-5 this message to Officer Smith.”
10-6	Change Radio Channel	To instruct changing the radio channel.	“10-6 to Channel 2 for further communication.”
10-7	Out of Service	When an officer is unavailable or out of service.	“Unit 12, 10-7 for a break.”
10-8	In Service	When an officer is available and back in service.	“Unit 15, 10-8 and ready for assignments.”
10-9	Repeat Message	When clarification of a message is required.	“10-9, please repeat last message.”
10-10	Off Duty	To indicate an officer is off duty.	“Unit 7 is 10-10 for the day.”
10-11	Visitors Can Hear Radio	To warn others that non-police personnel are present.	“10-11, visitors are in the room.”
10-12	Advise Weather / Road Conditions	To request information on current conditions.	“10-12, what are the road conditions on Highway 50?”
10-15	Have Prisoner in Custody	When transporting or holding a prisoner.	“10-15, one suspect in custody.”
10-16	Pick Up	To request or confirm pickup of items or persons.	“10-16, picking up evidence from the station.”
10-17	Getting Fuel	To indicate refueling the vehicle.	“Unit 8, 10-17 at the service station.”
10-19	Return or Go to ___	To instruct an officer to return or proceed to a location.	“10-19 to headquarters.”
10-20	Location	To request or provide the current location.	“10-20, my location is Main Street.”
10-21	Telephone	To request or confirm a phone call.	“10-21, call the dispatcher.”
10-22	Cancel or Disregard	To instruct canceling or disregarding an action.	“10-22, disregard the last message.”
10-23	Stand By	To instruct waiting for further communication.	“10-23, standby for instructions.”
10-25	Do You Have Contact With ___?	To inquire about contact with a person or unit.	“10-25, do you have contact with Unit 5?”
10-26	Clear of Warrants	To confirm the subject is clear of warrants.	“10-26, subject is clear of any warrants.”
10-27	Subject Wanted	To confirm if a subject is wanted by authorities.	“10-27, the individual is wanted.”
10-28	Registration Check	To request or provide vehicle registration information.	“10-28, run a check on license plate 123XYZ.”
10-29	Check for Warrants	To request or confirm any warrants on a subject.	“10-29, verify if the individual has active warrants.”
10-33	Alarm is Sounding	To report or confirm an active alarm.	“10-33, alarm sounding at Main Street Bank.”
10-35	Time Check	To request or confirm the current time.	“10-35, what is the current time?”
10-36	Correct Time	To confirm or provide the correct time.	“10-36, the time is 14:30.”
10-37	Please Identify Your Unit	To request identification of a unit.	“10-37, please identify your unit.”
10-39	Can ___ Come to Radio?	To request someone to join the radio communication.	“10-39, can Officer Smith come to the radio?”
10-40	Is ___ Available for Phone Call?	To check if a person is available for a phone call.	“10-40, is Officer Brown available for a call?”
10-45	Subject Condition: A to D	To report the condition of a subject.	“10-45, subject is in condition A.”
10-49	Proceeding to ___	To indicate heading to a specific location.	“10-49, proceeding to Main Street.”
10-50	Drugged	When a subject is under the influence of drugs.	“Dispatch, 10-50. Male subject at 5th and Main appears heavily drugged and unresponsive. Requesting additional units.”
10-51	Drunk	When a person appears intoxicated.	“Dispatch, 10-51. Individual at the park is stumbling and unable to stand steadily. Possible public intoxication.”
10-52	Ambulance Needed	To request emergency medical assistance.	“Dispatch, 10-52. Elderly man collapsed near 2nd Avenue. Requesting ambulance immediately, possible cardiac issue.”
10-53	Person Down	When an individual is lying on the ground and requires help.	“Dispatch, 10-53. Female subject found unconscious near the library entrance. Breathing but unresponsive.”
10-54	Possible Body	To report a potential deceased individual.	“Dispatch, 10-54. Possible deceased male located in the alley. No visible movement, requesting coroner.”
10-55	Coroner’s Case	To report a case requiring the coroner.	“Dispatch, 10-55. Confirmed deceased individual in the vehicle at Pine Street. Notify coroner immediately.”
10-56	Suicide	To report a suicide or attempted suicide.	“Dispatch, 10-56. Young male attempting to jump from the bridge. Requesting immediate backup and crisis intervention team.”
10-59	Security Check	To perform a routine security check of an area.	“Dispatch, 10-59 complete at the high school. All clear, no suspicious activity.”
10-61	Bike Theft	When reporting or investigating a bicycle theft.	“Dispatch, 10-61. Bike reported stolen from 8th Street bike rack. Victim waiting for an officer to arrive.”
10-63	Prepare to Copy	To instruct an officer to get ready to take down important information.	“Unit 12, 10-63. Prepare to copy suspect details: male, wearing a black hoodie and jeans, last seen heading north.”
10-66	Suspicious Person	To report an individual behaving suspiciously.	“Dispatch, 10-66. Male subject loitering near the closed gas station, appears to be tampering with the door lock.”
10-67	Person Calling for Help	When a person is audibly calling out for assistance.	“Dispatch, 10-67. Heard a female voice shouting for help in the wooded area near Central Park. Investigating further.”
10-70	Prowler	To report someone lurking or trespassing on property.	“Dispatch, 10-70. Homeowner reports seeing a prowler in their backyard on Elm Street.”
10-71	Shots Fired	To report gunshots heard or witnessed.	“Dispatch, 10-71. Multiple gunshots heard near the intersection of Oak and 3rd. Requesting additional units.”
10-73	How Do You Copy?	To check if the other party received a message clearly.	“Dispatch, Unit 8. 10-73, do you copy? Repeat instructions if unclear.”
10-80	Explosion	To report or confirm an explosion in the area.	“Dispatch, 10-80. Explosion reported at the industrial complex. Smoke visible from 2 miles away.”
10-86	Any Traffic for Me?	To inquire if there are any pending communications or assignments.	“Dispatch, Unit 12. 10-86, do you have any traffic or updates for me?”
10-88	Provide Cover for Units	When one unit needs assistance or backup for security.	“Dispatch, Unit 5 is 10-88. Requesting backup to assist in a high-risk area.”
10-91	Hazard	To report a potential or present hazard.	“Dispatch, 10-91. Traffic hazard at the intersection due to debris on the roadway.”
10-97	Arrived at Scene	To confirm arrival at the specified location.	“Dispatch, Unit 9. 10-97 at the scene of the vehicle collision. Beginning investigation.”
10-98	Completed Assignment	To confirm the completion of a task or assignment.	“Dispatch, Unit 4. 10-98 on the burglary report. Heading back to the station.”

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Challenges of Using Ten Codes in California

Despite their benefits, police ten codes in California face some challenges:

1. Regional Variations: Different agencies may interpret certain codes differently.
2. Plain Language Transition: Some agencies are shifting to plain language to avoid miscommunication during multi-agency operations.
3. Training Requirements: New recruits require thorough training to master the codes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International (APCO) is the world’s largest organization dedicated to advancing public safety communications. Since its establishment in 1935, APCO has played a pivotal role in creating communication standards, including the widely recognized police ten codes or (10-codes signals). These codes are a universal shorthand used to improve efficiency and clarity in law enforcement and emergency services communications.

What Are Association of Public Safety Communication Official International APCO Police Ten Codes?

APCO police ten codes, developed in the 1940s, are a set of numeric signals used to streamline communication across law enforcement and emergency response agencies. These codes reduce miscommunication and ensure brevity, particularly in high-pressure scenarios.

Key Features of APCO Ten Codes:

• Standardized Communication: Simplifies dialogue between officers, dispatchers, and other personnel.
• Global Relevance: While primarily used in the U.S., variations exist worldwide.
• Time Efficiency: Reduces the time needed for detailed instructions.

For example, instead of saying, “I didn’t understand your last transmission,” an officer might say, “10-1” (Unable to Copy).

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A Quick History of APCO

APCO began with the mission to solve communication challenges in public safety. Over the decades, it has expanded its scope to include digital advancements like Next Generation 911 (NG911).
Here are some milestones:

• 1935: Founded in Daytona Beach, Florida.
• 1940s: Introduced the ten codes for better communication.
• 2000s: Transitioned into digital communication and NG911 systems.
• 2024: Membership reached 40,758, showing a 3% growth compared to 2023.

APCO Membership Snapshot (2024):

• Full Members: 4,006
• Associate Members: 1,975
• Online Agency Members: 24,227
• Total Individual Members: 40,758

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How APCO Police Ten Codes Are Used Today

Although police 10 codes were initially designed for law enforcement, they are now used in various fields, including:

• Fire Services
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• Private Security Agencies

While some agencies prefer plain language for clarity, many still use ten codes for their conciseness and universality.

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Comprehensive List of APCO Police Ten Codes

Here’s a list of all used APCO ten codes:

APCO Police Code	Meaning	When to Use	Example in Action
10-0	Use Caution	When approaching a potentially dangerous situation.	Officer 1: “Dispatch, 10-0 at 5th Street. Proceed with caution.”
10-1	Signal Weak	When radio signal is weak.	Officer 2: “Dispatch, 10-1. Signal weak, please repeat.”
10-2	Signal Good	When radio signal is strong and clear.	Officer 3: “Dispatch, 10-2. Signal is good, over.”
10-3	Stop Transmitting	When an officer needs another officer to stop transmitting.	Officer 4: “Dispatch, 10-3. Stop transmitting, I’ll handle this.”
10-4	Affirmative (OK)	To acknowledge receipt of a message or signal of confirmation.	Officer 5: “Dispatch, 10-4, received the message.”
10-5	Relay To/From	To pass on a message or information from one officer to another.	Officer 6: “10-5, dispatch, relay message to Unit 7.”
10-6	Busy	When an officer is occupied and cannot respond immediately.	Officer 7: “Dispatch, 10-6. Currently busy with traffic stop.”
10-7	Out of Service	When an officer is not available for service.	Officer 8: “Dispatch, 10-7. Off-duty and unavailable.”
10-8	In Service	When an officer is available for service.	Officer 9: “Dispatch, 10-8. Available and in service.”
10-9	Say Again	When the officer didn’t hear a message clearly and needs it repeated.	Officer 10: “Dispatch, 10-9. Could you say that again?”
10-10	Negative	Indicates that the answer is no or a response is negative.	Officer 11: “Dispatch, 10-10. No, I do not need backup.”
10-11	___ On Duty (Employee Number)	When officers are reporting for duty	Officer reports: “10-11, Officer 234”
10-12	Stand By (Stop)	When waiting for further instructions or when a situation is paused	Dispatcher tells officer: “10-12, stand by for updates”
10-13	Weather Conditions	Reporting the current weather status	Officer reports: “10-13, it’s snowing heavily in the area”
10-14	Message/Information	When relaying a message or info to another officer	Dispatcher says: “10-14, pass the message to Officer 123”
10-15	Message Delivered	Indicates that a message has been delivered successfully	Officer says: “10-15, message delivered to the unit”
10-16	Reply to Message	When an officer needs to respond to a previous message	Officer replies: “10-16, Roger that, message received”
10-17	Enroute	When an officer is on their way to the specified location	Officer says: “10-17, enroute to the scene”
10-18	Urgent	Indicates that a situation requires immediate attention	Dispatcher orders: “10-18, urgent, proceed immediately”
10-19	(In) Contact	Indicates that contact has been made	Officer reports: “10-19, I am in contact with the suspect”
10-20	Location	Asking for or reporting location	Officer asks: “10-20, what is your location?”
10-21	Call ( ) by Phone	Indicates to call a specific person or location by phone	Dispatcher instructs: “10-21, call the station by phone”
10-22	Disregard	Indicates to disregard the previous instruction or message	Officer reports: “10-22, disregard the last message”
10-23	Arrived at Scene	Indicates that the officer has arrived at the location	Officer says: “10-23, I’ve arrived at the scene”
10-24	Assignment Completed	Indicates that the assigned task is finished	Officer reports: “10-24, assignment completed”
10-25	Report to (Meet)	Indicates that an officer is reporting to meet another	Officer says: “10-25, reporting to meet with Sergeant”
10-26	Estimated Arrival Time (ETA)	Indicates an estimated time of arrival at the location	Officer reports: “10-26, ETA 10 minutes”
10-27	License / Permit Information	Requests or provides information about a license or permit	Officer asks: “10-27, requesting driver’s license info”
10-28	Vehicle Information	Requests or provides vehicle-related information	Officer asks: “10-28, requesting vehicle registration info”
10-29	Records Check	Indicates a check of criminal records or other relevant records	Officer requests: “10-29, performing records check on suspect”
10-30	Danger / Caution	Alerts that a potentially dangerous or hazardous situation is present	Officer reports: “10-30, caution advised, suspect armed”
10-31	Pick Up	Indicates a request to pick up an item or individual	Officer says: “10-31, requesting prisoner pickup”
10-32	___Units Needed (Specify)	Indicates the number of units needed for a situation	Officer reports: “10-32, requesting 3 units for backup”
10-33	Need Immediate Assistance	Indicates a request for urgent help	Officer urgently reports: “10-33, need immediate assistance”
10-34	Current Time	Indicates the current time, often used for logs	Dispatcher asks: “10-34, what is the current time?”
10-40	Fight in Progress	Indicates a fight or violent altercation is happening	Officer reports: “10-40, fight in progress at 5th Street”
10-41	Beginning Tour of Duty	Indicates that an officer is starting their shift	Officer says: “10-41, beginning my tour of duty”
10-42	Ending Tour of Duty	Indicates that an officer is ending their shift	Officer says: I am “10-42, ending my shift”
10-43	In Pursuit	Indicates that an officer is in pursuit of a suspect	Officer reports: “10-43, in pursuit of suspect vehicle”
10-44	Riot	Indicates that a riot or large disturbance is occurring	Officer reports: “10-44, riot in progress at 10th Avenue”
10-45	Bomb Threat	Indicates a bomb threat has been made	Officer reports: “10-45, bomb threat received at City Hall”
10-46	Bank Alarm	Indicates that a bank alarm has been triggered	Officer reports: “10-46, bank alarm triggered at National Bank”
10-47	Complete Assignment Quickly	Indicates an urgent need to finish a task swiftly	Officer reports: “10-47, complete assignment quickly, over.”
10-48	Detaining Suspect, Expedite	Indicates a suspect is detained and assistance is required urgently	Officer reports: “10-48, detaining suspect, expedite backup.”
10-49	Drag Racing	Used to report illegal drag racing activities	Officer reports: “10-49, drag racing at Main St and Oak Ave.”
10-50	Vehicle Accident	Used when there is a vehicle accident	Officer reports: “10-50, vehicle accident with property damage at 5th and Elm.”
10-51	Dispatch Wrecker	Indicates that a wrecker is needed at the scene of an accident	Officer reports: “10-51, dispatch a wrecker to 3rd and Pine.”
10-52	Dispatch Ambulance	Indicates that an ambulance is needed	Officer reports: “10-52, dispatch an ambulance to the accident scene.”
10-53	Road Blocked	Indicates that a road is blocked	Officer reports: “10-53, road blocked at 7th and Main due to accident.”
10-54	Hit and Run Accident	Indicates a hit-and-run incident	Officer reports: “10-54, hit and run accident at the intersection of Oak and 2nd.”
10-55	Intoxicated Driver	Indicates a suspected drunk driver	Officer reports: “10-55, suspect driver is intoxicated, heading west on Highway 4.”
10-56	Intoxicated Pedestrian	Indicates an intoxicated pedestrian	Officer reports: “10-56, intoxicated pedestrian at Main and 3rd.”
10-57	Request BT Operator	Indicates the need for a Breath Test (BT) operator	Officer reports: “10-57, request BT operator at 5th and Oak.”
10-58	Direct Traffic	Used to request directing traffic at a scene	Officer reports: “10-58, direct traffic at the scene of the accident.”
10-59	Escort	Indicates a need for an escort, usually for dignitaries or special events	Officer reports: “10-59, escort VIP from airport to downtown.”
10-60	Suspicious Vehicle	Indicates that a vehicle is acting suspiciously	Officer reports: “10-60, suspicious vehicle at the corner of Elm and 4th.”
10-61	Stopping Suspicious Vehicle	Indicates a stop of a suspicious vehicle	Officer reports: “10-61, stopping suspicious vehicle near Pine and 6th.”
10-62	B and E in Progress (Breaking & Entering)	Indicates a break-in is occurring at a location	Officer reports: “10-62, B and E in progress at 101 Maple St.”
10-63	Prepare to Receive an Assignment	Indicates readiness to receive new assignments	Officer reports: “10-63, preparing to receive assignment.”
10-64	Crime in Progress	Indicates a crime is actively happening	Officer reports: “10-64, crime in progress at 4th and Maple.”
10-65	Armed Robbery	Indicates an armed robbery is in progress	Officer reports: “10-65, armed robbery at the corner of 5th and Oak.”
10-66	Notify Medical Examiner	Indicates the need to notify a medical examiner for an incident	Officer reports: “10-66, notify medical examiner for a deceased person at 7th and Pine.”
10-67	Report of Death	Indicates a report of a death has been received	Officer reports: “10-67, report of death at 123 Oak St.”
10-68	Livestock in Roadway	Indicates livestock on the road that may be causing a hazard	Officer reports: “10-68, livestock in the roadway at 8th and Elm.”
10-69	Advise Telephone Number	Indicates the need to provide a telephone number	Officer reports: “10-69, advise telephone number for follow-up.”
10-70	Improper Parked Vehicle	Indicates a vehicle is improperly parked	Officer reports: “10-70, vehicle improperly parked at 2nd and Pine.”
10-71	Improper Use of Radio	Indicates misuse of radio communications	Officer reports: “10-71, improper use of radio by unit 22.”
10-72	Prisoner in Custody	Indicates a suspect is in custody	Officer reports: “10-72, prisoner in custody at Main St.”
10-73	Mental Subject	Indicates a person with a mental health issue	Officer reports: “10-73, mental subject at 9th and Oak.”
10-74	Prison / Jail Break	Indicates a breakout from prison or jail	Officer reports: “10-74, prison break at Oak Hill Correctional.”
10-75	Wanted or Stolen	Indicates a wanted suspect or stolen item	Officer reports: “10-75, wanted fugitive spotted at 5th and Main.”
10-76	Alarm	Indicates an alarm has been triggered at a location	Officer reports: “10-76, alarm triggered at the jewelry store on Elm.”
10-77	Check the Welfare of a Person	Indicates checking on someone’s well-being	Officer reports: “10-77, checking welfare of elderly person at 12th and Oak.”
10-78	Notify Coroner	Indicates the need to notify the coroner	Officer reports: “10-78, notify coroner for a deceased person at Pine St.”
10-79	Notify the Press	Indicates the need to notify the press about an event	Officer reports: “10-79, notify press about major traffic incident at 6th.”
10-80	Fire Alarm	Indicates a fire alarm has been triggered	Officer reports: “10-80, fire alarm at Main Street building.”
10-81	Nature of Fire	Indicates the type or cause of fire	Officer reports: “10-81, electrical fire at Maple Avenue.”
10-82	Fire in Progress	Indicates a fire currently in progress	Officer reports: “10-82, large fire in progress at Elm and 2nd.”
10-83	Smoke Visible	Indicates visible smoke but no active flames	Officer reports: “10-83, smoke visible near Pine and 5th.”
10-84	No Smoke Visible	Indicates no visible smoke or fire	Officer reports: “10-84, no smoke visible at reported location.”
10-85	Respond without Blue Lights / Siren	Indicates to respond discreetly, without lights or sirens	Officer reports: “10-85, responding without blue lights or sirens to 3rd and Walnut.”

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Global Usage of APCO Police Ten Codes

Did you know that APCO ten codes are not universally standardized? While most U.S. agencies use these codes, their interpretation can vary:

• Canada: Some agencies adapt ten codes with local variations.
• United Kingdom: Uses plain language more frequently but incorporates some numeric codes.
• Australia: Employs radio communication standards, including numeric codes like APCO’s.

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Are APCO Ten Codes Still Relevant?

In recent years, some agencies have moved toward plain language to avoid confusion, especially during multi-agency responses. However, APCO ten codes remain invaluable in:

• Routine Communication: Officers can quickly exchange information without lengthy explanations.
• Sensitive Operations: Codes maintain discretion, particularly during covert operations.

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Events and Training by APCO

To ensure effective communication, APCO offers various training programs:

• Annual Conference & Expo: Over 5,000 attendees annually.
• Online Training Modules: Covering radio communication, NG911, and ten code usage.
• Workshops: Focused on interoperability and emergency response strategies.

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FAQ